Virginia Department of Health

“Meaningful Use” Registration System for Health Care Providers

The VDH Meaningful Use Registration System for health care providers is now available. Health care providers intending to send electronic health records to VDH are required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to register and demonstrate “Meaningful Use” of their electronic health records in order to obtain CMS reimbursement. While registration is required only for Stage 2, we also encourage those involved in Stage 1 to register with VDH using this site

Click here for information and to register

Introducing Health Bites

Health Bites is an interactive online nutrition education tool designed to help you and your family enjoy healthier lives. The interactive website provides fun, informative videos on nutrition and ideas on simple and healthy recipes. If you are a WIC participant, the site will allow you to complete modules, to receive nutrition education credit for WIC. Visit www.HealthBitesVA.org to have a world of nutrition and health information at your fingertips!

National Influenza Vaccination Week is
Dec. 8-14!

December 8-14 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. An annual flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent this serious illness. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can still provide protection against the flu. Flu activity doesn't usually peak until January or February in the United States, and the season can last as late as May, so it is important to vaccinate now if you haven't already.

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Are you ready for winter weather?

Winter Preparedness Week,
December 1–7, 2013

To encourage everyone to get ready for cold weather, Winter Preparedness Week runs December 1-7, 2013. Take this time to prepare before a winter emergency hits to reduce the risk of weather-related health problems and injuries.

• Learn more about preparing yourself and loved ones for winter weather here.
• Get ready with this “royals” video starring Tanya Ferraro, MRC Coordinator Roanoke/Alleghany, Blue Ridge, & New River Valley Units and Keith Dowler, RHCC Manager Near Southwest Preparedness Alliance.

Holiday Food Safety

Each year, the Center for Disease Control estimates that one out of six Americans gets sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. In Virginia, the most frequently reported gastrointestinal diseases include bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis, and giardiasis, a parasitic disease. In addition, norovirus is one of the most frequently reported causes of gastrointestinal outbreaks. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, which can start anywhere from hours to days after contaminated food or drinks are consumed.

• Learn more about the most effective ways to help keep your family safe from foodborne illnesses.

Virginia Health Information
'Virginia Health Information' is a resource for patients and consumers looking to learn about and compare options on everything from obstetrical services, to heart care, to pricing information on commonly performed medical procedures. Virginians can use VHI information to make informed health care purchasing decisions and as the basis for an informed conversation with their health care providers. Learn more>>