DUBLIN, Ga. — This month, the Carl Vinson Veterans Affairs Medical Center is focusing on educating veterans on telehealth technology. The service allows veterans to use their phone or tablet to video conferences with their health care provider or a specialty provider from out of state.
Veterans at the Dublin VA are already using telehealth to see doctors for services the Carl Vinson VA does not offer in-house. Medical Director David Whitmer says this technology can really make a difference for vets in rural communities.
"No one knows the problems of a veteran, and veterans need help, they got to have help," United States Navy Veteran Donnie Butler said.
Donnie Butler says he spent a decade fighting for our country and traveling on Navy ships. Now, he is dealing with retirement and new healthcare technology.
"The visual technology it amazes me because I've learned a lot of what can be done now," Butler said, talking about the increase of video technology across the United States Veterans Administration.
"Telehealth is a way for us to deliver care that is personalized and proactive and in the home of the veteran, so we are going to be making significant investments in our telehealth programs," Whitmer said.
Whitmer says veterans will be able to download the "VA Video Connect" application to chat with a doctor if they are having a mental health crisis. Telehealth also allows veterans to use specialty services like dermatology that the VA does not offer.
"The reality is that many of our local communities don't have these services either, so it does not do the veteran any good to say, 'We're going to take care of you in the private sector,' when they don't even have that care or the access is not that good," Whitmer said.
He says veterans can get lessons on how to use the technology. There are even plans to offer them free tablets.
"That is part of our program to provide iPads and other devices that will allow veterans to have that video connect," Whitmer said.
For veterans like Butler, it means more care options more quickly.
"I think the advancement in technology is just great," Butler said.
Whitmer added they are applying for a grant to get a mobile vehicle to travel to this rural communities so veterans can have direct access to telehealth technology.
Telehealth is part of the VA's Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Outside Networks, or MISSION Act, which is their effort to improve care to veterans across central Georgia.
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