PODCAST: Transforming the VA Through IT Standardization

In the following DSS podcast interview, we speak with Himanshu S. Singh, MD, who is the Medical Informatics Director at DSS, about how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can transform its mission through the standardization of IT. Prior to joining DSS, Dr. Singh worked in the VA for more than 18 years, with his last 8 years being in a senior leadership role.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is going through a time of great transformation. Much of this change is being driven by new models of healthcare delivery, the transition to value-based care, new mandates for federal agencies to modernize legacy systems, emerging innovations, as well as the new electronic health record modernization (EHRM) program.

In this interview, Himanshu also outlines how the VA can manage this transformation through IT standardization, and shares observations on other related topics as well.

“The VA has a unique healthcare delivery model. Most are in-patient focused – the VA has a more integrated, interoperable model that provides a full spectrum of care – and this represents a huge task,” said Himanshu in the interview.

Here are some time-stamped highlights from the interview:

  • When it comes to IT standardization at the VA, where are things right now with the agency overall and what needs to be improved? (2:00)

  • How standardization of innovation helps with enhancing overall SAIL metrics. (5:20)

  • How the VA can enhance efficiencies, access and suicide prevention. (7:05)

  • How DSS offers a suite of solutions that can help with these challenges – and be standardized across the VA. (10:55)

In addition, Mark Byers, President of DSS, recently discussed why the VA should take a best of breed approach to standardizing IT in this recent Fed News Network Op-Ed.

Trusted by the Department of Veteran Affairs for over 25 years, DSS deploys innovative solutions that improve care quality and delivery for our Veterans. We assist VA in meeting top initiatives, changing regulatory requirements, and implementing enhanced business processes that support clinical, financial, logistical and administrative objectives, for better Veteran outcomes. Click here to learn more our comprehensive suite of solutions for the VA.

Ryan Pfister