Emergency care is now available by phone for veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Tele-emergency care (tele-EC) gives veterans access to VA emergency care from anywhere.

“Veterans can now be evaluated for possible emergencies from the comfort of their home,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “Sometimes you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is a minor emergency or not, and tele-emergency care can help you resolve those questions.”

As part of VA Health Connect, a clinical triage nurse evaluates veterans over the phone or through video chat. In cases where there’s a life-threatening emergency, the triage nurse calls 911 and stays on the line until help arrives.

The program, piloted this year, has helped more than 60,000 callers so far and has a case resolution rate of 59.4%. Tele-EC does not replace the need for in-person emergency evaluation, but for veterans in rural areas or those with mobility issues, a call can save driving time, waiting and possible exposure to others’ illnesses. It also doesn’t require a copay.

Tele-EC is one of the many ways the VA is increasing veterans’ access to VA health care. To enroll in VA care, visit va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply.