VA Video Connect Reviews

This is the first time using VAVideoConnect. Now before we start, I have the latest iPhone and M1 Mac. Internet speed of 1000 Mbps. I used the link to get into the meeting and it joined the meeting with no video or mic and i could not hear anyone. I opted then to download VAVideoConnect and then amazingly it worked intermittently frustrating connection issues from their side. The facilitator who began the presentation could not be heard from the start, and no one was being heard. They logged in, then out, then back in a number of times until they managed to maintain somewhat of a connection. He was also within the VA Hospital, I can see the office. I, on the other hand, could not hear anything the facilitator was saying. Nor can I understand anything; the presentation video was relaying so choppy and 80% with no sound. This is very frustrating; if we as Veterans are to use this venue for appointments, how can we use this efficiently if the VA has poor connection issues due to being routed through bottleneck network access. I think that the IT department needs to be evaluated and VAVideoConnect in general. Both need to be at par with the demands of Veterans and their experiences with VAVideoConnect . We need quality not quantity from apps.

VAVideoConnect. works as good as my previous doctor at VA. Was VAVideoConnect. designed in a third world country because it functions poorly. Ineptitude is the standard throughout the whole VA system. I worked 13 years for state government and similar less than quality products were created and awards were given to the technicians for simply going live, no one cared how bad the thing worked. The problem is the same in local, state, and federal government, too many people are allowed to sit in positions for too long. They resist change because “we have always done it this way” and those who sit in a position for 30 years have never experienced other employment so industry best practices are never applied. When younger and brighter staff is hired, their input is ignored and shunned so this is the reason VAVideoConnect. doesn’t work correctly and will never work correctly. But like true government, very soon they will switch to an more inferior product happily.

I normally don’t take the time to write a review even after having a bad experience but the customer service for VAVideoConnect is utter garbage. This is why veterans commit suicide but when they ask for help they just get pushed to the side and pawned off on somebody else. Call my cellphone provider to resolve issue that was the response I got. Iphone 12 which is a year old and able to connect with other devices in my house with now issues. Even tried another iphone with same issue. Customer service acting like I’m a idiot that can’t press a button and being told either it’s cellphone or internet provider. This is why veteran hate the VA let’s just pawn it off and somebody else will deal with it or they won’t be around anymore and no worries.

So I have done what everyone says to do and reached out and asked for help because of the way things are in my life and I can not think of one single time I have been to the back where I’m not filled full of excuses about how the phones and computers are down and that’s why this or that is not possible for the scheduled time. Now they tell me about this pile of junk which I was supposed to get an email about after talking on the phone and low and behold I never received it. I have been trying to get help and make my life bet r for four years and have had absolutely zero luck and nothing but excuses and garbage like this shoveled on me. Thanks for the help

Tried to use this to setup video appt today with va. Application doesn’t work with iPhone 11 ProMax. Could see video but audio did not work. Only option for audio was listed as “default” and that didn’t work. Speakerphone works fine on this device. Nice agent at VA thought it was Safari web browser problem, tried google chrome same problem. Very frustrating given long lead times to just get ahold of someone at va.

Don’t waste your time with this. Tried to get into my appointment through the text message and email link and nothing. Web browser.
VAVideoConnect just sat on my phone taking up space, telling me to open it using the link through my email and even when I went back to my email to open the link it would keep going to the web browser. So save your self the download times, frustration and memory in your phone and just use the web browser.

Yeah I jumped on for the first time to have my first time visit with the VA. Sat there in darkness for 20 minutes. Finally gave up. I was a few minutes late to my appointment because I couldn’t figure out how to get VAVideoConnect to work, maybe that’s my fault but I don’t know. Kind of felt the doctors should’ve tried to tune back in. To see if I was there.

Maybe have a help line for using the application? I don’t know.

VAVideoConnect works well once connected, but..
1) for IOS it will ask you to do a test . Once the test is completed the screen will not close and the microphone takes over the phones mic and mutes any other media apps until you shut the phone down.
2) At the time of your appointment the link has you do a complete registration sometimes with a room # and pin. This means going back to the email with the info or having the letter snail mail appointment info or it asks for completed name and address. This is more than asked at an in person appointment.
3) Once the appointment is completed I had to uninstall the program in order for my phone to gain control of the mic and camera. VAVideoConnect continued to run even when the other party at the V. A. Signed off .
4) VAVideoConnect for patient use has no sign off or exit tab/link/button whatever
They would be better with just using FACETIME.

Clicking the appointment link in my email, made it open in the Chrome web browser with a blank screen and not VAVideoConnect . I copied the website address in Chrome and pasted it to the Safari web browser. This caused it to open in VAVideoConnect . So it’s buggy as heck. Wished they fixed it or made it properly open directly from VAVideoConnect .

Having trouble with audio cutting out although mics test well on other video conferencing platforms.

The individual sending links out should state in subject more detail information as I receive numerous VCC links by email daily. I have no clue which link is for what instructor. The user needs to be informed and probably class giving to the End User here at the VA.

VAVideoConnect itself works well if I use my cellular network. If I use the VA network VAVideoConnect sound fails constantly because of bandwith issues

The interface is adequate although the delays make it very difficult to communicate with my doctor. We were talking over each other quite a bit. Initially I couldn’t see the text when inputting my name and address but tried turning dark mode off and it resolved the issue.

Over the past couple of years our VA locally has gone from simple unsecured free conference apps to using this program almost exclusively. With privacy concerns becoming more important than ever and now becoming fully compliant with HIPPA Privacy Laws I find that it is more comfortable talking about more sensitive medical concerns. This represents a giant step forward for appointments that should not be done in person. Unfortunately it is still a very poor substitute for appointments that need a physical examination and a spot on diagnosis. Most vets are not fully aware of what their different minor symptoms may mean and little issues become bigger issues very quickly. This is a good tool for informal follow up but over use will lead to bad healthcare.

I’ve been using it for a few years now and it seems to work just fine. However, make sure when you’re done with your session to go into “privacy” and turn off your microphone, video, Bluetooth and network access for VAVideoConnect . It can run those devices even after your session is complete. And they don’t tell you that. It took me awhile to creatively figure that out but you definitely want to do that. Other than that it’s a great tool!

Do not open VAVideoConnect after you installed it. Just go to your email click on the link to proceed to video medical room (vmr). Once you’ve click on that link it will ask you do you want to use va video connect app. Select open.

I don't like driving so VAVideoConnect is a godsend.I suffer from multiple mental health issues and this makes it very easy to contact and be in contact with my providers. The reminders via email also keep me up-to-date with any changes

I think the VA has done an excellent job with VAVideoConnect. I use it on my iPad with WiFi and have had absolutely no problems at all. I did have an issue where the Doctor could not hear me so she left video on and called on the phone. After my appointment was over I realized that my volume on my iPad was all the way down. That was operator error, not a problem with VAVideoConnect . It is a safe and secure way to have a face to face with any doctor at the va. Is positioning of a camera that serious? I think that with everything that is going on in the world today that it is amazing how we as a “people” have adapted. At least I can see the people I am talking to. There is absolutely nothing wrong with VAVideoConnect. Absolute Kudos to the developers and again, thank you for sour service and or support.

It was hard at first but after 2 days it is like wearing a old hat. Wish I didn’t have to put all my information in every time I get on line, but audio and video works great and using video online groups have helped with my recovery. Cannot be in person so this is the next best thing.

Great app with no lag or disconnect during usage. iPhone 8Plus device used during telehealth appointment. Internet connection speed wifi used. For all users, once the provider sends you the appointment link, you must wait for the provider to create the session and establish the connection entering the online chat. Next, the veteran will be able to access telehealth with ease. Enter your name under guest information tab and you are done.

VAVideoConnect it self is a gateway to use for video connect. Once you receive the link in your (tablet, or cellphone) you will need to click on the link says “Telehealth scheduling Service system” click on “click here now to join VA video connect visit” then as the link opens up you will want to make sure it opens up in safari not google. To do this you will have to copy the link off of your google address - copy and open safari - past the address unto safari “web address” then open the link that way it will open it up. You will have to add your name and press “connect” and make sure to allow to use microphone and video. You should be later connected with your provider. Hope this helps!

Just opens a page of text saying you have to call VA and make appointment.

Just like the VA health system, it doesn’t work.

App Store indicates version 1.1.1
The actual download is version 1.0.0

Thanks for more confusion, policy-makers, decision-makers, administrator’s, slavers-to-the-paycheckers. Traditional VA, well done.

DOES NOT WORK FOR A VET!

I called 866-651-3180 as indicated and Jean or Mr. Gean (sounds like Jean) was SOOO RUDE!! I’m an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran who suffers from PTSD & Mr. Jean was absolutely UNHELPFUL! Instead of being kind (like most VA representatives), he was rude and said (with attitude) “I CAN’T HEAR YOU, what was the name again?!” I was being polite and very humble as my appointment was in the next few minutes & I have yet to receive the link. Seriously. Forget VAVideoConnect!!! YOU WILL ONLY RELAPSE BACK INTO PTSD!!

Delete!!

I had a live appt this morning and VAVideoConnect is downloaded on my iPad. I try to log in only to read the following:

VA Video Connect supports video visits between Veterans and their VA health care team.

To enter a Virtual Medical Room (VMR), select the link from your notification or reminder email.

If you are a Veteran and have questions or would like to test VA Video Connect with a technician, please contact the VA Help Desk (Toll free) at 866-651-3180 or at 703-234-4483.

Now what?

I work in TeleHealth with the VA and I have tested VAVideoConnect with my phone and it works very well so far. We are expanding our usage of TeleHealth with the vets and this will be a great tool.

I tested with phone and my Linux tower. Works fine. You just have to follow the instructions.
Va cameras are high definition so you need a decent connection to have smooth video.opt for the 5ghz connect on your web account (Comcast is what I have)
Even if video stutters audio will be clear.
Unless your therapist is real pretty to look at the video shouldn’t be an issue.

If it doesn’t work Rtfm.

This works fine on my Linux laptop for those wondering. Also, it does NOT have an option to use a Virtual Background. Hopefully this will be included soon.

Works great on my I-phone. Cannot get it to work on either my desktop nor my laptop both with Win 10, Google Chrome and Microsoft edge. No matter what i try i get the same error reference Detect RTC is not defined. Support says it is camera related, However I have used three different online testing sites that verify the camera is working fine. There appears to be a number of Vets with the same issue. Please come up with a satisfactory solution. I use this three or four times a month and it would be much better on my computer.