Dear Editor,

I have worked in health care for many years and it baffles me when clients do not have a sufficient understanding of their illness or medications. Communication is the key to opening opportunity; which brings me to the main issue. The VA health care system needs to improve communication between ancillary services to providers and nursing staff. This would put everyone on the same page and, hopefully, this knowledge would trickle down to the veteran clients. Two specific areas come to mind: telehealth and diabetic supplies. Telehealth is a new, home monitoring system available to veterans and nursing staff can input the request. The system is free, requires a land line, and allows the provider to follow the veteran’s health. Veterans with diabetes are entitled to two pairs of shoes and six pairs of socks each year. In addition, application of prescribed ointments, and certain braces allow veterans to apply for and receive an annual clothing allowance of $900. These are just a few examples of benefits all veterans should be aware of. I strongly encourage veterans to be aware of their benefits in order to receive SC compensation. Knowledge provides each of us the ability to ask the right questions and get the most from a provider visit.

Patricia Davis

Hamlet