About electronic health information sharing at VA
We securely share your electronic health information with participating non-VA health care providers and federal partners when they’re treating you. If you want us to share your electronic health information, you don’t have to do anything. We automatically include you in electronic sharing. Read this page to learn how to manage your sharing options.
How electronic sharing helps providers coordinate your care
When we can share your electronic health information, your health care providers have a more complete understanding of your health. This can help avoid issues with your care, such as delays and extra tests that you may not need. And you won’t need to send paper records by mail or carry your records to appointments with participating non-VA providers.
How to manage your electronic sharing options
We share your electronic health information only with participating non-VA providers when they’re treating you. If you want us to share your electronic health information, you don’t have to do anything. We automatically include you in electronic sharing. If you don’t want us to share your electronic health information, you can opt out at any time.
Choosing to opt out won’t affect your access to care from providers. But if you opt out, your participating non-VA providers may not get your records before treating you.
How to opt out of electronic sharing—or opt back in
Online
Sign in to My HealtheVet on VA.gov. Go to the Medical records section. Select Go to manage your electronic share settings. Then select Opt out or Opt back in to change your options.
In person, by mail, or by fax
To opt out, you’ll need to fill out an Opt-Out of Sharing Protected Health Information Through Health Information Exchanges (VA Form 10-10164).
Get VA Form 10-10164 to download
To opt back in, you’ll need to fill out a Request for and Permission to Participate in Sharing Protected Health Information Through Health Information Exchanges (VA Form 10-10163).
Get VA Form 10-10163 to download
Submit your completed form to your VA health facility’s medical records Release of Information office.
Follow these steps to find contact information for your Release of Information office:
- Find your VA health facility
- On your health facility’s website, scroll to the “Other services” box.
- Select Access your health records. This will bring you to a page with contact information for the medical records Release of Information office.
How to check if you’ve opted out of electronic sharing
Sign in to My HealtheVet on VA.gov. Go to the Medical records section. Select Go to manage your electronic share settings. There, you can review your current sharing option.
Or contact your VA health facility’s medical records Release of Information office.
If you’ve recently submitted your form to opt out, or to opt back in, your request may be in process.
What to do if you have more questions
Call us at 877-771-8537 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET.