Telehealth in Virginia: New Beginnings
Since the beginning of 2020, telehealth in the Commonwealth has exploded. In every corner of Virginia, health care providers have been making the transition from in-person care to the convenience and efficiency of telemedicine – from hospitals to free clinics, from cardiology to mental health services. Even as we emerge from the pandemic, what’s clear is that telehealth is here to stay.
As more and more practices are undertaking the transition to make telemedicine a permanent option for providers and patients alike, the Virginia Telehealth Network is here to help provide resources and guidance toward ensuring the continued growth of telemedicine throughout the commonwealth.
Transitioning the Appalachian Telemental Health Network
The Appalachian Telemental Health Network (ATHN) launched in 2019 as a state-sponsored pilot program designed to help expand the availability of telehealth services – particularly in the areas of mental and behavioral health – to rural areas of Southwest Virginia. Three years later, this pilot come to an end, though not before teaching us a great deal about how to best leverage our resources, foster important partnerships and create an ecosystem where online mental health services can be delivered to people who traditionally do not have ready access to such care.
As we say good-bye to this Pilot program – and pause to offer our thanks to all the partners, stakeholders and participants, including those in the Appalachian Telemental Health Network – we are excited to continue meeting the care needs of Virginians through innovative partnerships like ATHN.
The Virginia Telehealth Network (VTN) has been contracted to support current network participants in a transition from the technology platform utilized by ATHN to an ongoing telehealth solution that will serve your practice’s needs.
All current and former users of ATHN services are encouraged to have in place a transition strategy and download information stored in the system by March 31, 2022. Click here for instructions on how to export your patient data and information.
Answering Your Questions
As we continue our support of a stronger telemental health capacity for Virginians, please check this site regularly for updates and details as to the status and availability of services as well as important contact information. We are excited about the expansion of telemental health in Virginia and look forward to helping this care modality reach its full potential.