When a persistent cough began to worsen, Army Veteran Christa Seals reached out to VA Health Connect, seeking guidance and care. Four months pregnant and managing a busy entrepreneurial life, she wasn’t keen on spending hours in an emergency room. Instead, she inquired about alternative options for her situation.
Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently introduced tele-emergency care nationwide, offering a solution for cases just like hers.
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What is Tele-Emergency Care?
Tele-emergency care is a part of VA Health Connect, a nationwide phone service where Veterans can speak to clinical triage nurses. These nurses assess the situation and connect Veterans to tele-emergency care when appropriate. Through tele-emergency care, providers evaluate Veterans over the phone or via video to recommend treatment or follow-up, including in-person care when necessary.
In life-threatening emergencies, clinical triage nurses immediately call 911 and stay on the line until emergency services arrive, ensuring timely assistance.
Christa’s Experience with Tele-Emergency Care
For Christa Seals, the tele-emergency care experience was seamless and effective. She connected with an emergency physician via video within an hour, addressing her concerns without leaving home.
“It was a huge benefit to not only me as a Veteran but also as a mother and an entrepreneur,” said Seals. “It allowed me to prioritize my health without disrupting my busy life.”
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The Benefits of Tele-Emergency Care
Tele-Emergency Nurse Manager Vibeka Wilt and Dr. Neil Patel, Acting Director of Emergency Care Services, have witnessed firsthand how tele-emergency care benefits Veterans.
“Sometimes we’ve had really good catches where getting the Veteran to the right place resulted in lifesaving care,” Wilt shared. “And other times, we’ve been able to help Veterans stay home, which is fantastic.”
Dr. Patel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how tele-emergency care reduces unnecessary emergency room visits. “Over half of the cases referred to tele-emergency care are resolved without an ER visit,” he noted. “Waiting rooms aren’t ideal, especially during flu season. Tele-emergency care uses technology to bring back the old-school approach of providing care right in your home.”
The Vision Behind Tele-Emergency Care
Josh Geiger, a Veteran employee and advocate for tele-emergency care, highlighted the profound impact of this service. “Hearing stories like Christa’s and knowing how it’s made life easier for Veterans is truly an honor. It’s about giving back and ensuring they have convenient, quality care.”
When to Use Tele-Emergency Care
While tele-emergency care offers significant convenience and accessibility, it’s essential to note that Veterans experiencing life-threatening emergencies should contact 911 immediately rather than seeking tele-emergency care.
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The Future of Veteran Care
The introduction of tele-emergency care is a game-changer for Veterans, offering accessible, efficient, and holistic healthcare solutions. Whether it’s providing peace of mind from the comfort of home or ensuring timely intervention, tele-emergency care exemplifies how technology can transform lives while honoring those who have served.
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