John, a Gulf War veteran with cancer, logs into his secure Web-based My HealtheVet from home and receives updated laboratory results and information about a new treatment. After reviewing the information John uses the My HealtheVet Web interface to access benefits and eligibility information and to schedule an appointment at a community-based outpatient clinic close to his home.
Although he does not need them today, John also has access to electronic prescription refills, cancer-specific health information and resources, and record forwarding eServices for second opinions. He can review and upload clinical information through a home monitoring unit and can authorize access to My HealtheVet services for family members.
At a scheduled appointment with his physician, John shares treatment information with his doctor and an oncologist from a renowned specialty cancer center who participates in the discussion via videoconference. Based on a mutual decision to pursue further treatment, John undergoes several tests to decide if he is an appropriate candidate.
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Story adapted from a HealtheVet use case scenario, written by Douglas Goldstein and reprinted permission from the VA and from the Markle Foundation.
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Bria, W., Finn, N. (2009). eHealth and Patient Safety. In: Digital Communication in Medical Practice. Health Informatics. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-355-6_2
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