The Defense Department has found 20 commercial software vendors capable of modernizing its electronic health record system, Frank Kendall, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters at the Pentagon today.
Yesterday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel backed the use of commercial software in a memo to Kendall. Hagel said he supported competitive procurements for undefined “core” EHR commercial software systems. Kendall said these procurements will provide a modernized Defense health record to replace the department’s existing Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application system, known as AHLTA.
Kendall said the department’s market research identified three out of the 20 commercial vendors who could provide versions of the Veterans Affairs Department’s electronic health record, the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture, known as VistA. While acknowledging VistA could be a candidate for the Defense EHR, Kendall emphasized throughout his briefing the Pentagon wants a modern, “smart” commercial EHR that meets its needs.
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