VA Healthcare-VISN 4
Community News
Community News
Telehealth Update
VISN 4's telehealth programs are once again garnering national attention.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (CMCVAMC) in Philadelphia was recently recognized with gold status by VA Under Secretary for Health David J. Shulkin for their innovative use of Telehealth to tackle liver disease and cancer.
Dr. David Kaplan spearheaded an effort there to improve collaboration amongst VA facilities engaged in caring for Veterans with advanced liver disease and liver cancer. By sharing knowledge and education across VISN 4 (and four other Veterans Integrated Service Networks), and providing consults for Veterans through clinical video telehealth, CMCVAMC is improving access and timeliness to liver care for their Veterans.
Erie, Pennsylvania
In Erie, a behavioral health provider requested help for a Veteran who has severe PTSD and lives more than two hours from the VA medical center. He was missing most of his appointments.
While clinical video telehealth into the home was the best option for him, he had no way to obtain a working computer. Erie VA's lead health care technician and voluntary services made arrangements to get the Veteran a computer. Now, the facility telehealth coordinator is looking to expand the Veteran's care in the home to include social work, caregiver support and primary care.
Camden, New Jersey
Veterans Haven, a transitional housing facility, in a rural section of Camden, New Jersey, is not close to public transportation. Eighty-one homeless Veterans live at the facility; they have limited incomes and few transportation options.
CMCVAMC has established clinical video telehealth services there, including for one Veteran with significant medical and mental health issues whose anxiety prevented him from being able to enter a VA facility for a primary care visit.
He began meeting individually with a psychiatrist and a psychologist via clinical video telehealth, developing a rapport with his providers and improving to the point where he was able to seek in-person care. Now, he is well connected with his primary care team, several specialty clinics, stays current on his medications and continues a close connection with the mental health providers. As a result, his physical and mental health well-being has significantly improved.
These are just a few examples of how VISN 4 is using innovation and determination to provide Veterans care whenever and however they need it.
Learn more about VISN 4's Telehealth program.
