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’s third annual Telehealth Awareness Week (Sept. 17-23), 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.
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.
Bridging the Digital Divide
VA is working to make sure all Veterans can access telehealth services.
If you are a Veteran who does not have access to stable internet service or an internet-connected device, VA can help. Through the Digital Divide Consult program, a VA social worker can assist you in determining if you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth. Talk to your VA care team about whether a Digital Divide Consult is right for you.
VA also brings care into Veterans’ communities through the ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) program. ATLAS sites are comfortable, private spaces for you to have video visits with your VA providers. To learn more about the ATLAS program and find sites nationwide, visit the ATLAS webpage.
Talk with your VA care team about telehealth
VA is committed to providing quality care that is right for you.
“Telehealth provides Veterans with flexibility in how and when they receive their care,” said Galpin. “VA wants Veterans to manage their care in a way that fits their lifestyle.”
To learn about your telehealth options, talk to your VA provider or visit the VA Telehealth Services website.
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I am a 70% service-connected Vietnam-era Navy veteran. I have registered with the VA Hospital system and have a 1990’s VA hospital card with service connected printed on the front from the Atlanta VA hospital. I now live in Japan after retiring from a DoD teaching position here. I recently contacted a VA hospital patient advocate asking if I could speak with a telehealth physician about a service-connected condition that had worsened and causing pain. I have difficulty finding a nearby English speaking doctor in Japan, the closest is hours away.
This was the response, “Unfortunately, in order to receive care, even if it is just via telephone or telehealth, from the VA PIHCS, you must be registered in one of our service areas.” I was then told, “The VA’s health care program for Veterans living in foreign countries is called the VA Foreign Medical Program, more information via this link: Foreign Medical Program (FMP) – Community Care (va.gov) . ”
Is the telehealth service available to veterans living overseas?
The article states:
“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.”
This option looks viable for me because it is hard to get a reasonable appointment date and the distance to Hampton.
I have tried your methods and when I tried,I never got anything to help me.I was trying to get an iphone and they said that it was for special people.