WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conducted 9.2 million video telehealth appointments with patients in 2022, and 9.4 million such virtual visits in 2023.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has programs to bridge the so-called "digital divide," to help the one-third of U.S. veterans who may lack broadband or internet-connected devices.
In 2019, the VHA established the Accessing Telehealth at Local Area Stations (ATLAS) pilot program, partnering with non-VA entities such as Walmart and Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts to provide private spaces where veterans who may have limited or no broadband, including those residing in rural areas, can have video telehealth visits with VHA providers.
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But according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, of the 24 sites that were active in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, 14 had zero visits from vets.
"I think it's a noble idea. They've put in an effort but unfortunately, it has yet to be used," said GAO Health Care Director Alyssa Hundrup.
Hundrup said setting goals and measures would help VHA determine whether it should make changes to the program, including adjusting its strategies to address low ATLAS site usage.
"VA really needs to be looking at the effectiveness of these sites, where they are, how they're using them, are they getting the word out to communicate with the veterans the availability of these? Otherwise, these sites are sitting there being unused and it's a real missed opportunity," she said.