With usage of the services increasing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salisbury VA says it has conducted more than 9,724 telehealth appointments since Jan. 1.

That’s in line with a trend seen across the VA system, which said video telehealth appointments to veterans’ homes increased by more than 1,000%. Veterans have been increasingly choosing virtual care, a news release said.

VA Video Connect allows veterans and their caregivers to meet virtually with their VA care teams on any computer, tablet or mobile device with an internet connection. As in-person interactions decreased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, VA video connect supported veterans’ abilities to continue care and remain safely at home. Usage of video to home services has been increasing since mid-March with peak usage reaching over 29,000 appointments per day.

The increase at the Salisbury VA Health Care System represents a 971% increase from Jan. 1. Other telehealth milestones from the Salisbury VA Health Care System include:

• Primary care and mental health staff are 100% telehealth capable.
• 3,050 telehealth appointments into the veteran’s home were completed in  June.
• Specialty care services began telehealth appointments in June.

“Three years after the launch of VA Video Connect, even during these challenging times, VA continues to maintain access to high-quality health care for veterans,” said Joseph Vaughn, executive director for the Salisbury VA Health Care System. “As VA Video Connect becomes more popular, VA remains committed to providing a seamless user experience to ensure veterans are able to get their care where and when they need it.”

For information about VA’s telehealth services visit connectedcare.va.gov.