VA mulls redo of VetLink kiosks

WHAT: The Veterans Affairs Department is planning improvements to its VetLink kiosk check-in system.

WHY: VetLink is a touch-screen portal veterans use when visiting VA facilities to check in for appointments. Patients swipe their VA cards or enter their information and get a printed ticket with their appointment information. VetLink also allows users to update their information, and more functionality is planned, including the integration of the system with the VA's Connected Health initiative.

In a recent request for information, the VA is seeking potential sources to run the VetLink system and expand it into new areas, and possibly refresh the interface. The VA awarded Vecna Technologies a contract to develop VetLink in 2010 and deploy the system to VA Medical Centers and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. By the end of 2014, about 4,500 freestanding kiosks, 540 desktops and 331 wall-mounted systems will have been deployed.

In the past, Vecna has received sole source contracts to upgrade and maintain its proprietary system. It appears from the RFI that the VA may be going in another direction with regard to the openness of the VetLink platform. Per the contracting documents: "The interoperability of the CH initiative's suite of programs is a high priority for VHA." The RFI indicates a desire for the kiosks to be supported in the cloud, use HTML5 responsive design for mobile presentation, and have an interface consistent with other Connected Health services.

Interested vendors have until Sept. 15 to respond to the RFI.