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Veterans Clinic telecommutes
by Albert Miller

After eighteen months of operation, the Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Eureka has begun to expand in order to meet the needs of its growing number of patients. Located at 727 E Street in downtown Eureka, the clinic now serves 2,500 veterans. By the end of this year that number is expected to exceed 3,000, according to Ron Kernberg, the local VA Administrative Officer. There are an estimated 17,000 veterans living in Humboldt County with an average age of 65, he said.

The clinic expansion is targeted for completion in September. It will include additional examining rooms and a larger medical staff, including a full time social worker, according to Dr. Phillip Wagner, clinic director. The clinic's social worker will serve to coordinate a variety of clinic and other community services for optimum medical care, such as hospice, medical equipment and transportation needed by veterans, he said. Referrals to the San Francisco VA Hospital are made when a medical specialist is required.

But the need for that referral is changing rapidly. In keeping with wonders of the digital age, the Eureka VA Clinic now has state-of-the-art Video-Teleconferencing (V-Tel) equipment installed, supplied by the Veterans Administration. This is a two-way audio-visual system, linked over a high speed fiber optics [T-1] line between the Eureka VA Clinic and Fort Miley (the San Francisco VA Medical Center). The V-Tel system includes two high resolution 30-inch color monitors with a digital camera attached, which simultaneously display the patient at the Eureka clinic and the medical specialist at Fort Miley (at each end of the line). This allows patients in Eureka to be "seen" by specialists in San Francisco without the need to drive to San Francisco.

With this modern equipment the patient can be interviewed in real time, but remotely, by a medical specialist. His records, test results and x-rays can be instantly transmitted for diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Wagner added. The system also provides for high quality magnification, as is often required by a dermatologist for skin examination. Protocols for treatment by a number of medical specialists, including psychiatric evaluation, are being developed within the Veterans Administration for servicing veterans remotely in this way, according to Dr. Wagner. Other VA clinics in the San Francisco system are also connected-Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Mendocino and Honolulu. Eventually, all VA outpatient clinics, medical centers and hospitals will be interconnected with V-Tel equipment. When completed, the system's network will allow rapid access to specialists anywhere. "This will open up an unprecedented quality of medical care for veterans," Dr. Wagner predicted.

During enlargement of the Eureka VA Clinic, the full range of general medicine will continue to be available, from routine health maintenance to the treatment of chronic or acute conditions. New services are being provided at the clinic for the treatment of Agent Orange victims, Gulf War Syndrome, and for those who have been exposed to radiation. Early detection of prostate cancer and colon cancer will continue to be offered at the clinic, along with several other preventive medical practices. These include tobacco education, smoking cessation, immunization therapy and diet counseling. Clinic services are by appointment only. For routine medical needs, the management is committed to maintain service within 30 days of a request, according to Dr. Wagner. Urgent care needs are handled promptly, he said. Walk-in care and emergency room care are not available at the clinic.

Veterans who are currently enrolled in the San Francisco VA system can make an appointment in Eureka simply by calling 707-442-5335.Veterans not enrolled should call the same number for an enrollment application. Their priority status will then be determined (whether service-connected or non-service-connected), income level and share of cost,if any. Two vans now serve Humboldt County veterans who need round-trip transportation to the Eureka VA Outpatient Clinic as well as to Fort Miley (the San Francisco VA Medical Center). The van service is free. For reservations, call 707-445-0376 several days in advance. The 5-hour run from Eureka to Fort Miley includes a free evening meal and overnight accommodation at the Fort Miley Lodger Unit. One of the vans is equipped with a wheel-chair lift. Albert Miller of Rio Dell operates Miller Typographers. His e-mail address is millertype@hotmail.com.

One-time article Copyright 2000 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center .