The Arizona Telemedicine Program Blog

Ruby and I have got it down pat. A bark at the back door tells me one of two things: "I want to go outside" or "I'm ready to come back in."

But a few months ago, when Ruby – my 65-pound standard poodle -- signaled her wish to come in, the next thing I noticed was how she was holding up her left front foot, while giving me her "Do something!" look.

Standing or walking on that foot was obviously painful, but I found no wound or bite to tell me what was wrong.

In May of 2018, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) introduced new legislation that would allow network healthcare providers to treat veterans using telehealth technology. The VA has extended this privilege across state lines.

During the announcement of the new legislation, the Veterans Administration also introduced VA Video Connect, a video conferencing app created especially for veterans and VA care providers. The innovations allow care providers to deliver services no matter where physicians or patients are located.

The Veterans Administration collaborated closely with the White House Office of American Innovation and the Department of Justice to draft the new law. They partnered from the original incarnation of the law as the "Authority of Healthcare Providers to Practice Telehealth" to its new name called "Anywhere to Anywhere." The ruling is essential for supporting initiatives designed to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for veterans.

There’s no question that telemedicine is incredibly innovative, and changing healthcare as we know it. Beyond that, of great importance is telemedicine’s wonderful potential for disaster planning and recovery efforts.

Telemedicine has proved its potential to transform the healthcare industry in many ways. Doctors can prescribe medication and treatments without ever seeing their patients face to face. Industry experts and experienced professionals can communicate with more people outside their usual network, offering services and guidance.

The first American Thanksgiving took place in October -- not November --1621. Pilgrims still new to America wanted to celebrate their first harvest in their new country with the Wampanoag Indians, with whom they maintained peace and good will for many decades. New land meant new ways to do good for others, and themselves..

Nearly 400 years have passed since that first Thanksgiving, and this year, those of us with the Arizona Telemedicine Program (ATP) are thankful for the opportunities we have to work with you, and do good for others, and ourselves.

Nearing the end of 2018, some of us jotted down our thoughts about what we are thankful for this year. We hope you enjoy our comments, and wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving!

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions affecting older adults, but it affects individuals of all ages, from newborns on up. Known for its negative impact on communication, age-related hearing loss, if left untreated, can lead to depression and other health problems as well.  Despite the prevalence of hearing loss among older adults, a number of access barriers has contributed to the low uptake of hearing healthcare services.