Application of Teleneurology to Outpatient Care in a Major Metropolitan Area (P4.175)

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of a Teleneurology outpatient clinic for Veterans living in a major urban area. BACKGROUND: In recent years the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has developed a comprehensive telehealth network across the United States. The most noticeable impact of VHA telehealth has been on Veterans residing in remote areas with limited access to healthcare. While the majority of Veterans live in urban areas where healthcare is usually more accessible, Veterans in large cities may also face challenges to obtaining timely healthcare. Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) is among the main VHA telehealth modalities that has been integrated into the care of Veterans with a broad range of diseases. Here we report our experience in providing outpatient neurological care through CVT to Veterans in a major metropolitan area in southern California. DESIGN/METHODS: All Veterans seen by CVT in the Teleneurology clinic at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) between November 2011 and October 2014 were included. Veterans were seen at one of three community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) allied with the VALBHS. The provider was located at the Long Beach VA Medical Center. Patients were asked to complete a patient satisfaction survey. RESULTS: In total, 660 Veterans with a diverse group of neurological disorders were seen in the Teleneurology clinic between 2011 and 2014, including both new evaluations and follow-up visits. A telehealth clinical technician (TCT) assisted the provider with some components of the neurological examination. Patient satisfaction was overwhelmingly positive. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare delivery by CVT can be successful in an urban setting. Patients were comfortable with their Teleneurology encounters, and appreciated the reduced travel time and ease of parking. Quality neurological care through Teleneurology is both feasible and effective for evaluating new patients and for follow-up visits at urban CBOCs within the VHA. Disclosure: Dr. Schreiber has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lo has nothing to disclose.