WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the nationwide availability of tele-emergency care (tele-EC), a significant advancement aimed at enhancing access to emergency medical services for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. This initiative, which builds on a successful pilot program, promises to provide timely and efficient virtual emergency care, thereby addressing the critical need for accessible health services.
Tele-emergency care is integrated into VA Health Connect, a telephone service that connects Veterans with clinical triage nurses who can direct them to appropriate care. When necessary, Veterans will be linked to tele-EC providers who can evaluate them via phone or video and offer medical recommendations or determine if in-person care is needed. In urgent, life-threatening situations, the triage nurse will immediately contact 911 and remain on the line until emergency services arrive.
“Veterans can now be evaluated for possible emergencies from the comfort of their home,” stated VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “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.”
The nationwide rollout of tele-EC represents a key component of the VA and Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to provide timely and superior health care services to Veterans. The service has already demonstrated its efficacy, assisting over 61,182 callers with a 59.4% resolution rate — meaning these Veterans’ needs were effectively addressed without requiring them to travel to urgent care facilities or emergency departments.
This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for Veterans residing in rural areas or those facing mobility and transportation challenges, where access to immediate in-person emergency care can be limited. Tele-EC provides a critical bridge, ensuring that Veterans receive necessary care promptly and efficiently, directly addressing potential barriers to health care access.
While tele-emergency care does not substitute for all in-person emergency evaluations, its implementation marks a pivotal step in improving health care accessibility for Veterans. By offering comprehensive virtual assessments and direct connections to VA medical providers, this service ensures that Veterans receive the right care at the right time, significantly enhancing their overall health care experience. As the VA continues to refine and expand its telehealth services, this initiative stands as a testament to its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Veterans across the nation.
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