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Bridging Distances: How Tele-Rheumatology is Transforming Care for Rural Veterans

Man in medical office claps while watching video on screen.
Veterans earned and deserve quality care, and VHSO delivers it—right where they are, when they need it most.

By April Eilers, Public Affairs Officer

Vietnam Navy Veteran Ken Norbury has routinely visited his local clinic for traditional in-person appointments since 1996. But when a new health problem required him to see a rheumatologist, Ken worried his small town could not deliver the specialty care he needed.

His provider at the Fort Smith, AR VA Clinic encouraged him not to worry. “You can get this care right here, thanks to our Tele-Rheumatology Services.”

Tele-Rheumatology, a virtual health program at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), connects patients to specialists through secure video visits. At first, Ken doubted whether virtual care could match the quality of traditional face-to-face appointments. Despite his concerns, Ken scheduled a tele-health appointment with Dr. Sujatha Vuyyuru, a board-certified rheumatologist who recently joined the VA National Tele-Rheumatology Program.

The appointment seemed surprisingly familiar. Just as always, Ken drove to the Fort Smith VA Clinic. His nurse warmly greeted him and took his vitals, then escorted him into a private, ready-to-go tele-health room. With the press of a button, Ken started his appointment with his doctor on a large computer screen. The experience exceeded Ken’s expectations.

“I don’t have to worry about a thing,” Ken says. “Dr. Vuyyuru addressed every concern, and I feel better than ever. I truly owe my well-being to Dr. Vuyyuru and the VA.”

Dr. Vuyyuru’s passion for Veterans and dedication to providing the best care shines through as she talks about tele-health. “I believe every Veteran deserves specialty care, no matter where they live. Tele-health bridges the gap, and I am honored to be part of the solution.” 

Thanks to VHSO and providers like Dr. Vuyyuru, rural Veterans like Ken never have to settle for less. Veterans earned and deserve quality care, and VHSO delivers it—right where they are, when they need it most.

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Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqdn3w4_khI