Veterans Affairs to open clinic in Salida
Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced they will open a clinic in Salida for veterans enrolled in veterans affairs health care.
The clinic will be in the middle of the three new professional buildings under construction on the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center campus. Opening date depends upon completion of the building but is anticipated by Dec. 15.
The clinic will be a telehealth clinic in which the patient's primary care provider isn't on site. In this case the Pueblo VA Outpatient Clinic will be linked electronically to the clinic in Salida.
It will be staffed by a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse. The primary care provider - a physician, physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner - will work from the Pueblo VA Clinic and travel to Salida at least once a month to see patients.
The clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Telehealth is an expansion of telemedicine, and unlike telemedicine which focuses on the curative aspect, telehealth encompasses preventive, promotive and curative aspects. Telehealth was first used to describe administrative or educational functions related to telemedicine.
In real-time telehealth, allows instantaneous interaction. Video-conferencing equipment is among the most common forms of synchronous telemedicine. Peripheral devices may be attached to computers or video-conferencing equipment which can aid in interactive examination.
Officials said telehealth is becoming increasingly popular with veterans because it provides greater access to medical care by reducing travel required or by providing an instant link from home to medical centers or community based outpatient clinics.
Telehealth began in May when the veterans affairs provided $215 million to improve service for veterans in rural areas.
Veterans affairs employees headed by Mark Stevenson, assistant director of Eastern Colorado Health Care System, began the project in May. They said it may become a showcase for telehealth medicine.
Care coordination general telehealth uses technology to make diagnoses, manage care, perform check-ups and provide care. More information is at http://www.carecoordination.va.gov/telehealth/.
Veterans enrolled and receiving health care through VA may go to the clinic when it opens and change their preferred facility to Salida.
They will be assigned to the primary care provider and issued an appointment if necessary.
Patients who previously used VA for health care but haven't used it for some time will need to complete VA Form 10-10EZR, available from the Chaffee County Veterans Service Office.
Salida office hours are from 9-11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday or call 539-3803 for information. The office is at 217 E. Third St.
Veterans who have never signed up for VA health care may go to the veterans service office and personnel will help determine eligiblity and help with enrollment.
Veterans should take a copy of separation papers DD-214. Local office personnel can assist in obtaining a copy of DD-214s.
Veterans who need a ride to the clinic may call Neighbor to Neighbor, which has handicapped accessible vans. Local VA vans cannot be used for that purpose.
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