VETERANS PRESS: Telehealth expands access to quality care for veterans

Did you know around 1-in-3 veterans who receive VA care access part of that care through telehealth? In recognition of the American Telemedicine Association, the VA is celebrating how telehealth has increased access to care for veterans.

Telehealth has played a pivotal role in overcoming barriers that veterans face when seeking medical care. Through telehealth technologies and programs, VA works to connect veterans and VA providers regardless of distance. Dr. Kevin Galpin, executive director of VA Telehealth Services, highlights VA’s commitment to providing veterans with timely and comprehensive care. 

“VA is committed to connecting veterans to world-class health care and benefits. VA Telehealth Services is honored to help fulfill this commitment to the nation’s veterans,” Galpin said. 

Veterans can use VA telehealth to complement their in-person VA care services. This includes over 50 clinical specialties, such as mental health care, cancer care and diabetes management. Here are some ways that you can access VA care through telehealth. 

Telehealth from your home or on the go

Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can attend a video telehealth visit with your VA provider. You can use VA Video Connect — VA’s secure videoconferencing app — to receive care without stepping into a VA facility. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. 

Video visits have increased by more than 3,000% since before the pandemic. They have been crucial in expanding access to VA care for veterans. Learn more about VA Video Connect by visiting the VA App Store at https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.

Telehealth also enables you to better manage chronic conditions at home or on the go through VA’s Remote Patient Monitoring — Home Telehealth program. The RPM — HT program improves access to care for veterans while reducing hospitalizations. Using telehealth technologies, you can collect and share your health data, such as vital signs and symptoms, with your RPM — HT care coordinator. The RPM — HT care team gets the information they need to better manage your care and advises you to seek urgent care if health conditions become abnormal. 

VA’s RPM — HT program serves more than 130,000 veterans each year. Talk to your VA care team if you would like to enroll in RPM — HT to better manage your health. 

Telehealth in the clinic

Clinic-to-clinic video telehealth enables veterans to connect with VA specialists at VA medical centers nationwide. Rather than traveling long distances to meet in person with VA specialists, you can go to your nearest clinic and videoconference with them. 

Asynchronous Telehealth has also increased access to care for veterans. This program uses technology to securely collect your health information, such as data, images, sounds and videos. The information is later reviewed by a provider at another location. Asynchronous Telehealth has expanded to over 25 clinical specialty areas, including eye care, dermatology, sleep and more. 

For more information, go to https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.

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Treva Lutes is the communications director for the VA Office of Connected Care.