News

Text Messaging Streamlines Appointment Process

The new VEText technology helps keep veterans on top of their VA health care appointments for a smoother experience.


 

Millions of VA health care appointments are missed each year. But VEText aims to change that by sending reminders to veterans via their cell phones.

Five months after the automated interactive text-message system was introduced, > 3 million patients have received reminder texts—and have then canceled 319,504 appointments, freeing up time slots for other veterans to use.

More than 100 VA facilities are using VEText. Veterans who have used the health care system and have a cell phone number listed in their electronic health records (EHR) are automatically enrolled in VEText. The first text message reminder is sent 7 days before the appointment, and a second reminder is sent 2 days before the appointment. (The timing and frequency may vary by facility.) Veterans with multiple appointments on the same day receive multiple remainders. Veterans can also opt out of the text-messaging reminders.

Because it is integrated with the VA’s EHR system, VEText does not require manual action by VA staff, which can mean staff have more time to provide more personalized care, the VA says.

For more information about VEText, visit https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/VEText.asp.

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