Telehealth expansion at Naples VA Clinic promotes commitment to soonest and best care options for Veterans

“Following the end of the global pandemic, we were able to move forward with this project that doubles our capacity,” said Bay Pines VA Telehealth Coordinator Katrina Pettus. “In addition to Tele Eye, Tele Dermatology, and audiology services, we are now able to offer telehealth options for mental health or other specialty care appointments.” 

Improvements in technology has helped with the expansion of telehealth. Previously, Veterans would need to travel to a facility that had Clinical Video Teleconferencing technology and would connect through the video chat with a provider at another location.

“Now we can work in terms of off-campus connections with Veterans who use iPads and smartphones,” said Bay Pines VA Connected Care Supervisor David Frazier. “This does two things. First, it gets the Veteran in front of a provider quicker, and second, it allows the Veteran to have that interaction closer to home, which makes it more convenient for them.” 

There are also other options that telehealth offers, which are not limited to teleconferencing. 

“Telehealth encompasses my HealtheVet, the Digital Divide Program, and other services including Tele Wound Care,” added Pettus. “Veterans and their families should speak to their providers about these to determine the conditions that apply to this option for their future health care appointments.”

Telehealth has proven to be an efficient way to help Bay Pines VA Healthcare System work to provide the soonest and best care to Veterans.

 “Often, Veterans may have follow-up appointments with other clinics, but instead of having to do all the travelling and waiting for appointments, we can get them in front of a provider quickly and more conveniently and sometimes, even from their own home,” added Frazier.