FORUM-Translating Research into Quality Health Care for Veterans: June 2001

With the implementation of veterans integrated service networks (VISNs) and the shift toward communitybased primary care, VA has made tremendous strides in improving access to veterans’ health care. We know, for example, that the number of veterans served by VA increased 30 percent from 1996 to 2000. In addition, more than 400 VA community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) currently provide care to veterans throughout the system. Moreover, 87 percent of veterans who enroll for VA health care services are able to be seen by a VA provider within 30 miles of their home. These are substantial accomplishments! Technological advances are also helping VA improve access to care. Telephone triage and advice programs have been implemented at all VA hospitals, and health education is available to veterans on the Internet. Last year, VA provided more than 350,000 consultations via telemedicine. Telemedicine and in-home teleconsultation programs have also been implemented for spinal cord injury patients. In 1998 and 1999, the Vet Center program implemented the Vet CenterLinked Primary Care Project, which uses telemedicine to make primary care more accessible for high-risk, under-served veterans. In addition, the use of computers and electronic communication is improving care coordination and cutting through barriers of care. One new software program, Web Top, allows VA physicians and nurses to view patient records from other sites. With “real-time” information sharing, the medical decision-making process is expedited and patients receive the services they need faster. VA has also made it easier for veterans to apply for VA health care by eliminating nearly threequarters of the forms we once required for application and enrollment. Veterans may now obtain applications for enrollment and medical care on the Internet. In addition, they can send the forms electronically to the VA health care facilities of their choice, or they can print out the completed forms and mail them.