VA tele-emergency care goes nationwide

Tele-emergency care offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs is now available nationwide.

The step increases timely access to virtual emergency care options for veterans enrolled in its health care system. In a pilot program over the past few months, the expansion has already shown promise for veterans, helping more than 61,182 callers with a 59.4 percent case resolution rate, according to a VA release.

Part of VA Health Connect , tele-emergency care is a nationwide phone service that veterans can call. Veterans who contact VA Health Connect will speak to a clinical triage nurse, who will connect them to tele-emergency care when clinically appropriate.

“Veterans can now be evaluated for possible emergencies from the comfort of their home,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “Sometimes, you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is a minor emergency or not — and tele-emergency care can help you resolve those questions. Veterans can get immediate, virtual triage with a VA medical provider who has direct access to their medical records. This avoids having to potentially drive to the nearest emergency department and wait to be evaluated, if appropriate.”

Tele-EC providers evaluate the veteran over the phone or on video and recommend treatment or follow-up, including if in-person care is needed. In life-threatening emergencies, the clinical triage nurse will call 911 and stay on the line until help arrives.

According to VA, tele-EC does not replace the need for in-person emergency evaluation but can bridge the gap for veterans in rural areas or those with mobility and transportation challenges through quick, virtual triage assessments.

Veterans can also access the service through the VA Health Chat app. Veterans can find their local VA Health Connect number by searching for their facility. Veterans experiencing a life-threatening emergency should immediately contact 911, versus seeking support via tele-EC.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .