Telehealth • VA • Veterans Affairs • 2 min read • Mar 26, 2014 12:00:00 AM • Written by: Brad Ranks
The positive impact of telemedicine on veterans has been steadily growing over the past decade. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 600,000 veterans used telemedicine programs in 2013, and the use of these services continues to grow about 22% each year.
There are currently two avenues that VA uses to deliver telemedicine to veterans:
1 — Internet-based:
Patients enter their vital information and chief complaints into an online tool that can be accessed via smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer in an effort to help caregivers monitor chronic conditions. The following programs can be used:
- Clinical Video– replicates face-to-face interactions with videoconferencing
- Home Monitoring– allows providers to observe patients with chronic conditions
- Teleradiology– promotes the sharing of imaging information among providers in an effort to create diagnoses and treatment plans
2 — Hospital-based:
Large hospitals connect with smaller facilities to provide remote support for intensive care.
Expanding Access
Telehealth presents a large advantage for VA, both clinically and financially. With about 150 hospitals and 1,100 caregiving facilities in their network, VA faces a problem of having to cover a significant amount of territory to reach veterans. So, in 2003, VA began implementing telemedicine programs that reduce travel costs and increase access to care in the veteran community.
Legal Issues
Regulatory requirements are one of telemedicine’s biggest impediments. The fact that licensing processes differ from state to state presents an obstacle for VA to face when attempting to deliver treatment to veterans across the country. However, there are a few bipartisan bills in process that could alleviate these concerns if passed: the Telehealth Modernization Act, which aims to create a single, national standard for telemedicine programs, and the Telehealth Enhancement Act, which would increase reimbursement for telemedicine services under Medicare and Medicaid.
It is clear that telemedicine services have been instrumental in easing the transition from active service to civilian life. Hopefully, VA will continue to expand its offering of telemedicine services and provide an example so other organizations can begin to implement telemedicine as well.
