VistA-as-a-Service

Blue step ladder reaching up to a purple cloud against a gradient pink and purple background

A Smarter Way to Support the Transition to Oracle Health Federal EHR

As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) modernizes its electronic health record (EHR) systems, DSS is ready to support the transition through VistA-as-a-Service (VaaS), a managed, cloud-based service that maintains and modernizes the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) legacy VistA systems during and after the shift to Oracle Health.

What is VaaS?

VaaS is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution designed to:

Host, operate, and maintain all active VistA instances in a cloud infrastructure.
Integrate and manage both VA-owned and third-party legacy applications.
Support interoperability between VistA and Oracle Health’s Millennium system.

With all 130+ VistA instances now consolidated into VA’s Enterprise Cloud (as of July 2024), VaaS is the next step in reducing cost, complexity, and disruption across the enterprise.

Why VaaS, Why Now?

The VA has declared its intention to exit the software development business – an effort VaaS directly supports. Transitioning to VaaS aligns with federal policy, procurement reform, and modernization goals.

1. Technology Modernization

Rapid release cycles – delivered in days, not months.
Modern DevSecOps and CI/CD practices.
Improved interoperability with Oracle Health Millennium.
Scalable, cloud-native architecture.

2. Cost Optimization

Reduced maintenance costs.
Predictable, subscription-based budgeting.
Avoids expensive rewrites of still-needed VistA modules.

3. Workforce Realignment

Reduces the need for 900+ VA FTEs currently maintaining legacy systems.
Reallocates staff for modernization and Veteran-facing functions.
Establishes a single point of accountability for software maintenance.

4. Regulatory Alignment

Supports federal mandates to divest non-inherently governmental functions.
Aligns with DoD’s successful MHS GENESIS model.
Enables agile procurement through existing commercial pathways.

What DSS Brings to the Mission

What's Included in VaaS

Looking Ahead: A Formal Path to VaaS by FY26

Used at every VA Medical Center: Nine (9) DSS applications per site.
Owns nearly half of VistA APIs and supports 800+ HL7 protocols.
Deep integration with VA systems like FMS, IAM, and Central Fee.
SOC-2, HIPAA, CMMI Level 3, ISO-9001-2015 certified, and FedRAMP High approved.

With decades of experience and trusted relationships across VA offices, DSS is uniquely positioned to lead this transition, efficiently and without disruption.

Maintained Components

Core VistA packages (e.g., Order Entry/Results Reporting, Prosthetics).
Delphi and web-based user interface applications (e.g., CPRS, BCMA, Vitals).
Integrated test environments for interoperability validation.
Modernized release and documentation infrastructure.

Managed Components

Integration of third-party applications (site-level and national).
Ongoing collaboration with original developers for continuity of maintenance.

To accelerate transition and maximize ROI, DSS recommends that VA:

Develop a phased plan for transitioning VistA maintenance to a managed service model.
Host a Reverse Industry Day to gather input from qualified vendors.
Shift to a subscription-based approach tied to outcomes, not overhead.

Used at every VA Medical Center: Nine (9) DSS applications per site.
Owns nearly half of VistA APIs and supports 800+ HL7 protocols.
Deep integration with VA systems like FMS, IAM, and Central Fee.
SOC-2, HIPAA, CMMI Level 3, ISO-9001-2015 certified, and FedRAMP High approved.

With decades of experience and trusted relationships across VA offices, DSS is uniquely positioned to lead this transition, efficiently and without disruption.

Maintained Components

Core VistA packages (e.g., Order Entry/Results Reporting, Prosthetics).
Delphi and web-based user interface applications (e.g., CPRS, BCMA, Vitals).
Integrated test environments for interoperability validation.
Modernized release and documentation infrastructure.

Managed Components

Integration of third-party applications (site-level and national).
Ongoing collaboration with original developers for continuity of maintenance.

To accelerate transition and maximize ROI, DSS recommends that VA:

Develop a phased plan for transitioning VistA maintenance to a managed service model.
Host a Reverse Industry Day to gather input from qualified vendors.
Shift to a subscription-based approach tied to outcomes, not overhead.