They’re trying…
The VA is once again trying to expand telehealth.
Veterans Affairs leaders plan to eliminate all co-pays for telehealth services and award grants for telehealth clinics in rural areas, part of ongoing efforts to expand virtual care options within the medical care system.
In an announcement Monday, department officials said the moves could help “lower costs and expand access to care for all those who served.” Both proposals will have to go through a months-long rulemaking process before either could be put into effect.
Full article, HERE from Navy Times.
This was talked about in 2021, but nothing went forward. If you’re a disabled Vet, this can be a real boon, saving lots of transit time, especially for those who can’t get around well.
Frankly, this is long overdue, and I have used it a couple of times. No, it’s not perfect, but it beats sitting home suffering without help.
Sadly, as usual, there is no timeline attached to it, but if it’s offered and your only option, PLEASE make use of it!
I used to have to see the doc every 30 days. We did 2 by video and the third face-to-face. It worked very well. Saved time, driving (wear, gas, tolls) and the video accomplished the same thing as face-to-face. Yes, I know those driving expenses are claimable, but the process really sucks and it just isn’t worth it to me.
Having said that, I’m not sure every doc could be as effective via video and there are certainly situations where face-to-face or hands-on is more appropriate.
I think this is a good idea, and there are times when they do this already for my husband. However, I’d like them to do away with the video visits in the clinic – my husband’s primary care provider has *never* seen him in person, it’s always been a video with the nurse there. That can’t be best practice for the patient over the course of years.
Video… *in clinic*?!? Whiskey Tango Photon-Torpedo. Unless it’s some ragingly nasty hyper-communicable thing as a possibility… why NOT do right, proper “hands on” meeting, etc.?!
Cedar:
Um, “never” over what time period?
Quoting from a recent VA letter:
“A reminder, patients are required to have a face-to-face visit at least once every 24 months to remain enrolled in Primary Care. Your provider will work with you to determine how often you should be seen based on your health care needs.”
Aside: I see my PCP once per year. It’s always the same “You’re overweight, diabetic, need to exercise, and drink too much.” It’s like she isn’t even trying. 🙂
VA gave me a ipad during covid , then asked for it back because I didn’t use it often enough . Not my fault I didn’t have a boatload of appts or ailments . It was handy as I live rural out in the sticks, could’ve fought it and kept the thing , but dealing with the VA at times is exhausting . Everybody’s experiences with the VA are different , my experience has been that 50% of workers don’t give a flock , if you get a chance , look at your myhealthevet account under “doctor’s notes” , you may be shocked between what you say and what gets transcribed into your health records. I was halfway into an annual checkup before the nurse and I figured out she had the wrong patient’s record (she never asked for my last 4). I have stories that would curl your toes . I had a doctor from Afghanistan that was great and professional , his nurses as well. but he moved on , that sucked. I refer to my current clinic as an “estrogen fueled shitstorm” , which it truly is . I dread when my phone rings and it caller id’s as VA . But all that aside , I am grateful for the care I get , it is about as good as any healthcare these days . I’ll stop there .
Got a phone appointment the day after Thanksgiving to “meet” my new PCP; the upside is they can’t weigh me and see how much I pigged out on Turkey Day.
What annoys me about my insurance is that they went from telehealth being free or cheap to as expensive as in person.
So far I haven’t used it for that reason, even though I’m in a rural area with an hour drive to anyone worth seeing.
All- Thanks for your perspectives! I guess all of our experiences are different.
Telehealth has some limited uses. Need an antiviral prescription for your cold. It works for that. Similar routine issues can also be handled remotely. But many issues require a hands on approach tombe worth it. Especially new issues. The key is choosing wisely when to see a doc and when to use telehealth. And if you don’t have medical knowledge it’s tough to choose correctly.