Ernst pushes for improved telehealth services for veterans

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) spoke before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday about the importance of the Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Act of 2015 (VETS Act).

Ernst introduced the bipartisan legislation, currently under consideration by the committee, in October with Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI). The VETS Act is aimed at improving health care access for disabled and rural veterans through the expansion of telehealth services provided by the Department of Veterans Affair (VA).

“According to the VA, in Fiscal Year 2014, telehealth reduced bed days of care by 54 percent, reduced hospital admissions by 32 percent, and saved $34 in travel savings per consultation,” Ernst said. “Our legislation is straightforward, commonsense, and builds upon this work that the VA is already doing in telemedicine. It allows VA doctors to conduct telemedicine across state lines for patients in their homes—something they’re already able to do within state lines. “

The VA, under current law, is only allowed to waive the state telehealth services license requirement if both the patient and physician are located in a federally owned facility. The VA can also only perform at-home telehealth care if both the patient and physician are in the same state. These stipulations serve as a deterrent for both rural and disabled veterans seeking treatment from physicians in another state, forcing some veterans to travel long distances to federal facilities to receive telehealth services by phone or camera.

Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-GA) said that the legislation “does address a critical need,” adding that “…we want to move forward as soon as we can. It’s a great suggestion that really helps to solve a problem in the most economical way, but also benefit mostly our veterans which is why we’re here to begin with.”

Telehealth is a growing component of veteran health care, with demand for the service continuing to climb. According to the VA, veteran telehealth services grew by 18 percent in Fiscal Year 2014, with more than 12 percent of veterans receiving portions of their care in that manner. The services save veterans a reported $2,000 per year in health related costs.