I think I just found the answer buried in a FAQ at the website:

I heard My HealtheVet would let me see my personal health record online. Is that right?
My HealtheVet continues to grow in what it can offer you, the veteran. Future releases include electronic services such as the ability to view your scheduled VAMC appointments and any outstanding copay balances you may have...and yes, future releases will also permit you to request and receive your personal health record information online.

Wonder how many years that will take. Oh well, sorry to take anyone's time.

While I think that this is a terrific idea (medical records online), it frightens me because if it can be accessed by me and/or a doctor it can be hacked into also.


Is there a specific website, wandering, that I an go to and have my questions answered and maybe my fears allayed??

I understand your concerns. I have been in the computer profession since 1985 and "hacking" is certainly a problem. I can only give you my "take" on it.

With regard to myhealthevet medical records, the VA has been "off paper" for several years and your records are entered by the VA to their computer system's database. That database is located somewhere in the US and any VA facility can access that information through the VA computer system. That system is "closed" and access to it is protected by passwords, firewalls, encryption, etc.

So, .. it is already "out there" somewhere and given a hacker could "break through" the defense, can be accessed illigitimately.

The presumption is, they have effective defense against that. Defenses at that level prove to be effective, .. as banks, the US government, US Military, big corporations, etc etc use these defenses and it is presumed to be effective.

"Hacking" such systems takes some high-tech hacking schemes and the defense improves daily. Computer system security is BIG business and for me to access your banking account online would make me quite a hero in the hacker culture. It is not easy to do and gets harder all the time. Though anything is possible, it is presumed that data is "reasonably" safe.

Now, they let me "at it" from my home PC. If a hacker cannot get "at it" directly to their system, he can "get at it" by "watching" my pc. I can install a "defense" against that through an effective firewall product (many to choose from, several are free). Sure, even firewalls can be "broken through" but keeping them up do date minimizes the risk and today, the evolution of same makes them as effective as necessary or possible. With an up-to-date firewall product on the PC, the risk is reasonably small.

Of course the original premis is "I want my medical records kept private." Actually, they have never been 100% private. Before computer systems, they were in a vault on paper but spent some time on a cart left sitting in a hallway or whatever. You get my drift.

I can safely say that records being ONLINE is PROBABLY no LESS "safe" than they have ever been. I would say actually, they are MORE safe being stored on computer hardware rather than printed on paper as it would take a hacker with some talent to "get at 'em" while on paper, anyone can derive the info who can read or use a copy machine.

The world is now primarily digital. Info is easier and cheaper to store, retrieve, and overall manage when digitally stored and though there is a "rather small" risk, security is overall satisfactorily available.

I do not think there is any greater risk to personal data than there ever has been, .. by now, probably less.

Basically, I am saying its existance alone substantiates its practicality. Digital info is what we do, so the risk factor must be reasonable or we would not do it.

I know in my head that you are right wandering--I have issues with the Military and it's entourage that are outside this issue. Maybe what I need to do is take the first step and see how it goes,eh??? lol

First step ... to what exactly? Not sure what confronts you.

I was only trying to say that data security is effectively in place and with relatively few exceptions, it is "safe".

Wandering, The only step thats been taken on evet is you can see your prescriptions by name now instead of just number. I"m beginning to think they are having second thoughts about it now.

First step to registering for myhealthvet.


I don't need to if all I can see is my scripts-----I know what they are.

I have been on myhealthevet for about a year. Doesn't offer much, .. I see and refill my prescriptions from there.

Knew I had to watch that stupid video clip and present in person a form for health records which I did Oct 30. Thought health records would show up soon after that. Find out from the FAQ, it is a "future feature". Who knows when it will actually happen.

It takes me longer to just get on the site than it would to just call the 800 number to refill my script's! I can't remember username or password because they make you have numbers, letters and a symbol in your passwords/username! It's not looking real promising so far!

I always get copies of all test's done so not sure what good the site is going to do for me!

I hope EVet is more user friendly that Tricare online is. They also use such involved passwords that require 8 spaces that include at least 1 lower case, 1 higher case, 1 number and 1 symbol. And we have to change them every 90 days!!!
I really do appreciate the chance to view my medical charges because I audit and I will report any medical provider that double charges. That is if I can access my info on any given day when it recognizes my current user and pass.
I have no complaint about the info being on computer rather that hard copy records but The Feds. somtimes can't really make an efficient working system.

I too am waiting to be able to access my prescription names. I am on so many different meds it it difficult without being able to see the name. I did all the in person and viewed the video and all that several weeks ago. Still waiting.

I guess it's still hurry up and wait with the military...LOL

LOL brent---I am sure you're right.

Actually, for me, myhealthevet has been showing prescription history and allowing refills online for a LONG time. THAT feature worked and works for me long before I "watched the video" and requested services "in person".

There are two things that are not working yet, health records, and appointment history.

Take a close look Brent, you may find your prescriptions services are working for you. If not, it is probably a difference between your VA location and mine, .. I am in Central Texas.

I just had a appoinment today at my local clinic. I asked about my being able to see my script names. They let me talk to a lady there that accually does the verifications. She apologized and said she did not get the information. Then while I was standing there she clicked the computer a couple of times and said it's done. It will be working in a day or two. I assume she ment as soon as they back up next time and reboot the system it will take effect.

I think if you are not able to see your med's name then you need to check with you local clinic and they should be able to take care of it. I understand that the meds name is all they have set up so far. However for as many as I take this will be a big help for me.

I go to the website, and log in. Sortof in the upper right corner is a small square to log OUT. Just to the left of that is a list of things I can do, and Prescription Refill is one of them. I click on that and there are two links, .. Refill My Prescriptions and Prescription History. Click on the first and there they are. Status, Fill Date, Refills Remaining, Prescription number and name, What facility prescribed them, and a check box to refill any that are active.