VA Implementing New Approach to Health Care

September 3, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system is changing everything about how they provide health care to veterans in need in order to provide them the best possible care for their specific medical issues. Civilian health care has been utilizing a patient centered medical home model (PCMH) approach. The VA is now adopting that approach.

The patient centered medical home model reduces duplicate and expensive procedures and improves patients' general health. Practices can become certified in the PCMH approach to health care. To do so, the practice's health care professionals must be completely involved every facet of patient health care. The fact that there are so many doctors in the VA health care system makes this a very ambitious endeavor.

Dr. Terri Julian was appointed to oversee the program on behalf of the VA in Western New York. According to Julian, the PCMH approach provides veterans with much more control over their own care. Generally, the more engaged veterans feel in their own care, the better the results. The PCMH's inclusive and harmonized approach works especially well with veterans suffering from such issues as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to Julian.

Stress and anxiety wear down a person's immune system, which leaves the body weak and open to contract various illnesses. An integrated care approach works with stress and anxiety because it allows for better illness management. The program will roll out over the next couple of months and veterans should expect to be notified about the new approach to their health care.