VA news for Veterans checking in at VA medical facilities using the Federal EHR: they can now scan their Veteran Health Identification Card instead of giving the last four digits of their Social Security number. The change is in effect across sites using the Federal EHR, and the check-in screen now pulls up the Veteran’s information after the card scan.
Tracey Julius, a Red Coat Ambassador at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, said Veterans have responded positively to the new check-in process. She said, "Veterans are relieved to be able to scan their identification card, and once the card is scanned, the Veteran’s information appears on the screen."
Federal EHR check-in
Before the Federal EHR, Veterans had to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number for various services at VA facilities. With the Federal EHR, the scan replaces that routine step at VA Medical Centers using the system, so intake begins with the Veteran Health Identification Card instead of an SSN check.
VA says the change reduces the risk of initially retrieving the wrong patient record and strengthens Veteran privacy by reducing routine use of SSN digits. The update also aligns with VA’s long-standing SSN reduction efforts guided by Office of Management and Budget Memorandum 07-16.
VHIC and other options
Veterans who do not want to use their VHIC can still check in by providing their last name and date of birth. That gives them a second path through the desk without the card scan, which matters for readers who have not yet adopted the new routine or do not carry the card at the window.
Some Veterans may still receive a wristband after scanning their card, depending on the type of care they are scheduled to receive. For those using the new process, the scan can be a first step rather than the last one.
Ask VA help line
Can Veterans get help with the new process? VA directs them to Ask VA or 1-800-698-2411. The practical next step for a Veteran is simple: bring the VHIC to check in when using the Federal EHR, or use the last name and date of birth option if they prefer not to scan the card.
