VA Video Connect: Life-changing Treatment for America’s VeteransTo help Veterans access vital physical and mental health services, the VA launched VA Video Connect, a telehealth program enabled by a partnership with Sprint-sponsored mobile data.

A vital service for America’s Veterans

Since 1989, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been helping veteran service men and women access the vital medical services and mental health treatment they need. Mental health struggles like anxiety are common among military Veterans, but the most frequently diagnosed condition is PTSD. Approximately 11-20% of Veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD, while 30% of Vietnam Veterans are believed to have had PTSD in their lifetimes.1

There are more than 18.2 million Veterans in the United States, over 9 million of which are supported by the VA each year. But for many of its patients, a lack of access is a major barrier to treatment.2

Video telehealth enhances the accessibility of Veteran’s healthcare by bringing services closer to Veterans and their caregivers, some of whom live hours away from a VA facility and/or have disabilities that make travel difficult. And Sprint plays a big part in making it happen.

Veterans’ accessibility issues limit treatment

Veterans need treatment, but not everybody has the time, accessibility, or capability to attend regular face-to-face appointments.

“One of the biggest challenges in providing healthcare to our Veterans is access to care,” says Dr. Teri Carper, a clinical psychologist at the Orlando VA Healthcare System.

“We see a lot of men and women who have families and full-time

jobs, who don’t have the flexibility to come sit with us at a time that’s convenient for all.”

For example, United States Veteran Jonathan Held, a patient of Dr. Carper’s, suffers with diabetic neuropathy, which limits his mobility.

“I can drive, but once I’m at my destination, my mobility is limited,” says Jonathan.

“And to make it to my appointment at the hospital on time, I’d have to leave at five in the morning.”

So, to help Veterans like Jonathan get the treatment they need without leaving home or disrupting their daily activities, the VA launched VA Video Connect, a user-friendly telehealth program accessible on any smart device, tablet, or computer.

1. U.S. News 2. CNN

VA Video Connect

A major cellular carrier has waived the data fee for Veterans who are using VA Video Connect to get their healthcare from the VA.

Often when Veterans connect with Wi-Fi, it can be spotty, so in those instances we have Veterans switch to data.* Dr. Teri Carper Psychologist at Orlando VA

A digital bridge between doctor and patient

VA Video Connect enables veteran access to gold-star, evidence-based treatment from the comfort of their own home, or wherever they may be, using their laptop or mobile device.

But after going live with its telehealth program, the VA found one issue remained: inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity. They discovered that not everybody’s internet connection was reliable enough to support a disruption-free session. Many Veterans needed an alternative way of connecting— and it needed to be free of charge.

By partnering with Sprint, the VA is now able to offer free, reliable mobile connectivity to its veteran patients for use across all VA Video Connect sessions.

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* Note that data used over a VPN session will incur charges due to technical limitations.

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VA Video Connect

They do get better. It’s a no brainer to offer this to all our Veterans who are in need of mental health services. Dr. Teri Carper Psychologist at Orlando VA

Free remote treatment with Sprint

VA Video Connect is a life-changing program, and one which Sprint is delighted to help make accessible to as many Veterans as possible.

To produce a high-quality video session, this solution uses approximately 1264kbs per second. Veterans could use a significant portion of their monthly data for a single video visit.

With this solution, the VA can help Veterans save in data fees by using Sprint’s network for free instead of their personal mobile data allowance.

“For some Veterans, using personal data to connect would be cost prohibitive,” says Dr. Carper.

“So, removing that barrier to care is fantastic.”

More importantly yet, VA’s telehealth solution has received incredible feedback from veteran users.

“I no longer have to get up at 4:45 in the morning and face the stress of Orlando traffic,” says Jonathan.

“I just brush my teeth and comb my hair; and here I am. I love it.”

Crucially, the VA’s research has found no difference in treatment outcome compared to in-person therapy sessions—so Veterans are able to get the same high standard of care, wherever they are.

For more information about VA Video Connect, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website

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