Sheridan VA: specialized medicine and telemedicine offer vets more options

Sheridan VA Chief of Medicine Dr. Marvin Miller, Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Medical Director Dr. Laci Little and Public Affairs Specialist Kristina Miller made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to speak on the expanding medical services available for veterans here in Sheridan. 

Dr. Miller said the medical specialist services at the Sheridan VA have expanded to meet the growing need of veterans for some time. If a specialist is not physically present at the Sheridan VA, the use of telemedicine has been utilized as means to connect patients with these skilled practitioners. 

Dr. M Miller

The use of telemedicine as a means to see a specialist, therapist and even a provider is nothing new but the utilization of this tool expanded greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Little said in some cases, the recruitment of the specialist can be difficult. Some doctors are so specialized in their skills their services are required elsewhere just based on population and the number of veterans in the area. Telemedicine allows more rural states, like Wyoming, to get veterans the quality specialized care they need without having to send them to other locations. 

Dr. L. Little 

Telemedicine has been used by the VA for decades. According to the VA, one of the Administration’s first forays into telehealth occurred in 1959 when the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute set up a two-way television system to conduct group therapy sessions with Veterans at the Omaha VA Medical Center and other VA sites in the state. Only a few years later, VA physicians in Boston teamed up with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the New England Telephone Company on a telehealth project that allowed for remote monitoring of a patient’s vitals.

Dr. Miller admits that when he was first introduced to the practice of telemedicine, he and many of his colleagues questioned the level of care they would be able to provide to patients. But those apprehensions have been put to rest. The use of telemedicine can keep veterans closer to home while receiving care and prevent the need to travel long distances for appointments. 

Dr. M. Miller

The VA reports that telehealth programs have been developed, or are currently under development, for more than 50 specialty areas of care, including TeleAddiction, TeleAudiology, TeleCardiology, TeleDermatalogy, TeleMental Health, TeleMOVE! Weight Management, TelePrimary Care, and TeleStroke. VA Telehealth Services makes it easier for Veterans—whether they are at home or in a clinic or hospital—to connect with their VA care team and access care when and where they need it.

To learn more about the specialized medicine available at the Sheridan VA Health Care System, click here.