VA Medical appointments at home made possible through VA Video Connect

By B. Clark

Not feeling your best? Maybe you have a fever, caught a cold or have flu-like symptoms? Maybe even worried about having a viral illness? When you're not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is to leave the house, travel to see the doctor and wait. What if walk-in hours are over?

Through something called Virtual Care, the VA has made it easier and safer for you to get the care you need. But, in order to participate in this health advantage you must have one of the following: smartphone, tablet or computer. You will need to have a “My HealtheVet” account and the VA Video Connect App installed. Otherwise, if you're a Veteran who qualifies for VA care and lives in the U.S., your eligible to participate.

With Virtual Care you will be able to contact your VA health care team and provider through Secure Messaging. You are able to receive treatment by telephone or video. Over 20 million virtual engagements were made in 2019 by Veterans seeking health related care.

Next time you visit your health care team or provider, talk with them about the advantages this can mean to your level of healthcare. In addition to things you don't expect to happen during the time between scheduled appointments, there are new technologies that include in-home health monitoring, connection to specialists and even remote scans and data.

Now, you can stay at home avoiding the hassles of traffic, finding parking, and waiting. And, if you did catch something that is contagious, you won't put healthcare providers and other Veterans at risk.

Many Veterans already know how My HealtheVet can make it easier to manage your own care. Being able to arrange appointments, order Rx Refills and by reviewing your labs, tests, reports and images. If you haven't created a My HealtheVet account yet, it's something you should consider.

While most of us have become familiar with cell phones, tablets and computers, not all of us understand how to set up accounts and maneuver the internet. If that sounds like you, don't worry. Someone who cares for you, a family member, or in most cases VA Hospitals have someone who can help you set up your My HealtheVet account, get verified, and then help you set up for Virtual Care. Don't be afraid to ask for help! It's not a difficult process, it's only in knowing what needs to be done and with just a little help, you will be all set up and ready to go! Once you're set up and shown the simple steps it will be almost like using a remote control for your TV.

Virtual Care is not for any emergency. Proceed to appropriate medical facility for any medical emergency. However, if you're not feeling so well, sign in and ask for a video appointment. Your health care team will help you on your path to feeling better again.

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