This month of March marks a difficult anniversary: two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we have all been affected by COVID-19 – especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus.
We all want to return to a sense of normalcy. To keep the most vulnerable members of our communities safe, please continue to follow the precautions deemed necessary in your area. And to keep you and your family safe, get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get a booster if you are able.
Here are five ways veterans can access VA care safely and easily from home. And remember, these virtual resources are available to you at all times, whether they are related to COVID-19 or not.
1. Get mental health care through telehealth
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or if you feel the pandemic is making your mental health symptoms worse, talking to a mental health professional is an important first step.
Upgrade to a video tour to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
You can meet with a VA mental health provider through VA Video Connect, VA’s secure video conferencing app. You can set up a video date from home, and there is no co-pay for using VA Video Connect. For more information, contact your local VA medical center.
If you need immediate mental health support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 800-273-8255 and pressing 1, or texting 838255. It’s free and confidential.
2. Switch from in-person appointments to video visits
Video tours are designed to fit easily into your daily routine. With VA Video Connect, you can meet your VA care team via a secure video connection wherever you are. There is no need to go to a medical center or VA clinic or wait in the waiting room.
You can upgrade to a video visit if you want to stay home to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 – or if you just prefer to receive care at home.
A video visit may be appropriate if you have trouble getting to a VA facility, need to stay home to care for children or other family members, or are too busy to take the time of an in-person meeting. .
“Veterans can choose a VA Video Connect visit if they prefer to stay home due to the omicron variant or for any other reason,” said Dr. Leonie Heyworth, clinical assistant director in the VA Office of Connected Care. “It may simply be because they prefer the convenience of meeting with their VA care team from home.”
And if you want to include family members or other caregivers in your VA care decisions, you can add them to the video tour so they can participate from anywhere.
Video visits are free and work well for many primary care and mental health visits.
To learn more about switching to a video tour, read this Vantage Point article.
3. Use the Annie app if you have vaccine side effects or test positive
The Annie app for veterans sends automated text messages that can help you learn about COVID-19, deal with pandemic-related stress, and support you if you’re exposed or test positive to COVID-19.
If you have just received or are about to receive the vaccine or a booster shot, Annie’s text messages can help you know about any side effects you may experience.
Veterans measure their vital readings and send them safely.
If you test positive for COVID-19, Annie can check your symptoms and let you know when to see if your symptoms get worse – or when you can stop self-isolating once you feel better.
Annie can also send messages to help veterans deal with feelings of stress, isolation or fatigue related to the pandemic.
To learn more, visit the Annie app page on the VA App Store.
4. Find your VA COVID-19 test results and vaccine records on My HealtheVet
If you received a COVID-19 test or the COVID-19 vaccine at VA, you can use your My HealtheVet Premium account to find your test results or vaccination record online.
To find your COVID-19 test results, follow these steps. And if you want to locate your COVID-19 vaccination record, follow these steps.
You don’t have a My HealtheVet Premium account? Premium accounts are free. And you can get one in person at a VA facility or online by following these instructions. In addition to accessing COVID-19 information, you can use My HealtheVet to request refills for your VA prescriptions, find your VA medical records, and exchange secure messages with your VA providers.
5. Ask your VA care team to monitor your chronic illness or COVID-19 recovery
VA’s Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth (RPM – HT) program helps veterans manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Veterans measure their vital readings and symptoms and securely send them to their RPM – HT Care Coordinator for review. The Care Coordinator works with the Veteran’s Care Team to help the Veteran manage their care.
For the past two years, the RPM – HT program has helped veterans recovering from COVID-19 at home.
United States Marine Corps veteran Michael Novielli participated in the RPM – HT program after contracting COVID-19 in April 2020. When his RPM – HT care coordinator noticed unusual symptoms, she helped Novielli get prompt in-person care.
“If I wasn’t on telehealth, I would have stayed home with the pneumonia,” Novielli said. “And who knows what would have happened? Read his full story on Vantage Point.
Ask your VA provider if RPM – HT is right for your care needs and learn more on the Telehealth Services website.
