Veteran Chris Barcomb describes how TelePulmonology improves his quality of life<\/p>\n
Chris Barcomb, a Navy Veteran who served from 1991 to 2012, knows the value of having a care team that listens and understands. That\u2019s why he uses VA TelePulmonology for his lung health care needs.<\/p>\n
Through VA Video Connect<\/a>\u2014VA\u2019s secure videoconferencing app\u2014TelePulmonology, which is available in certain VA health care systems, connects Veterans in participating VA health care systems directly with lung specialists. For Barcomb, that means working with the team at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center <\/a>in Houston without having to travel there frequently.<\/p>\n The TelePulmonology program provides comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and ongoing care for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other pulmonary complications, bringing top-level specialty care straight to a Veteran\u2019s home.<\/p>\n A new way to manage his health<\/p>\n Barcomb works with a registered respiratory therapist to stay on top of lung symptoms related to long COVID. The appointments are personal and thorough, just like an in-person visit, and they save him valuable time and energy.<\/p>\n Telehealth is part of a larger holistic approach to his treatment. Barcomb\u2019s VA care team includes specialists, primary care providers and mental health professionals who work together to address all aspects of his well-being\u2014not just his lungs. Regular communication between care team members ensures that any changes in physical or emotional health are addressed quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cMy providers would look at my records and would see things that were related to what I was currently dealing with,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd they would help me understand how it is all related. For instance, my chronic sinus issues are all related to my pulmonology challenges. Had I not received that guidance, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am today in my recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n