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

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

3. Veterans Integrated Health Care Networks

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. From VHA Telerehabilitation Workgroup

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

10. V23 Telehealth Program Manager Veterans Health Administration
Questions?
Sandra K. Schmunk
V23 Telehealth Program Manager
Veterans Health Administration
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN