WESTPORT — Though no physician is on staff just now, the Veterans Administration outreach clinics in Westport and Saranac Lake remain open to see patients.
Concerns have spread through the North Country because the highly respected doctor who staffed the two clinics left.
He had to take care of family issues in Florida, said Veterans Administration Public Affairs Officer Peter Potter from Albany's Stratton VA Medical Center.
The Medical Center oversees care of veterans in the region.
"We're not looking at closing," he emphasized.
'VERY NIFTY'
Telemedicine — in use even with a physician on staff — helps fill the gap as the search continues for a new doctor.
"It's all the rage. It's utilized very well. The cameras are very nifty," Potter said.
Patients are diagnosed by physicians off-site with the help of close-up cameras that can focus in the ears, nose, on skin lesions and other areas of concern.
The technology expands the expertise available for diagnosis, as the Veterans Administration has specialists who can offer input remotely.
"If there is an urgent need, we can contract with other medical personnel" to see patients, Potter said. "Nurses can make that determination.
"We will not make a vet wait," he added.
At times, the VA sends medical practitioners to the homes of patients to check on them and do testing, such as blood-sugar levels.
There have been times that EMS has been called or professionals have been sent to residences to help with illnesses such as depression.
QUASHES RUMORS
A recent hiring attempt for the two clinics ended when a physician the VA was considering did not have the credentials needed for the position.
"We have high standards," Potter said.
The hiring process is a lengthy and detailed one that starts with announcement of the position that involves wait-time to receive resumes, checking credentials (not just a doctor's diploma but other certifications) and interviews.
Much of this is done by a source outside the VA.
"It's a more complex issue, as we are looking at experiences, not just someone out of medical school," Potter said. "We want someone who has seen more things, such as post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injury and exposure to Agent Orange.
"We can't risk, for the vet's sake (a new doctor) not having enough experience.
"We double check licenses. It's a challenge to fill this need in the North Country, but not an impossible task."
Also sought is a nurse manager.
Rumors circulating that the clinics will close are untrue, he said.
"We are not moving out. We have been very happy with both sites.
"In a way, it's a good thing that people have been upset, as it shows that the clinics have been doing a good job."
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