The Phoenix Veterans Health Care System (PVAHCS) http://telemedicine.arizona.edu now operates the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) in rural parts of Arizona. The MMU’s telehealth equipment makes it possible for patients across the state to connect with clinicians and specialists at the Phoenix VA’s main facility.
The MMU includes a transportable exam station, a portable suitcase on wheels equipped with a laptop, audio/video capability, a high definition total exam camera, an ear-nose and throat camera, an e-stethoscope, plus other tools. In addition the MMU is equipped with multiple handheld telehealth tablets, which makes it possible for patients to have telemental visits with a VA clinician in Phoenix.
Three other Veteran telehealth initiatives are now available at the VA to expand access to healthcare for veterans across the country First, VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin www.va.gov will be issuing a regulation that will authorize VA providers using telehealth technologies to serve veterans no matter where the provider or veteran is located.
This will enable the VA to hire providers in major metropolitan areas and connect them to better serve veterans in rural communities lacking sufficient medical services
The VA is now providing what is called “VA Video Connect which provides secure and web-enabled video services so veterans are able to connect with their VA provider by video or on their own mobile phones of computers.
VA Video Connect https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect is currently used by more than 300 VA providers at 67 hospitals and their associated clinics. There are plans to roll out the system to VA providers and veterans across the country over the next year.
The third initiative will make it easier to schedule or change appointments with the VA. The “Veteran Appointment Request app” https://mobile.va.gov/app/vetern-appointment-request (VAR) makes it possible for veterans to use their smartphone, tablet, or computer to schedule or to modify appointments at VA facilities.
An Tele-Intensive Care Unit Sharing Agreement announced in June, enabled the VA Midwest Health Care Network www.visn23.va.gov and the Air Force Medical Operations Agency www.airforcementicine.af.mil/AFMOA to sign a Tele-ICU agreement.
This agreement allows Air Force patients at five military treatment facilities in Las Vegas, Hampton Virginia, Biloxi Mississippi, Dayton, Ohio, and Anchorage Alaska to use VA’s Tele-ICU capabilities through their Midwest Health Care Network www.visn23.va.gov located in Minneapolis.
Tele-intensivists and critical care nurses use telecommunications to view the patient through live audio and video feed, monitor patients electronically, review charts, and conduct consultations. The doctors are able to prescribe medications, order tests or procedures, make diagnoses, and discuss health care with patients and family members.