Changes Coming for Local VA Health Care

Area veterans are receiving mailed invitations to attend a June 26 meeting at the Lamar VA Clinic where they will be briefed on VA Telehealth services which will become a new treatment procedure.  The meeting will be conducted at the Lamar VA Clinic that Wednesday from 9:30am to 12pm. 

The rental agreement between the VA and Prowers Medical Center will terminate on August 31.  The VA is currently seeking another rental property in the immediate area.  Primary care for Lamar area veterans will be conducted by Shari Logan, Nurse Practitioner, who is replacing Bryce Thacker in that capacity.  The letter states that other clinical staff, services and location will remain the same, pending any new development between the VA and PMC. 

Telehealth services use a video computer to connect a patient in one office with a medical provider in another office, perhaps located in another VA facility in a different city or state.  A local healthcare provider will be with the patient to assist in a diagnosis or medical conference.  The VA listed the basic Telehealth Specialty services that will be provided at first, with other specialties to be added as needed:  Primary Care, Mental Health, Weight Management, Chronic Care Management, Diabetes Management, Smoking Cessation, Podiatry and New Veterans Orientation.  Part of the concept of Telehealth is to minimize the need and expense of long distance travel for the veteran to receive treatment. 

For any questions regarding the future changes, contact Martha Martinez, Administrative Officer in La Junta at 719-383-5101 or 877-329-2625 (ext) 5101.

by Russ Baldwin