Telehealth can save long drives for older veterans and their caregivers.
What's available
Any veteran enrolled in VA health care can receive telehealth, though it isn’t suitable for every condition. Live visits by video or phone work like in-person appointments, and can be requested online, by phone or in person1.
Tips for caregivers
Ask the VA care team which telehealth options fit the veteran’s needs; telehealth isn’t right for every condition1.
ATLAS sites
ATLAS locations are community spaces with private rooms, high-speed internet and an on-site attendant who helps connect to the video visit2.
Live visits and visits that aren't live
VA groups telehealth into two kinds. Synchronous telehealth happens in real time: a scheduled video or phone appointment with a provider, a specialist consultation, or a follow-up visit1. Asynchronous telehealth doesn’t happen live: the veteran or caregiver sends something in, and the care team reviews it and follows up later1.
| Option | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Video visit at home | Live appointment on a phone, tablet or computer | Follow-ups, medication reviews, mental health |
| Phone visit | Live appointment by telephone | Veterans without internet or video skills |
| Secure messaging | Written messages through My HealtheVet or the VA app | Non-urgent questions and refills |
| Photos and questionnaires | Uploaded images or forms reviewed later | Skin concerns, symptom check-ins |
| Remote monitoring | Readings like blood pressure, glucose or weight sent from home | Heart failure, diabetes, COPD |
| ATLAS site | A private room in a community location with an attendant | Veterans with poor home internet |
Making telehealth work for an older parent
- Do a test call first. Ask the clinic whether a staff member can run a practice video call before the real appointment.
- Sit in on the visit. A caregiver can join a video visit with the veteran's permission to help with hearing, memory and follow-up notes.
- Use phone visits when video is too hard. Phone appointments are a live telehealth option too1.
- Ask about a device. If the veteran has no smartphone, tablet or computer, ask the care team whether VA can help with a device or internet access; video visits require both1.
- Turn up the volume and light. A well-lit room and a headset or amplifier help veterans with hearing or vision loss. See VA hearing and vision care.
Remote monitoring for chronic illness
For veterans with heart failure, diabetes, COPD or high blood pressure, remote patient monitoring sends readings like weight, blood sugar and blood pressure from home to a VA care coordinator, who calls when numbers drift1. For a frail veteran, catching a three-pound weight gain early can mean a medication change instead of an emergency room visit.
Remote monitoring works well alongside Home Based Primary Care, whose team visits in person and can check in by video between visits3.
What it costs
Telehealth is part of VA health care, so the same copay rules apply to the veteran’s priority group. Veterans with a service-connected rating of 10% or more don’t pay outpatient copays, and others may owe the $15 primary care or $50 specialty copay in 2026; ask the clinic whether a copay applies to a particular telehealth visit4. Telehealth also cuts trips, which reduces the need for travel reimbursement and long rides.
When telehealth isn't the right choice
VA says telehealth isn’t suitable for every condition or situation1. Hands-on exams, many procedures, lab draws and imaging still need an in-person visit, and secure messages aren’t for emergencies; call 911 for an emergency. Response times for messages can vary by clinic1. If a parent’s needs are growing, ask about community care near home when VA can’t offer care nearby5.
Getting started
- Ask the primary care team which visits can be virtual. Telehealth appointments can be requested online, by phone or in person1.
- Sign in to VA.gov or the VA: Health and Benefits app. Secure messages and many video links run through them1.
- Set up delegate access if you help manage care. Ask the clinic how a caregiver can be added so you can message the team.
- Find an ATLAS site if home internet is weak. ATLAS locations have private rooms, internet and an attendant to help connect2.
Telehealth for the caregiver too
VA’s caregiver programs offer some support by phone and video, including coaching and peer support, which can help a caregiver who can’t leave the house6. Ask the Caregiver Support Program which sessions are offered virtually.