Robley Rex VA Nurse recognized for helping Veterans
By Stephen Woolverton, Public Affairs Specialist
The Robley Rex VA Medical Center Facility Telehealth Coordinator, Elizabeth D. Smith, RN, has been recognized for her exceptional dedication and service to Veterans during the transitioning to a new secure log-in for My HealtheVet.
My HealtheVet is VA’s online health care portal, offering Veterans secure access to their health information anytime, anywhere. This means Veterans can use it to refill prescriptions, check lab results, verify appointments, message their VA care team, and more. The VA is committed to making it as easy as possible for Veterans to manage their benefits and health care online.
Knowing that that change can be difficult for people of all ages, including Veterans who are trying to navigate this new secure system, Smith went out to meet the Veterans at pop-up outreach events at the medical center, at VA clinics and at monthly Town Hall meetings held in the community.
“We did several events assisting Veterans with signing up or regaining access to My HealtheVet,” said Smith, who received the recognition Aug. 18, from Office of Connected Care and VHA Digital Health Office. “We also sent secure messages to Veterans, making them aware of the log in changes. We made sure to take our assistance out into the community, meeting the Veterans where they are.”
Smith’s efforts led to helping more than 95% of Robley Rex VA Medical Center Veterans get access to My HealtheVet, allowing them to have more direct access to their PACT teams, fill prescriptions faster and easier, and manage their healthcare in a more seamless way than ever before.
“My HealtheVet allows Veterans to take a more active role in managing their healthcare,” said Smith. “It allows Veterans to access their medical records and lab results, request prescription refills, and communicate directly with their healthcare team. Veterans can view upcoming appointments, request new appointments, and cancel or reschedule existing ones.”
At the end of next month, on Sept. 30, Veterans will have only two sign-in account options: a Login.gov or ID.me account. Those Veterans that are still using DS logon to get into va.gov of My HealtheVet, will not be able to after that date.
“Technology is ever changing,” said Smith. “The new security verification process aims to enhance the overall security, privacy, and functionality of the platform for Veterans. This will provide protection for our Veteran’s sensitive information and assist with prevention of identity theft.”
Smith, a military spouse who has been working with the Robley Rex VA Medical Center for three years now said “I feel strongly about helping Veterans as I have an understanding of the sacrifices and challenges they face. Supporting them is my way of honoring their service and giving back to the community.”
For more information about how to make a Login.gov or ID.me account, go to the Creating an account for VA.gov page; for more information about online security, go to the How To Protect Your Identity and Your VA Benefits From Scammers page.