VA’s telehealth program uses technology to improve how VA delivers your care. Just ask Air Force Veteran Bill Nelson. The survivor of three heart attacks, he’s a big fan of the program.
A nurse provides medical information online.
VA uses telehealth to help prevent Veteran suicides at the VA in Kansas. And here’s the story of a Veteran and his wife who were saved a trip from New Jersey to Wisconsin for care.
Nationwide access
Telehealth delivers Veteran- and family-centered health care by connecting you with your VA care team, no matter the distance. The program offers:
- Real-time, interactive video visits.
- In-home and mobile health remote monitoring.
- Technologies that transmit health data or images to VA providers.
VA technologies allow providers to collect health data. This data can guide treatment decisions and improve your care. It will only be collected with your consent.
For instance, imagine how your hypertension treatment could change if your at-home blood pressure monitor sent information to your provider on a regular basis. These technologies help your VA provider get a clearer picture of your health.
Telehealth on your terms
Any Veteran who qualifies to receive VA health care and lives in the United States or a U.S. territory is eligible to connect with their VA providers through this program. Contact your VA care team to develop a care plan that works best for you.
Using a remote device to scan an ankle is an example of an available service.
Whether you visit a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) or a larger medical center, your facility telehealth coordinator ensures you and your VA care teams have the tools and information you need to use the services.
Here are telehealth questions to discuss with your provider:
- What is telehealth?
- What types of services are available to me based on my condition and location?
- How do I start the process?
- What technology do I need to get started?
- How secure is my health information?
- How do I schedule a telehealth visit?
VA continues to develop and test new programs every day. Ask your provider to keep you updated about new services and VA-provided devices.
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I want to express my gratitude to this writer who writes very well and cover all the information on the topic. I have never read this information before. This is really an amazing topic which means a lot.
I have had partial success with Telehealth. I have a monthly appointment with my psychiatrist and that’s working. But, she can only give me the standard 15 minutes for discussion of medication. My primary doctor and I only connected once in 10 months. The rest of the time either she couldn’t get through, I couldn’t get through or some other problems prevented us from completing the appointment. I want to talk to a counselor desperately but, they said I have to go down to the Loma Linda VA in person for my initial visit. I’m 100% sc for PTSD and have been going through a rough patch for 2 years. I rarely leave my house for any reason. Combined with my physical problems (can’t get in the sun, can’t take any heat), my life has gotten difficult. I’m in a horrible place mentally and I wish the VA cared more about it. A few years ago I worked for the VA, was healthy and happy. I’m actually afraid to go to the clinics in Redlands and Loma Linda.
Hey guys! Telehealth does help me. I send my blood pressure, weight and oxygen level from my home directly to my VA nurse coordinator in Cheyenne, WY. I have COPD and sleep apnea, so I appreciate the daily monitoring. If my BP is high; I get a call from my nurse within hours. The VA wants 5 reports per week. I think I average 3 reports per week.
So I encourage fellow veterans to check out Telehealth!
Our VA has it but refuses to use it for my PTSD counseling. Used it with her once it was awesome. They don’t seem to care what the veteran thinks or needs. They use it as a control thing to keep the psychologist in line. Sick
My own experience with telehealth was less than successful. Four “caregivers” within six months, their suggestions often conflicted with advice from my VA clinic physician, followed by two weeks of equipment malfunction and failed contact attempts led me to abandon the program. Hopefully, others will have had better experience.
What the VBA says and does are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. It is NOT in the interest of the Veteran, but the government that matters. It is a shame that our lives are so meaningless after we are injured and the VBA denies what the Army itself documented. There is nothing left to say.
It seems that nothing the VA does works. It is still a mess. Why can’t anyone fix it? I am a 100% service connected IRAQ Veteran and I still suffer in pain everyday because of the treatment I receive at the VA.
so how do you sign in to that? is it on myhealthvet?
kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ALL VETS NEED THESE EXCELLENT INFORMATION PROGRAMS. THE OLDER WE GET THE MORE INFORMATION WE NEED AS THINGS ARE CHANGING ON A DAILY OR SECOND BASIS. I AM DOING GREAT FOR A 84.7 RETIRED NCO. ACHES AND PAINS BUT THAT COMES ALONG WITH AGE.. I EXERCISE AND STRETCH ABOUT 2 HOURS EACH DAY HELPS MY BODY AS WELL AS MY MIND.
Sounds very helpful,
Telehealth sucks. Half the time the doctor is not paying attention. This is just a lame attempt to save money and the VA knows it. Prove me wrong!
Oh yea of little faith. I have been using it for almost one year now and have found it to be very quick and easy to use.My Primary Doctor and her nurse keep me posted,,answer my questions and informed. I would recommend that you give it another chance.. So what is wrong in saving the taxpayers a little money?