VHA Telehealth Sandra K. Schmunk, BS, MT-ASCP, MA, MS Network Telehealth Program Manager Midwest Health Care Network, Veterans Health Administration

To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan -Abraham Lincoln 1865

Veterans Integrated Health Care Networks  

Criteria for development National mandate for specific services Increase access in geographically remote areas where no current services exist Provide alternate services in areas where it is difficult to recruit staff Increase efficiency in places where travel time for current VHA clinicians would significantly diminish their clinical time

VHA Advantages Large integrated health system Universal EMR Robust infrastructure No state line licensing limitations Generally not affected by insurance reimbursement restrictions Affiliations and partnerships Leadership direction & support

VHA Telehealth Administrative Structure Office of Care Coordination CCHT CCGT CCSF Telehealth vs. Telemedicine Strategic Planning and Collaboration Group Purchasing and Planning National Workgroups

Benefits of Collaboration Solid framework for success Establish standards for quality & efficiency Best use of limited resources Ensure compatibility and interoperability Standardize quality Create repository of resources Reduce duplication of efforts

From VHA Telerehabilitation Workgroup

Planning Steps Create Steering Group Develop vision, mission, goals Complete SWOT analysis Identify resources Create action plan Identify outcome measures Develop plan for sustainability

V23 Telehealth Program Manager Veterans Health Administration Questions? Sandra K. Schmunk V23 Telehealth Program Manager Veterans Health Administration One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 612-467-4393 Sandra.Schmunk@med.va.gov