There's one hypothetical situation, officials told lawmakers, that could keep the VA from going live with the EHR in late March.

The VA estimates it will be 2025 before the modernized scheduling tool is deployed across the nation.

The VA's VistA Scheduling Enhancement is almost here — nearly four years late, well over budget and just in time to be replaced, according to the department's IG.

The current model "is not living up to Congress’ vision for a single point of accountability," the Indiana Republican says.

Cerner wants VA to go faster, but "we're holding them back," said the EHR project's lead.

A top Cerner official said "we’re well-positioned to soon kick off the next phase of deployment across military medical facilities in California and Idaho."