Benjamin Colonna and his team are being recognized for spearheading a transformative initiative in New Hampshire aimed at enhancing healthcare access and quality for Veterans, particularly in rural areas. They introduced Tele Retinal Imaging (TRI) screenings at local Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), providing critical early detection of eye diseases, especially beneficial for diabetic Veterans at high risk of vision loss. This innovative approach has significantly expanded access to TRI screenings, benefiting 7,879 Veterans who previously lacked such services.

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The pilot project, launched in January 2023 under Brian Loughlin and Shelly Hansen's leadership, focused on optimizing the TRI process at Somersworth CBOC. They streamlined scheduling by aligning TRI appointments with existing medical visits and improved efficiency by empowering Telehealth Clinical Technicians (TCTs) to directly submit TRI orders. These enhancements eliminated bottlenecks and ensured smoother operations.

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In just four months, the team completed 186 TRI screenings, identifying critical and less critical findings for 111 Veterans who required follow-up care. This success prompted the replication of their model across other New Hampshire CBOCs and the Manchester Medical Center, resulting in a remarkable 177% increase in monthly TRI screenings statewide. As a result, monthly TRI screenings surged from 47 to 160, underscoring the program's rapid scalability and impact.

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Beyond New Hampshire, their approach has been adopted by other VA locations in New England, surpassing previous screening totals within the first six months. This widespread adoption promises to benefit thousands of Veterans across the region with improved access to early detection and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of vision loss and enhancing overall health outcomes.

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Veterans have expressed gratitude for the convenience and effectiveness of local TRI screenings, emphasizing the time and cost savings compared to traveling long distances for care. The project's success not only underscores its significance in improving Veterans' access to quality healthcare but also highlights the VA's commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

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In conclusion, Benjamin Colonna and his team's initiative has not only transformed Veterans' healthcare experiences in New Hampshire but has set a benchmark for enhancing care delivery and outcomes across the VA system. Their efforts stand as a testament to the positive impact of innovative healthcare solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our nation's Veterans.