VA sees IT as path to better service

Roger Baker, the chief information officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said he believes that computerized records including electronic health records will vastly upgrade services for all veterans. In an interview with Federal Times, Baker said the VA can use data mining to look at people with similar health problems and compare their treatments and outcomes.

He said the VA is hopeful that electronic records will allow speedier review of disability claims, and a reduction in the department's backlog.

Baker also said the electronic records will help the VA to ensure that veterans are being treated fairly by allowing the agency to compare disability ratings given to different veterans with similar disabilities.

For more on the VA and IT:
- see this Federal Times article