Improved access to specialty care providers
Veterans receiving care at the Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) now have improved access to specialty care providers thanks to the new Provider Connect program.
Provider Connect aims to increase Veterans' access to on-demand specialty consultation by linking VA providers with VA’s network of specialists to consult on treatment options via chat, video, or phone call.
“We recognized the opportunity for us to enhance patient experience by improving our clinical team's coordination and collaboration,” said Dr. Yusef Sayeed, Chief of Staff at Coatesville VAMC. “Veterans have had access to specialty care, but Provider Connect immediately connects the provider and Veteran to the specialist in real time and can eliminate the delays in care that are typical with the consultation process.”
Coatesville VA is piloting the Provider Connect program in their region, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 4. It currently connects Veterans to services such as cardiology, GI, infectious disease, neurology, nutrition, occupational therapy, pain management, physical therapy, renal, and rheumatology.
The benefits of Provider Connect include:
- Immediate access to specialists and care to Veterans
- Answer consults for patients who do not require in-person evaluation in real time
- Receive treatment faster
- Expand clinic availability for patients who need in-person evaluation
- Reduce the workload burden of arranging consultations
“Veterans are going to appreciate the time and hassle Provider Connect is going to save them, especially when it means they can be treated more quickly.”
Veterans registered for care at Coatesville VA can make an appointment with their VA provider by calling 610-383-0239.