VA rolling out mobile telehealth, appointment apps

The Department of Veterans Affairs is rolling out to all VA facilities a telehealth application that securely connects veterans and their health care providers from any mobile or web-based device, President Trump and VA Secretary David Shulkin, M.D., announced yesterday at a VA telehealth event. “This will significantly expand access to care for our veterans, especially for those who need help in the area of mental health, which is a bigger and bigger request – and also in suicide prevention,” the president said. “It will make a tremendous difference for the veterans in rural locations in particular.” The VA Video Connect app, demonstrated during the event, is currently available at 67 VA hospitals and clinics and will be rolled out to all VA facilities. Shulkin also announced that a forthcoming regulation will allow VA providers to connect with veterans anywhere in the country, regardless of the physician’s home state of licensure. In addition, VA is rolling out an app that allows veterans to use their smartphones to schedule, change or cancel appointments with VA providers, he said.