Published Saturday, June 29, 2002
new doctor, rep says
IN LAST 6 YEARS
Herald Staff Writer
The Department of Veteran Affairs offers multiple health benefits for eligible veterans across the United States. But with limited facilities and a shortage of primary care physicians, the rising number of veterans seeking outpatient services at Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center are looking at a four- to six-month wait.
The hospital hopes to get the waiting list down in the next six to eight months.
The VA hospital in Butler serves veterans from a five-county area including Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Mercer and Lawrence counties, said David Virag, public affairs specialist for the Butler VA hospital. The hospital also accepts some veterans from Ohio and northern Allegheny and Venango counties.
While a veteran can always use emergency services at the hospital, they must be put on the waiting list for outpatient services, such as care from a primary physician.
"We are currently working on new initiatives to reduce the wait for veterans on the list. We feel a responsibility to provide services to the area veterans that they well deserve," Virag said. "And, we will find a way to get the wait down and get all awaiting patients the services they need. We already have hired a new primary care physician who will work with an entirely new team," he said.
Outpatient care at the hospital is treated in "teams" consisting of a primary care physician, nurses and a social care specialist.
"It is understandable that there is a waiting list," said Bill Brandenstein, commander of the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 6233, West Middlesex. "There are only so many doctors to treat patients; there are a lot more vets that need the care," he said.
Brandenstein noted the increased number of veterans had a lot to do with the current costs of health care.
"More vets are forced to use the VA system because they can't afford health care on the outside," said Brandenstein. "It is also easier because they offer reduced rates for their (veterans') prescriptions," he said.
Currently more than 800 veterans on the waiting list are awaiting services including emergency hospital care, outpatient services, pharmacy services and mental-health counseling at the Butler location.
Treating more than 18,000 veterans in the area, the hospital schedules more than 100,000 outpatient appointments a year. That is more than double the number of appointments only six years ago.
"The rise in the number of veterans seeking hospital care with us is most likely because of three main reasons," said Virag. "The Health Care Reform Act passed by the government in 1996, the rising age of American veterans and our increased outreach to the community."
The 1996 law increased the number of veterans eligible for service and also made it easier for veterans to receive outpatient services at little or no cost. Most hospitals also include discounted prescriptions under the plan which varies in co-payment with each veteran, but are at a much lower cost through the hospital.
The hospital has also made numerous efforts to become more visible in the community, including monthly health fairs and meetings with local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
"Even with high numbers awaiting service, we (the hospital staff) enjoy doing fairs to make veterans even more aware of the hospital," Virag said. "Often the health fairs can be a good source of 'preventative medicine.' The tests and screenings we provide at the fairs can catch problems, such as high blood pressure, before they are severe."
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, priority is given to veterans who were former prisoners of war, were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, were exposed to ionizing radiation and environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf.
There are also special programs for women veterans, veterans with dependencies on drugs or alcohol, blind veterans, veterans needing re-adjusting counseling or homeless veterans.
For more information about programs and services, interested veterans can call the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center at (724) 287-4781.