MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The Memphis VA medical center is going hightech. Telehealth is a free program that provides veterans with top-notchmedical care designed to work around the patient’s lifestyle.
Tammy Danford works for Telehealth and she says talking to adoctor has never been easier.
“Instead of having to come all the way to the VA and find aplace to park, we can do a visit from your home, your office, school, or evenwhile you sit in your car at Walmart,” she said.
Using a tablet, a computer, or even your smartphone, the programconnects vets to care providers instantly.
Here’s how it works: if you have access to your email and areliable internet connection, you can talk to a licensed care provider inminutes.
Danford said, “We can send the provider and the patient alink to a virtual medical room.”
The emailed link will give you the time slot for your virtualappointment. Once you both are connected, you can video call and describe yoursymptoms. From there, a doctor will decide what your next step is, whetherit’s a prescription, an in-person visit, or mild home remedy.
If you’re concerned about your privacy, we’re told the program issecure and protects your personal information.
Danford said, “No one can join that room unless we invitethem.”
There are certain problems you should not use Telehealth for. Theseinclude more serious issues like chest pains and severe bleeding.
If you don’t have access to a smartphone or tablet, the Memphis VAmay offer you an iPad through a loaner program if you qualify.