Is it the moment for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to completely adopt virtual care?
The VA has historically been one of America’s foremost innovators in health care. From leading the way in electronic health records to establishing one of the first genuinely integrated care systems, the VA has frequently stayed decades ahead of the private sector.
However, the system is currently under pressure. Almost 94 percent of VA facilities are encountering physician shortages, and 79 percent are short on nursing staff. The most substantial wave of Vietnam Veterans is now in their late seventies and eighties, many coping with heart disease, diabetes, COPD, or PTSD. Some travel for hours just to have a 10-minute appointment at a VA clinic. Families, especially those in rural regions, are taking on more responsibility as access dwindles.
At the same time, new policy requirements are increasing the demand to accomplish more with less. Federal measures aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are transforming operations. Regardless of intent, these initiatives risk diminishing access when Veterans need increased support, not a reduction.
The VA has encountered similar challenges previously. Each time, it has adapted with new care models that have set benchmarks for the nation. This is one of those crucial times. To continue being the nation’s leader in health care innovation and to uphold its commitments to Veterans, the VA must now spearhead connected, “virtual-first” care that brings services to Veterans rather than requiring them to come in person.
Think about remote patient monitoring. A blood pressure cuff or glucose meter at home can relay readings directly to a care team. Instead of enduring weeks waiting for an appointment, a Veteran’s health can be monitored daily. Nurses can intervene with a phone call or medication adjustment before an issue escalates into an emergency.
Harold, a 78-year-old Vietnam Veteran from rural Arizona, has experienced this firsthand. As his heart failure began to worsen, a remote scale and blood pressure cuff identified early fluid retention. His doctor modified his medication, allowing Harold to avoid hospitalization. The alternative? A preventable admission that could have incurred costs in the tens of thousands.
Angela, a 35-year-old Iraq War Veteran, encountered a different situation. Struggling with PTSD and depression, she frequently sidestepped appointments due to anxiety and childcare duties. Thanks to virtual counseling, she hasn’t missed a session in months. Her eight-year-old recently remarked to his teacher, “Mom smiles more now.”
Some fear that technology-based care will lack a personal touch. Yet for Veterans, efficiency translates to more dignity, not less. Should an 80-year-old travel three hours for a blood pressure check when he could relax at home? Why should a caregiver sacrifice wages to accompany a loved one when they can attend virtually and still participate in the visit? Should a Veteran require an ER visit when a timely alert could signal the issue days in advance?
Efficiency, in this scenario, is not impersonal. It is deeply humane.
However, the VA cannot make this digital transformation independently. Technology achieves results only when it is secure, scalable, and integrated into existing care systems. That necessitates the right partnerships. The VA has already demonstrated the strength of collaboration through its partnerships with Accenture and Microsoft. Now it requires collaborators who can build on that foundation: platforms that link devices, data, doctors, care teams, and families into a cohesive experience.
The issue is not merely launching more pilot programs; the VA has conducted many of those. The real challenge lies in scaling effective solutions to benefit millions. If done correctly, this approach is not only compassionate but also financially beneficial. A recent study at White Plains Hospital found that integrated remote monitoring cut heart failure readmissions to 2.6 percent, compared to the national average of 23 percent. This kind of outcome saves funds, fortifies families, and allows Veterans to remain where they prefer—at home.
Our Veterans deserve more than incremental improvements. They are entitled to a system that is accessible, dignified, and future-focused. Connected care provides exactly that. It expands capacity through technology. It engages families by involving them in the care process. Most importantly, it upholds the promise our nation has made for generations.
The time is now for the VA and its partners to take decisive action, expand virtual care, and genuinely revolutionize health delivery. Our Veterans deserve nothing less.
Kent Dicks is a health care executive.