Home → VA Prosthetics → VA Handbook 1173.17 - Home Telehealth Equipment Management Procedures → Background
17.2. Background
a. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2003, the newly created Office of Care Coordination Services (OCCS) was charged with implementing a CCHT program in each of the 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). During the subsequent 2 years, each VISN was allocated $1 million to implement a CCHT program which has been accomplished.
b. The VHA Prosthetic Clinical Management Program (PCMP) created Clinical Practice Recommendations (CPRs) for ordering Care Coordination and Telehealth Devices for veteran patients that were approved by the Under Secretary for Health on March 9, 2004. The CPRs covered the clinical aspects of CCHT technology and prescribed criteria for eligible veteran patients; but it only covered home telehealth equipment procurement in a general way. As the CCHT program continues to expand, there is a need to standardize the way VISNs procure and utilize this equipment. Such uniformity allows both the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) and the OCCS to collaboratively obtain accurate data on the number and dollar value of the CCHT devices purchased and issued to veterans, and remaining balances at each VA facility.
