A tech application enables veterans going to medical appointments to stay informed about their appointment and to not have to sit in waiting rooms in close quarters.
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain has introduced a way for veterans to check in to their appointments. VEText can be used to notify the facility of the veteran’s presence and to notify the veteran when they are ready to be seen.
Spokesperson Brad Nelson says this program has been around for awhile. They're complying with CDC guidelines on physical distancing......
"Some of our facilities like Rhinelander and some of our smaller clinics, even at our medical center, our waiting rooms aren't necessarily big. It provides us an opportunity to provide an avenue for veterans to check in with the text and then waiting in their vehicle...."
Using VEText, the veterans sends a message "I am here" and as soon as the provider is ready, they send a message saying come on in. Nelson says this method increases the safety for the staff and veteran and reduces the wait time. He says the feedback on the program so far has been positive. He says veterans are used to getting VEText updates so it's not something radically new to them.
Nelson says they've been increasing face-to-face visits at the center it will provide another laying of physical distancing for veterans and staff. For more information on VEText visit the VA website at www.va.gov/HEALTH/VET
