A facility-specific survey found that 138 of 140 VA facilities reported shortages of medical officers, with psychiatry and primary care positions being the most frequently listed.
Veteran nephrologist labors to improve ESRD treatment at VA
When Terrence O’Neil, MD, retired as chief of nephrology at the James H. Quillen VAMC in Johnson City in December 2016, he left in his wake decades of work treating kidney disease—nearly 35 years in the Air Force and DoD, plus 11 more at VA.
Committee approves bill to provide agent orange benefits to ‘blue water’ vets
A long sought-after bill that would make it easier for Blue Water Navy veterans to receive Agent Orange benefits has been passed by a key House of Representatives committee.
DoD acknowledges its medical adverse event reporting is ‘unreliable’
The process for tracking the DoD’s most serious adverse medical events is “fragmented, impeding the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) ability to ensure that it has received complete information,” according to a new review.
Automation Speeds Results and Increases Accuracy for Point-of-Care Testing at Walter Reed NMMC
With a long history of point of care testing at both of its predecessor organizations, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) laboratory services staff were keenly aware of the advantages of using portable testing devices to obtain rapid patient assessments.
Bill to Streamline, Expand VA’s Choice Program Signed Into Law
Legislation that would streamline VA’s community care programs into one program and expand VA’s caregiver program to veterans of all eras was signed into law earlier this month..
Despite Criticism, VA Healthcare as Good or Better Than Other Systems
The good news from a recent consultant study is that, overall, the VA healthcare system is generally equal or better than others when inpatient and outpatient quality is measured.
VA Inks Contract for Massive New Health Record System
Calling it one of the largest IT contracts in the federal government, with a ceiling of $10 billion over a decade, then-VA Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie announced that the agency signed a contract with Cerner for its new electronic health record (EHR).
Surprise! President Nominates Wilkie for Permanent VA Secretary
President Donald Trump said last month that acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie “has done an incredible job” and, in a surprise move, nominated him for the permanent Cabinet position.
Fibromyalgia Presents Differently in Male, Female Veterans
Research on fibromyalgia, a poorly understood, chronically disabling pain syndrome, generally has focused on its clinical presentation and treatment.
How Veterans Feel About Remote Management of Their Care
The VA is expanding remote management of patients to improve disease prevention and care.
Stick-on Monitors Help Warn of Heart Failure Exacerbation in VA Study
While implantable devices have shown promise in reducing rehospitalization for heart failure (HF), VA researchers sought to determine if options that are less expensive and non-invasive would have comparable results.
Legislation: Clinicians Must Be Involved in Formulary Design, Purchasing
Legislation to prevent VA from outsourcing creation of its drug formulary and to require more input from medical professions is being considered in Congress.
GAO: VA Needs Better Planning for ‘Complex’ Appeals System Overhaul
Gene L. Dodaro became the eighth Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on December 22, 2010, when he was confirmed by the United States Senate. WASHINGTON — VA needs to address all of the required...
High Rate of Pectoralis Tears Among Deployed Servicemembers Lifting Weights
Lifting weights is one way servicemembers keep in peak physical condition during deployment.
DoD Study Finds That Type 2 Diabetes Increases Breast Cancer Mortality
Having Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) increases mortality risk in breast cancer patients, regardless of whether diabetes was diagnosed before or after breast cancer, according to a recent study.
Now Hear This: Otolaryngologist Leads Effort to Prevent Auditory Issues
Among those who are exposed to combat, it’s the weapons fire that does it. In the Navy, it’s the noise levels in engine rooms and on the decks of carriers.
Community Providers Unprepared to Serve Veterans Under Choice Program
As the debate about increasing access for veterans to community-based provider heats up, a serious problem has emerged: Few providers outside the VA health system appear to be prepared to meet the unique challenges of the veteran population.
Former VA Secretary Nominee Claims Allegations Against Him Are False
Veterans’ groups expressed concern last month regarding a “lack of permanent leadership at the department,” after Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, MD, withdrew his name from consideration as VA secretary amid anonymous allegations of misconduct.
Shulkin Ousted, White House Physician Nominated for VA Secretary
WASHINGTON — After several weeks of speculation regarding his future in the Trump Administration, VA Secretary David Shulkin, MD’s tenure came to an abrupt end on March 28.
Congress Seeks More Oversight of VA EHR Program
WASHINGTON — Legislation under consideration by Congress would increase oversight of VA’s adoption and implementation of its forthcoming electronic health record (EHR) system.
GAO: ‘Gaps’ in MHS Physician Specialties Could Affect Wartime Readiness
WASHINGTON — The military services need to develop “targeted and coordinated strategies” to alleviate military physician gaps, a recent report recommended.
Congress, VSOs Have Wait-and- See Position on Jackson Nomination
WASHINGTON — Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, MD, was thrust into the spotlight with his nomination as VA secretary late last month, raising questions about the qualifications he would bring to the position.
VA Vows to Meet Deadline for Revamp of Veteran Claims Appeal Process
WASHINGTON—VA has told legislators that the agency is on track with a new law that will give veterans more options to have their claims appeals reviewed.
Vets With Respiratory Disease More Responsive to ‘Quit’ Programs
MINNEAPOLIS — Because adults with chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) suffer from tobacco-related health issues, they sometimes have greater motivation to quit smoking. But that is not always the case, according to a report in the Annals of the American...
Long-term Opioid Prescribing Declines in VHA, Bucking National Trend
Extended Prescribing Dropped from 9.5% in 2012 to 6.2% in 2016
By Brenda L. Mooney
IOWA CITY, IA—Long-term prescribing of opioid painkillers is on the decline at the VA, in contrast to what appears to be happening outside of federal medicine.
VA Cancer Patients Less Likely to Receive Excessive Care at End of Life
VA patients dying of cancer are far less likely to receive excessive and unnecessary end-of-life interventions than those treated by Medicare.
With New Hires, VA Has Net Increase of 8,303 Employees; Still Needs Mental Health Professionals
By Sandra Basu WASHINGTON—VA made progress in filling its vacancies last year with a net increase of 8,303 employees, but the agency still struggles to find enough mental health professionals, especially in light of a new executive order increasing eligibility for...
New VA Budget Requests Seeks Community Care Expansion
WASHINGTON — Calling the Trump administration’s fiscal years 2019 proposed budget for VA “very strong,” VA Secretary David Shulkin, MD, told lawmakers that it “provides the resources to continue VA modernization and to respond to the...
DoD, VA Still Struggle with Diagnosing, Treating Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Diagnosing and treating mild traumatic brain injury continues to pose challenges for clinicians, TBI experts told lawmakers.
