Celebrate National Internet Day with VA’s Connected Care offerings

Today is National Internet Day, marking the anniversary of the first internet message sent in 1969. Over the years, how we use the internet has changed dramatically. Today, you can manage your VA health care using the internet, with My HealtheVet, telehealth, and mobile apps.

“VA’s telehealth and digital offerings have been a top priority for many years,” says Dr. Neil Evans, chief officer for VA’s Office of Connected Care. “We want to enhance VA’s service to Veterans by increasing access to virtual care options, and the internet makes all of that possible.”

Here are a few ways that you can use the internet to manage your VA health care:

My HealtheVet Secure Messaging

My HealtheVet’s Secure Messaging feature allows you to securely contact your VA care team to send updates on your health conditions, manage your appointments and ask non-urgent health-related questions. Secure Messaging lets you connect with your care team directly when it’s convenient for you.

Learn more about My HealtheVet or register for an account by visiting the My HealtheVet website.

VA Video Connect

With VA Video Connect, Veterans can meet with VA providers through secure videoconferencing using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection.

Take advantage of VA internet digital health offerings

Connecting face-to-face over video—even when miles apart—allows you to make managing your health a priority even when you’re busy. And it helps your providers connect with you and to determine when you need more support.

You can also invite family members or caregivers to join your VA video appointments, even if they live in a different location.

“We are working to transform Veteran care through telehealth,” says Dr. Kevin Galpin, executive director of Telehealth Services for VA’s Office of Connected Care. “Expanding access to virtual health care options is important so Veterans have access to care where they need it, when they need it.”

VA Health Chat

VA Health Chat provides you with easy, online access to chat with VA staff. You can chat with VA staff to address non-life-threatening health issues, to schedule an appointment or to address questions about your prescriptions and more.

If you have a health condition that makes traveling to your VA facility difficult or live in an area without convenient access to a VA facility, VA Health Chat can make managing your health care easier.

You can see if VA Health Chat is available at your local VA facility by visiting the VA Health Chat webpage on the VA Mobile App Store.

Annie App for Veterans

The Annie App for Veterans is a VA messaging service that empowers Veterans to take an active role in their care. By visiting Annie online, you can sign up to receive reminders to take your medication, tips for reducing stress, instructions to prepare for your health care appointments and more.

Visit the Annie App for Veterans webpage on the VA Mobile App Store to learn more and register to use the app.

Celebrate National Internet Day

Celebrate National Internet Day by taking advantage of the internet-based digital health offerings that VA provides. To learn more about VA’s digital health offerings, visit the VA Connected Care website.