Creating Windows Applications Using the Blue Button Service for U.S. Veterans

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Available in October 2010, Blue Button is a federal program that allows Veterans to download their personal health information from their My HealtheVet account. According to the web site of the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA developed the Blue Button in collaboration with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Defense, along with the Markle Foundation's Consumer Engagement Workgroup. As of August 2012, more than one millionth patients have used the Blue Button to down data from a Personal Health Record. In addition to users of My HealtheVet and TRICARE Online from the government, private sector partners like UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Kaiser Permanente are adopting it as well.

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Data elements available for download include:

  • Demographic Information
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Health Care Providers
  • Health Insurance
  • Treatment Facilities
  • Medical Conditions and Personal Medical History
  • Medications, Herbals, and Supplements
  • Allergies and Adverse Reactions
  • Lab and Test Results
  • Immunizations
  • Vitals and Readings
  • Family Health History (Self and Relatives)
  • Military Health History
  • Health Data (blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, etc.)
  • Other health-related information the Veteran feels a doctor or hospital might need to know

Developers can create Windows applications by getting a free license for the Blue Button service. To find more info on how to get involved, click here.