Amata Welcomes Action for Veterans Telehealth Access

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee and its Health Subcommittee, today welcomed an invite to the White House announcement of action to make healthcare more readily available to the veterans of American Samoa.

"Veterans in American Samoa need efficient access to their doctors, and this announcement is a good step forward," said Aumua Amata. "American Samoan veterans face travel costs and delays for medical attention, but technology can help them see their doctor much more quickly and affordably. I greatly appreciate the continuing work of Chairman Phil Roe and all the Members of the Committee on these ongoing issues, as well as today's action by Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin."

The White House and the V.A. today announced a program called VA Video Connect that allows VA healthcare providers to use mobile devices to connect with veterans on their personal mobile devices, including smart phones or tablets, or their home computers. They also announced a new technology called the Veterans Appointment Request (mobile.va.gov/appstore). This allows a veteran to schedule or manage their appointments directly with VA providers.

Telehealth is a growing concept that should eventually allow veterans to access their doctor remotely using the internet without being restricted by state lines. This upgrade in service is particularly important to American Samoan veterans who otherwise would need to travel to see a physician, and often need to speak to doctors in Honolulu or elsewhere.

"This is a great example of working to remove an outdated obstacle for people," Aumua Amata continued. "In my service on the Health Subcommittee, we've discussed the need for the best possible health care to veterans everywhere, and I'm pleased to see important progress made. I will continue to work on legislative solutions for full telehealth access to doctors."

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