VA's Telehealth Innovations: Successes and Challenges in Veteran Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is improving virtual care for veterans through its successful tele-emergency care platform, which offers on-demand access to healthcare providers via a smartphone app, potentially reducing emergency room visits. In contrast, the Veterans Health Administration's ATLAS program, aimed at providing telehealth services at locations like VFW posts and Walmart, has struggled with low utilization, raising questions about its effectiveness. A Government Accountability Office report highlighted the need for the VA to assess outreach efforts to inform veterans about available services, suggesting that the accessibility of care may influence program success.

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