VA Secretary Denis McDonough appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 23, 2021, where he presented a review of the advance appropriations requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs.   During his appearance, Secretary McDonough noted that online video appointments between VA physicians and patients are about 18 times higher now than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Spring 2020.

The Secretary reported that nearly 2 million Vets have had one or more episodes of video care, showing that there is a massive demand for telehealth visits.  He vowed that the VA is seeking to maintain access to telehealth appointments.  In-person appointments will continue as needed, but the Secretary recognized the efficiency that comes from vets spending less time traveling to facilities while still having access to VA healthcare.

VA expects a sharp rise in demand for health care services as vets catch up with appointments missed because of COVID-19 closures.   McDonough stated he welcomed a discussion with Congress to see if there are steps for Congress to expand rule and regulations to make sure the new telehealth opinions remain.

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