Page 21 - Desert Oracle September 2021

VA Video Connect (VVC) Data (as of August 2, 2021):
• For FY21, NAVAHCS has provided 19,850 VVC appointments for Veterans. Veterans are
continuing to utilize VVC services in-lieu of face-to-face appointments and are anticipating
further expansion of services.

MyHealtheVet Update
• Veterans can save time by using MyHealtheVet for all their routine healthcare needs. Veterans
can make appointments, contact providers, and request prescription refills.
• MyHealtheVet Advanced Account Changes: On September 1, 2021, the Advanced level
accounts for registered MyHealtheVet users will no longer be offered and all My HealtheVet
users are encouraged to upgrade to Premium accounts.
• Premium accounts provide enhanced security and better protect personal information through
identity verification.
• Premium users will maintain access to pharmacy features, including online prescription refills.
• Premium users will also be able to access key VA health records, use secure messaging,
manage VA appointments, and sign into VA mobile apps.
• *If Users do not upgrade, all Advanced accounts will revert to Basic and users will no longer be
able to access features to include: Requesting and tracking VA prescription refills online and
viewing their allergies and medication history from the VA electronic health record. Users can
upgrade in person, online or via video appointment.

CPAP Recall Update
• Philips CPAP, BPAP and Respirator Recall: On June 14, 2021 Philips Respironics announced
a voluntary recall on CPAP, BiLevel PAP, and Ventilator Devices. (Potential health risks
related to deterioration of soundproofing foam).
• Access to a very limited VA inventory is under review with the National Center for Ethics in
Healthcare to determine allocation for Veterans with greatest needs
• VA is implementing logistics process to ensure tracking and accountability for devices
• Ethically grounded allocation approach
o Health risks to determine distribution
o Shared decision making with patients and providers, including alternatives to CPAP
o VA to support clinical providers
o Devices will come from VA regardless of community care or VA health care status
o Community providers face the same limited supplies as VA
• Additional information about the CPAP Recall is located here.

Construction Updates:

• The new Radiology Expansion Project is scheduled to be completed in October 2021.
o The main road (COL Holmberg Road will remain closed until the contraction is
complete).
• The new Warehouse is scheduled to be completed sometime in December 2021.
• The Primary Care Expansion and Consolidation contract has been awarded. Estimated
completion is set for January 2023.
• Site selection has been made for the new Lake Havasu CBOC. We will share more information
next month.

Veteran VA Medical Care Debts