By Matt Wall, Director, Business Development, Tryten Technologies

The heroic individuals who serve in the armed forces make immeasurable sacrifices for our nation. But their fight for health does not end when they return home. Unfortunately, for many veterans, accessing adequate care is challenging. Geography, mobility, and specialized care needs create roadblocks for veterans to get the care they need. Fortunately, the rise of telehealth is changing that narrative.  

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is leveraging the latest technologies to provide top-quality healthcare services to veterans through telehealth. Telehealth enables veterans to access healthcare services remotely, making it efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to their unique needs. These ground-breaking technologies are revolutionizing how the VA provides healthcare, bridging the gap for veterans who previously faced barriers to in-person medical attention.  

The Role of Telehealth in VA

Dr. Neil Evans, the chief officer of the Office of Connected Care at the Veterans Health Administration, shared that the agency had already been planning to expand virtual care through established telehealth programs in over 50 clinical specialties even before the pandemic hit.

But the COVID-19 crisis triggered a rapid scale-up.

The VA rose to the challenge and rapidly expanded its cloud-based architecture to meet the surge in demand for video telehealth. As a result, the VA has become a trailblazer in telehealth, with over 11.2 million telehealth visits in 2021 alone. The benefits were not just increased care but the improved treatment of opioids for veterans.

A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that the pivot to telehealth, necessitated by the pandemic, increased the number of patients receiving buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction. Further, the study stated that any pivot away from the COVID-19 telehealth policies could reverse this positive trend.

Telehealth: The Lifeline for Veterans in Critical Situations

Telehealth is a game-changer for veterans and a literal lifeline in emergencies. It offers access to critical care, bridging the gap for those who face barriers to receiving care in traditional medical settings.

Learn how telehealth is modernizing veteran healthcare with these essential use cases.

Video Consultations

Video consultations are a boon for veterans facing mobility or geographic challenges. They provide specialized medical attention and interventions in minutes, ensuring timely access to healthcare for those with chronic conditions or acute health crises. Not only that, but they also reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases among veterans who are vulnerable or at high risk, all while improving health outcomes. Video consultations are a crucial tool in the modern healthcare arsenal, providing high-quality care without the need for travel or exposure risks.

Remote Monitoring

With remote monitoring, veterans can take control of their health conditions and avoid potential health crises. By tracking vital signs and symptoms in real-time, healthcare providers can offer timely interventions and treatments, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. This essential use case ensures that veterans receive the highest quality of care without the need to relocate to see a specialist.

Telestroke

When it comes to stroke patients, every minute counts. That’s why investing in telestroke programs is critical for providing care to veterans. Using computer systems and audiovisual equipment connected by high-speed internet, stroke neurologists can remotely, quickly, and effectively advise local practitioners on treating patients experiencing cerebrovascular neurological emergencies. This technology significantly impacts short- and long-term outcomes, improving survival rates while reducing disabilities and recurrences.

The Department of Veteran Affairs is taking this further by implementing Tryten’s S1 Tablet Cart, which brings veterans quality healthcare regardless of location. The Tryten Telestroke cart is specifically designed to transport audiovisual equipment and medical devices to the patient’s bedside, allowing remote neurologists to thoroughly assess and diagnose patients and work with on-site providers to create a personalized treatment plan. With this innovative technology, the VA is revolutionizing stroke care and saving lives.

The Future of Veteran Healthcare Is Here

Telehealth is transforming veteran healthcare by making high-quality medical services accessible to veterans, regardless of location. VA’s telehealth solutions provide specialized medical attention, enabling prompt and effective interventions and treatments that reduce hospital readmissions and improve health outcomes. Tryten is proud to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in transforming the healthcare landscape by eliminating barriers to accessing quality care services for veterans and providing support in critical situations.

CME Corp. has partnered with Tryten’s parent company Capsa Healthcare to make the Tryten carts available through the GSA Advantage online shopping portal. For more information on Government pricing and availability, contact CME Corp. today.