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VA Cancer Care Gets Top Marks

There is a constant question of if the health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is equivalent to the health care given by private sector health care providers. According to a new study, older men treated for cancer at Veterans Heath Administration (VHA) health care facilities receive care at least as good, if not better, than their private practice, non-VHA hospital counterparts.

VHA hospitals received high ratings for their strong ability to coordinate health care while putting a strong focus on preventative care. The VHA system serves more than 6 million veterans. The study also suggested the VA health care system be used as a "model for care delivery," given their costs in delivering high quality health care. This is very topical given the federal government is looking toward developing a new health care system.

The study focused on how cancers in men over 65 years-of-age were diagnosed. Researchers then compared the care provided at VA hospitals to the care given at private sector hospitals under "free-for-service Medicare insurance."

Researchers looked at specific types of cancers:

 

• colorectal cancer;
• prostate cancer;
• lung cancer;
• lymphomas; and
• multiple myelomas.

 

Study results suggested those men utilizing VA health care were provided better cancer screening practices. Further, VA cancer patients showed more inclination to elect surgery as a treatment option for colon cancer. Medicare patients were more likely to utilize newer and advanced treatment for prostate cancer.

The results suggested the VA may be slow to adopt some new technology for treating certain cancers. Their electronic health record (EHR) system, however, makes them less likely to commit errors in treatment.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.