VISN 7 Tele-EC reaches a one-month milestone, serving over 500 Veterans
The VA Southeast Network (VISN 7) Tele-Emergency Care Program, a groundbreaking initiative offering Veterans same-day care for a wide range of injuries and illnesses from the comfort of their home, has reached its one-month milestone, serving over 500 Veterans so far.
Facilitated by the VISN 7 VA Health Connect Clinical Contact Center, the program expands access to emergency care for Veterans in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, ensuring timely treatment no matter their location.
"We are dedicated to improving Veterans' access to high-quality healthcare," said Dr. David Walker, VA Southeast Network Director. "This program reflects our commitment to delivering the care Veterans deserve, wherever they are."
A lifeline for rural and remote communities
Launched on July 25, 2024, the VISN 7 Tele-Emergency Care Program was established in response to the growing disparities in healthcare access between remote and underserved areas. The program leverages advanced telemedicine technology to connect Veterans with experienced emergency physicians, nurses, and support personnel trained to handle various medical emergencies. This connection allows for real-time consultation, diagnosis, and management of emergencies, ensuring that all patients can receive the best possible care.
“Many common conditions such as minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, skin irritations, insect bites cold and flu symptoms, and sprains and pains can be treated remotely, saving our Veterans both the time and costs of traveling to a medical center or outpatient clinic,” said Delena Chappell-James, VISN 7 Clinical Contact Center Director. “We use secure video conferencing and digital communication tools, which enables our Veterans to consult with VA emergency care specialists from anywhere for care, ensuring prompt medical attention.”
In addition to providing emergency care, the Clinical Contact Center provides Veterans with additional choices for meeting their clinical, pharmacy, scheduling, and administrative needs.
Positive feedback from Veterans and providers
U.S. Army Veteran Miriam Burks was the first patient transferred to the VISN 7 Tele-EC for assistance. She has been enrolled at the Atlanta VA Health Care System for nearly ten years.
“I called the Atlanta VA and selected option three, to speak to a nurse,” she said. “Within minutes, I was given the option to virtually consult with a physician, face-to-face, or by telephone.”
Diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, Burks recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was unsure of the impact it could have on her immune system. After speaking with a nurse, she was transferred to Dr. Kristopher Davis.
“Ms. Burk’s condition was deemed eligible for a Tele-EC visit after calling our nurse triage line,” Dr. Davis said. “After a discussion about her COVID-19 symptoms, I determined that she was very concerned about how they could affect her breast cancer treatment. I reassured her about this and found that she did not have to make an in-person visit to the emergency department, saving her a trip and putting her mind at ease.”
Burks was recommended over-the-counter medications and was relieved to know her symptoms would have no impact on her current treatment.
“I highly recommend Veterans contact healthcare providers through VA Health Connect for non-life-threatening emergencies,” Burks said. “Not only is it efficient, but it can also save money on transportation, parking, and lost work. I ended the call feeling confident about my condition, and the steps required to mitigate it.”
The right care, right now
Providers feel the Tele-EC triage is a great choice for Veterans because it gives them immediate access to care regardless of where they are. No matter the time of day, they can reach someone for healthcare services.
“The program provides much-needed access right now without patients having to wait for an extended period,” Chappell-James said. “Many of our nurses are emergency room and intensive care unit nurses, with the appropriate background to take these types of calls and make decisions for physician intervention if needed, and to connect patients to qualified and trained VA Emergency Department physicians to provide quality care from anywhere. This is a great process for our Veterans and our organization.”
The VISN 7 Tele-EC program enhances patient outcomes and contributes to a more efficient and responsive healthcare system.
“Tele-EC closes the gap between provider and Veteran in their moment of need,” Dr. Davis said. “By using emergency medicine-trained providers, our Veterans can feel confident that they are receiving the most appropriate care without needing to arrange transportation to their VA or waiting in a lobby. If diagnostic testing or prescriptions are required, Tele-EC providers have access not just to the VA Health Care System but to local in-network hospitals, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies, improving access to care for Veterans throughout our network.”
The VISN 7 VA Health Connect Clinical Contact Center can be reached at 1-855-679-0214. When a Veteran calls the number and selects option three, a nurse will evaluate the patient’s symptoms. If needed, the Veteran will be transferred to Tele-Emergency Care for immediate assistance. Tele-EC hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.