A lot can be said about the GOP’s plan to repeal the ACA, but what can we expect from these changes? And how does it affect Telehealth as we know it?
Image from Vocativ.
Prior to election, Donald Trump had announced a 10-point plan to reform the VA. In his speech, he highlighted a need for more mental health professionals to ensure there would be no shortage of care for veterans. The end goal was for vets to have total access to mental healthcare and be covered both within and outside the VA.
Not only does he claim to support Mental Health, he has also stated the importance of modernizing how those needs are served. We’re talking Telehealth.
Taken directly from Donald Trump’s website addressing Veteran Affairs, he aims to:
“Modernize the VA. […] The Trump plan will make it happen by accelerating and expanding investments in state of the art technology to deliver best-in-class care quickly and effectively. All veterans should be able to conveniently schedule appointments, communicate with their doctors, and view accurate wait times with the push of a button.”
“Ensure our veterans get the care they need wherever and whenever they need it. No more long drives.”
“Support the whole veteran, not just their physical health care, but also by addressing their invisible wounds”
How Telehealth plays in:
In order to make good on these specific promises, the most practical and effective way is through the adoption and advancement of Telehealth and HIPAA compliant videoconferencing. Using the internet and a personal device (computer, laptop or phone) and the right videoconferencing system, veterans are able to view their provider’s availability online and choose a time without back and forth conversations. Once a time is chosen, the provider can accept and be connected in a virtual face-to-face visit. This is getting the care they need wherever and whenever, and this is the kind of modernized care we’re all looking for.
Telehealth stands to grow with any new changes the government makes regarding healthcare.