VA launches telehealth initiative to expand healthcare access

Modern Healthcare:  President Donald Trump announced new efforts Thursday to use technology to improve veterans' healthcare, saying the programs will greatly expand access, especially for mental healthcare and suicide prevention. Veterans living in rural areas will also benefit, he said.Initiatives include using video technology and diagnostic tools to conduct medical exams. Veterans also will be able to use mobile devices to make and manage appointments with Veterans Administration doctors."We call it 'anywhere to anywhere' VA healthcare," VA Secretary David Shulkin said. Shulkin said the goal is better healthcare for veterans wherever they are. He said existing "telehealth" programs provided care to more than 700,000 veterans last year.

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