AARP Georgia Recap of the Atlanta VA Telehealth Forum

On Thursday, Sept. 26, AARP Georgia and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hosted a Telehealth Forum at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Telehealth Forum provided information to AARP members, Caregivers, and Veterans about how to utilize telehealth technology.

The Regional Telehealth Services, a multi-functional service line with the Atlanta Veteran Affairs Health Care System, uses telehealth technologies to target care and case management to improve the health of Veterans.

VA Southeast Network Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Norvel explained the benefits of telehealth, which include access to health care from a mobile or web-based device. The Regional Veterans Services provides three different services: 1) The Tele-Primary Care, a service that allows community-based outpatient clinics to promote coverage to providers utilizing telehealth technology. 2) Technology-based Eye Care Services (TECS), a service that provides Veterans with better eye care screening, and 3) Tele-Dermatology, a sub-specialty of dermatology.

The Regional Telehealth Services benefits Veterans who cannot easily get to Atlanta for a doctor's appointment. Veterans like Tammy Anderson, who lives in Union City, will be able to schedule an appointment right from her home.

"The information that Dr. Norvel put out was very informative. I will definitely start using the Regional Telehealth Services," United States Army Veteran Tammy Anderson said.

© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

Jolie Loren Rizzi/© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

Jolie Loren Rizzi/© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

Jolie Loren Rizzi/© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

© Jolie Loren Photography

Jolie Loren Rizzi/© Jolie Loren Photography

Regional Telehealth Service Supervisory Program Specialist Josh Jah-Anayas demonstrated how to use VA Video Connect, a tool used to connect Veterans with their health care team from anywhere with a mobile device. The VA Video Connects allows users to participate in video appointments and engage with their health care providers using built-in chat features.

The Veterans Telehealth Forum ended with lunch and the attendees visiting tables and booths to get more information about the Regional Telehealth Services, free flu shots, and free eye screenings.