Bridging the gap: bringing specialty care to rural veterans through telehealth | va nebraska-western iowa health care | veterans affairs

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — In the heart of rural Nebraska, the North Platte Community-Based Outpatient Clinic is revolutionizing the way Veterans access healthcare through the power of telehealth

technology. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including Luanne Schrader-Songster, a telehealth Licensed Practical Nurse with 11 years of experience with the VA, this clinic

is bringing specialty care closer to home for Veterans who would otherwise have to travel hours to receive treatment.  For many rural Veterans, age, illness, and transportation issues can

make traveling to larger VA clinics in cities like Lincoln or Omaha difficult.  The challenges faced by rural Veterans in accessing healthcare are not unique to Nebraska. Across the country,

many Veterans living in remote areas need help to receive the care they need due to distance, transportation issues, and a lack of nearby facilities. By bringing care closer to home through

telehealth, the VA addresses these challenges head-on and ensures that all Veterans have access to the necessary services.  The importance of bringing this specialty care to rural

communities cannot be overstated. In North Platte, for example, Veterans would have to drive hours to reach clinics in South Dakota, Lincoln, Kansas, or Colorado. "There are many of

them, age-wise, condition-wise, illnesses, whatever, that cannot make it to the bigger VA clinics," Schrader-Songster said.  Telehealth technology has been crucial in bridging the gap

between rural Veterans and the specialty care they need. By leveraging this technology, the VA ensures that all Veterans, regardless of where they live, can access high-quality healthcare

services.  The North Platte clinic offers more than 50 specialties through telehealth, ensuring Veterans receive comprehensive care close to home. "Telehealth is meeting the Veterans

where they're at," Schrader-Songster said. "The Veterans come into our clinic because this is their closest clinic, and they're able to see the specialty providers from

any location."  "It's taking care of them and giving them what they deserve," Schrader-Songster added. "It's also making sure that they get what they need.

Again, so many of them may go without it, unable to travel. So, we're here, we can provide that care, and we're going to give them the best care."  As a telehealth LPN,

Schrader-Songster serves at the hands of remote doctors who may be located several states away. “I am the doctor’s hands on-site with the patient; the doctor is remote,” she said. “We have

providers from Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, Florida, and Minnesota. We take care of patients, do the heart and lung sounds, and do anything depending on what is needed for that clinic.” The

role of a telehealth LPN is crucial in ensuring that Veterans receive the same high-quality care they would expect from an in-person visit. By acting as the remote provider's eyes,

ears, and hands, Schrader-Songster can facilitate a comprehensive examination and ensure that the Veteran's needs are met.  During a typical appointment, Schrader-Songster greets the

patient, takes their vitals, and performs any necessary examinations or tests as directed by the remote provider. She also addresses any additional needs the Veteran may have, such as

hearing aids or glasses, and helps connect them with the appropriate VA services.  This wide range of specialties available through telehealth is part of VA's commitment to providing

Veterans comprehensive care, regardless of location. From mental health services to specialty clinics for chronic conditions, the North Platte clinic is equipped to handle the diverse

healthcare needs of our Veteran population.  "We want to ensure that every specialty they need can get met here in our clinics, whether telehealth or whatever it is. Take care of our

Veterans," Schrader-Songster said. The impact of telehealth extends beyond just the Veterans themselves.  For Veterans who may not be aware of the telehealth services available at their

local VA clinic, Schrader-Songster has a simple message: "Come in or call and check us out. We have every staff member here as a voice for what the Veterans deserve and what we can do

for the Veterans. We're going to find a way to help them."