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| Vol. 24, No. 4 |
| March 1, 2002 |
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New VA Network Telecare Center Operates 24/7 by BOBBI GRUNER Houston VA Medical Center Medical help is now just a phone call away. Professionally trained registered nurses at the VA Network Telecare Center are ready to help answer your health care questions 24/7. That’s right – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The South Central VA Health Care Network created its Telecare Center as part of its ongoing efforts to provide veterans with timely and informative health care information. All telephone calls are answered by a staff of nurses experienced in telephone assessment of medical situations and crisis intervention. Nurses use their training and experience as well as other readily available resources to assist veterans who call. Telecare nurses provide both medical and emotional support. They are trained to give symptom analysis, instruct on first aid procedures, help with stress and anxiety, answer medication questions, explain lab test results, educate patients about specific diseases, and check appointments. The purpose of this service is to provide veterans with timely access to information. A call to the Telecare Center might also help a veteran avoid a long emergency room wait. The VA Network Telecare Center benefits veterans already enrolled in the system, because the nurses are able to review patient records and document care for veterans in the system. Nonenrolled veterans or anonymous callers may receive emergency assistance and will be referred to community resources after being given enrollment information. FAST FACTS: What number do I call? In Southeast Texas, dial (713) 794-8985 or toll free 1-800-639-5137. Why should I call? You should call if you’re seeking information about health care. Should I call if it’s a life-threatening emergency? No. The Telecare Center is not for life-threatening emergencies. If you have a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 9-1-1. What information will I need to call? You will be asked for your name, Social Security number, the VA medical center you usually visit, and the reason for your call. I have a complaint. Should I call the Telecare Center? No. The Telecare Center is not a complaint line. Please limit your calls to questions about your health. Who should I call if I have a health care complaint? Contact your local VA medical center and ask to speak with a patient representative. In Houston, the telephone number is (713) 794-7883. In Beaumont, call (409) 981-8550 and in Lufkin, the telephone number is (936) 633-2753.
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E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
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