VA Implements Videoconferencing Initiative to Bring Specialty Care to Veterans

The Department of Veteran Affairs has implemented a new initiative, Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, to increase access to specialty care services for veterans in rural and medically under-served areas through the use of videoconferencing equipment.

According to the report, SCAN-ECHO enables specialty care teams in diabetes, pain management and hepatitis C to use videoconferencing equipment to connect with primary care providers and patient-aligned care teams for veterans. During a SCAN-ECHO session, the primary care provider presents a patient's case and the specialty care team recommends a treatment plan. In addition to case presentations, formal clinical education is also provided.

Eleven VA medical facilities are piloting the initiative as SCAN-ECHO centers. Since May, 35 teams in 14 specialties have been formed with 150 SCAN-ECHO sessions held and a total of 690 consults completed.

The VA recently held a demonstration of the SCAN-ECHO technology. Before expanding the program to more facilities, the VA is evaluating the initiative's pilot sessions to ensure veterans are experiencing improved access to care, according to the report.

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