The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has introduced a new way for veterans to check in to their appointments. Now, 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. This program allows for less face-to-face interaction, thus maintaining the safety of veterans and staff.
VEText is an application that is used for reminding veterans of upcoming appointments by sending a short text with the day and time of their appointment. It also allows the veteran to confirm or reschedule the appointment. Important VA messaging is also sent via these means to keep veterans informed of upcoming events or the latest COVID-19 updates.
I Am Here is an application that uses the VEText platform to allow veterans to remotely inform the clinic staff they are onsite and virtually check in. Veterans are asked to text before entering the building and await their appointment time in their vehicles. The purpose behind using this technology is to assist with physical distancing as well as ensuring that clinical areas are sanitized and ready to safely provide for veteran care.
An “I Am Here” visit is initiated when the veteran arrives at the facility and texts “here” to a previously provided number. The reply says something to the effect of: “Thank you for letting us know you are here for your appointment. Please wait for further instructions before entering the building. Please call if you have questions or need assistance.” When the provider is ready, the veteran will receive a message to the effect of: “Your provider is ready to see you now, please proceed to your appointment. We require all visitors and patients to wear a facemask while in the building.”
Another safety feature of the app includes a pre-entry COVID-19 screening registration. The veteran receives a link to the VA COVID-19 screening tool. Having veterans answer screening questions on their phone and share their results at the facility entrance speeds up the required screening process and lowers exposure risk from in-person screening.
“Providing simple, easy-to-use digital tools like this one helps reduce wait times, ease stress, and lower exposure risk,” said Nicole Kleist, group practice manager at the Iron Mountain VA. “It also helps veterans gain confidence in the new reality of increased digital interactions as part of their VA health care experience.”
Every enrolled veteran with a cell phone number listed in their health record is automatically enrolled in the VEText program, so it is very important for veterans to ensure that their local VA medical center has their current phone numbers. Veterans may update their phone numbers during check-in at their next appointment.
For more information on VEText visit the VA website at www.va.gov/HEALTH/VEText.asp
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