Thank our veterans by improving health care
On Veterans Day, Nov. 10, there will be many ceremonies and events to recognize and give thanks to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of our country. "Thank you for your service," we will say to the vets we encounter.
As the daughter of a career Marine, I hold veterans and their health care needs in a special place in my heart. And as someone who works in the health care system daily, I know the best way to thank our vets is to make sure they're getting good health care.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has seen marked improvements over the last couple of decades. Administrators are held accountable for not only quality of treatment, but also how long it takes for a vet to even access that treatment.
The American College of Surgeons released a study earlier this year that showed quality of surgical care provided in VA health centers was the same as, if not better than, care received in non-VA health centers.
Meanwhile, the Veterans Choice program was established to give veterans faster access to health care through the private sector. A vet must be enrolled with the VA and facing constraints such as a long wait time or distance to a VA facility.
Though veterans now make up only about 5% of the U.S. population, they face ever more complex medical conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long-term disabilities sustained during their service. Women and LGBTQ+ veterans deal with additional aftershocks.
In honor of Veterans Day, then, here are some ways we can keep improving health care for our vets.
1. Let your civilian doctor know you're a veteran.
Nonmilitary health care providers likely have relatively few patients who are veterans. A small study of primary care physicians in 2015 found that most of the doctors didn't ask patients whether they had served in the military.
So, whether you're a veteran yourself or your loved one is, it's important to let doctors know of military background when seeking treatment because it can have a lifelong impact on a person's physical and mental well-being.
2. Advocate for electronic health records in the VA
Technology is great when it works. Unfortunately, the VA has run into problems implementing an EHR system and has put off implementation until sometime next year. This is simply unacceptable.
A health care system as far-flung and complex as the VA should have an easy-to-use EHR portal for its patients. Electronic health records, in combination with a responsible artificial intelligence system, would do a lot to coordinate care by different providers, manage medications and appointments, and even spot emerging health issues.
3. If you're a woman and/or LGBTQ+, take advantage of special services.
Only 44% of women veterans are enrolled in VA health care, yet there are a variety of free services and resources. Mental health services, reproductive health services, pain management and treatment for trauma associated with sexual assault are just a few examples.
LGBTQ+ veterans may have faced stigma, discrimination and sexual assault that can affect their health. The VA has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at every facility to help those veterans find the care they need in an affirming and inclusive environment.
4. Explore eligibility for PACT Act benefits.
An illness you're suffering from today may have had its roots decades ago. Last year, President Biden signed the PACT ("Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics") Act, which expands access to health care for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and subsequently diagnosed with rare cancers and respiratory illnesses.
The PACT Act also allows those who were exposed to toxic water supplies at Camp Lejeune, N.C., between 1953 and 1987 to file claims against the government.
5. Prioritize jobs and homes for vets.
Having a job and a home is key to good health, yet homelessness and unemployment plague hundreds of veterans in Illinois. Resources include VA Chicago Healthcare, which can help with immediate housing, food, medical care and treatment for substance abuse, and Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago. Businesses can get up to a $9,600 tax credit to incentivize hiring a vet.
Supporting veterans' health care needs puts meaning into the words, "Thank you for your service."
• Teri Dreher is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). Her book, "How to Be a Healthcare Advocate for Yourself & Your Loved Ones," is available on Amazon. She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; call her at (312) 788-2640 or email teri@northshorern.com.