BOISE, Idaho — In 2019, the VA connected more than 900,000 veterans with their doctors using video conferencing technology and here in Idaho the VA serves a quarter of their patients through Telehealth.
This is a big deal in Idaho because of how rural the state is and this technology saves people from driving all the way to Boise to get their health care.
“It’s exciting to be part of Telehealth, said John Maury the Boise Va Telehealth coordinator. "Telehealth is not only a growing thing within the VA, but nationwide and I feel proud because the VA is actually leading the way in Telehealth."
Maury provided us with a demonstration on how the process works while also telling us how connected care helps veterans in several different ways.
Maury said the VA has been able to help more veterans who are dealing with mental health issues because more veterans are using Telehealth because they can have their appointment in the comfort of their own home, Maury said that gives patients comfort and privacy.
Because the VA has a huge network across the United States this technology also helps veterans get the specialized care they need that the Boise VA does not provide.
“We can bring the patient to the Boise facility sit them down call up the doctor in California and connect them so they can have their visit together," said Maury. "It works out great and veterans love it.”
If you are a veteran and want to get signed up for connected care you need to see your medical team at the Boise VA, if you are worried about not having the right technology the VA will also set up veterans with and Ipad.
“Access is a big issue within the VA, we like to take care of our patients and see them as quickly as we can," said Maury.
For more information on the services provided by the VA click here.
