VA Health Care System

In the United States, a renewed interest occurred in telehealth in the 1990s according to McGonigle and Mastrian because of escalating costs, the need for greater access for all

The VA health care program is a disaster. Some candidates want to get rid of it, but our veterans need the VA to be there for them and their families. That’s why the Trump plan will:

The Department of Veterans Affairs is a government run program to assist the U.S. Veterans who are disabled soldiers. It began when the Pilgrims passed a law that required disabled soldiers to receive benefits from the colony, as early as 1636 (U.S. Dept. of VA, 2014). By 1776, the Continental Congress provided pensions to disabled soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Later, the Veterans assistance program expanded to include benefits and pensions not only for Veterans but also for their widows and dependents. Finally, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) was established in 1865, to form the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, an institution

Telehealth has been a large topic of debate in recent years because of the economic, political, and regulatory points of view. In deciding outcomes in these areas, it is the responsibility of all healthcare professions to identify information gaps in order to come to the more rational and beneficial conclusion about telehealth (Grace, 2014). Economically, there are concerns regarding the access and affordability of telehealth equipment. At the same time, telehealth is being adapted in ways to be utilized with technological devices that many individuals already have access to like telephones, cellular phones, and personal computers/laptops. Telehealth can positively impact both clients and providers by increasing access to care and reducing the time and costs associated with traveling for health care (Allen, Aylott, Loyola, Moric, & Saffarek, 2015). As telehealth develops technological devices can be made more affordable and can be covered by insurance policies (Thomas et al., 2014). Many nurses functioning as case managers can help provide the tools and resources individuals require to manage their health.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government-run military veteran benefit system that provides essential financial and medical assistance to veterans and their families that are located all over the world. (www.va.gov) As the country and the military’s needs change, the VA needs to continue to evolve and grow. With this thought in mind, it is necessary to understand how the department is coping with the many different challenges that they are currently facing to effectively address the current issues and policy pitfalls. The most critical issues presently facing the VA, is the concern over long increasing wait-times and backlogs for services, which have emerged since 9/11 and are primarily the result of the growing

The Miami VA Healthcare System serves Veterans in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties and operates a total of 372 hospital beds (US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, n.d.). The VA system, which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is owned and run by the federal government. Consequently, the Miami VA’s audit requirements in order to provide dietary and nutrition care services in the inpatient, outpatient or long term care setting are different compared to private sector hospitals. Hospitals and health care organizations get accreditation from the Joint Commission in order to meet federal requirements and get payment from Medicare and Medicaid programs (The Joint Commission, n.d.). However, since the

CVT may also be used to supplement face-to-face services. It is up to the local programs to make decisions regarding when telehealth vs. face-to-face visits are necessary. Your provider may suggest it during a visit but if not you can always ask them for a consult to follow up via CVT. You can also contact Mercedes Diaz, R.N. SCI Telehealth Coordinator and she can set up an appointment at the clinic nearest you so that you may follow up with your SCI primary provider. CVT can also be done from the home if you have a computer with a webcam and have signed a waiver form. You can obtain this form in room 1C130 at the Miami VA SCI Unit. Uses of telehealth include evaluation of whether it is necessary for the Veteran to travel to the SCI Center for an appointment and coordination of care to meet patient needs. Services are also considered for patients in the home setting to promote optimal patient self-management practices and caregiver

• benefits for them. You getting a higher education and improving your skills means you can do more at your current job.

The VA is the primary hope for veterans and where there help comes when they need it. Linda Schwartz, the head of Connecticut’s VA says the problem is probably a lot bigger than what the numbers say. “A veteran’s death often does not get reported as a suicide” (Radelat) The problem is huge and daunting to the VA. Schwartz’s VA is proud that her facilities seem to have largely missed the scandal of the VA, and the VA is offering different therapies to widen out the options for the veterans when they go to the VA.

A practice change in a non-VA primary care practice led by a Nurse Practitioner (NP) that includes identifying eligible veterans and utilizing the referral process guidelines to peer support services. In the Veterans Choice Program, 2015 the authorization for all non-VA medical care for veterans who resides more than 40 miles from a VA health care clinic or is not able to obtain a medical appointment within 30 days is eligible to receive care from a non-VA entity. The consignment of all medical care appointments are over sought by Health Net, which authorizes all non-service, secured care. PCPs are highly fortified to communicate with veterans with a courtesy memorandum for their medical appointment. PCPs must adhere to the subsequent standards

The United States of America has one of the largest military forces on earth, employing nearly 1.5 million active personnel (Armed Forces). However, that number represents more than just a dedicated group; it represents citizens that will eventually become veterans and transition back into civilian life. For some this comes easily, but for others the struggles impede their ability to thrive. These hurdles can include the following: physical and psychological ailments; difficulties finding support; and trouble affording necessary treatment. In order to improve upon this lacking state of veteran care in the U.S., the government needs to expand current services within health care, as well as research new ways to make re-entry into everyday life

Veteran affairs health care programs were established in 1930 to provide ongoing care and rehabilitation to veterans injured during wartime service. Today, the VA provides for a wider range of inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care services to veterans. The VA is now giving treatment to those veterans who have low-income and medical conditions unrelated to military service. Though veterans who have served our country are valued higher than many, there are still many veterans who are not insured and do not have proper access to healthcare. “In fact, just 8.9 million out of the 22 million veterans in the U.S. are enrolled in VA health benefits, which are reserved for those who have been disabled through military service or are very low-income.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is an executive division of the U.S. federal government responsible for programs and policies to veterans and their families. It was established in 1989 in which it succeeded the Veterans Administration formed in 1930. By the same token, the VA also operates a medical care program that includes nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the veteran health administration medical center is a teaching hospital that provides a full range of patient care services, with state of the art technology; as well as, education and limited

Telemedicine is an excellent patient care method which makes use of electronic communication. This is especially helpful when patients live a good distance away from hospitals or for those who prefer specific doctors not in immediate reach. Telemedicine is a part of telehealth which includes health services especially in remote areas which also includes education for consumers and support in terms of management. This branch of medicine plays an extremely significant role in places where there are logistical difficulties, extremes of climate, or scarce population where long distance communication may be the only solution for efficient health services

There are several forms of technology that is used to monitor, assist patients with self-care management, assist physicians with delivering care to their patients, including consultation with specialist, and overcoming barriers with transportation. “60% of the healthcare executives, physicians, and nurses in this inaugural survey said that telemedicine was a high priority for 2015“ (Vockley, 2015, para. 7) Telemedicine