Veterans facing barriers to face-t0-face care ( e.g. mobility, rural homes, transportation issues, likely winter storms), may be able to participate in a VHA Telehealth Service. About 77,000 veterans are enrolled according to a Oct. 2012 VA Newsletter. This could offer time and cost savings to one’s current manner of accessing health care if you have illnesses like diabetes or COPD.
Good news! In May 2012, the VA eliminated the co-payment for charged for video-to-homes services. This is a win-win for all eligible veterans and the VA.
Examples of other services: Telehealth Clinic Outreach Centers; Telehealth Home program; Mobile telehealth vehicles; Telepharmacy; TeleMOVE program, Telemental Health, Telechaplaincy; Telehealth Store and Forward and many more programs.
http://www.telehealth.va.gov/video/CVT_Providers.asx
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or have to pay out-of-pocket, this private telehealth service charges $49.00. My Mayo primary doctor is online with cheaper E-visits but I haven’t tried it yet.
Another private firm, Now Clinic, is available to patients in these states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming
I think video-conferencing is an improvement over telephone alone and one’s germs stay out of the waiting room. This VA study showed that the program is cost effective for veterans with chronic illnesses and helps vets in their eighties stay at home longer. Have any experience with virtual care to share?
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
I have been using VA’s Telehealth programs and have been for 6 mo. now with great luck no problems as of yet. Jerrel Cook
Thanks for letting us know that this is working out for you. So much can be accomplished remotely these days. My DH (dear husband) likes secure messaging. His VA primary doc is sending him a trial of Claritin for his nasal drip after he emailed him with the problem. No need to go in for an appointment.