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VA New England Healthcare System

 

Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2014

How is Manchester VAMC increasing access to quality care for Veterans?

Here are examples of the outstanding work being conducted at Manchester VAMC:

  • We hired an additional audiologist, then increased the position to full time; increased utilization of overtime, and authorized an additional MSA position to support scheduling to be shared with Optometry.
  • In the Pain Clinic, we are recruiting for an additional CRNA and authorized an additional MSA position to support Pain Clinic scheduling; we are also utilizing non-VA care for patients with extended waits.
  • We are recruiting for a podiatry technician to manage low-risk patients.
  • The part-time optometrist was increased to fulltime; we authorized an additional MSA position to support scheduling and to be shared with Audiology.
  • Non-VA Care was authorized for patients with extended waits for ENT.
  • We are currently evaluating all wait times, with data provided to all services on a regular basis.
  • Management is proactively evaluating feedback from scheduling staff and formalizing specific actions to improve the scheduling process.
  • Management has chartered the development of a standardized training manual for all scheduling staff.
  • We are recruiting eight additional scheduling staff to reduce the administrative burden of clinical staff.
  • Recruitment for additional Urgent Care physicians, a dermatologist, and an oncologist is ongoing.
  • We increased use of Non-VA care for patients with extended wait times.
  • Ongoing review of NEAR list is occurring on a daily basis and ongoing review of the electronic wait list is also occurring.
  • A Nurse First Program in Primary Care was established to reduce wait times in Urgent Care.

Writing in a chart

How is VA Connecticut Healthcare System increasing access to quality care for Veterans?

Here are examples of the outstanding work being conducted at VA Connecticut Healthcare System:

  • A Speech and Language provider is seeing patients at lunch and at end of the day; Non-VA Care is offered for Veterans wanting to be seen within 30 days.
  • Geriatric has added an additional clinic to improve access.
  • Podiatry has hired a new Chief, hired an additional provider, and is using Non-VA Care.
  • We offer training to staff in multiple areas of evidence-based psychotherapy (i.e., couples, social skills, multifamily group therapy).
  • Refer Veterans in CBOC to West Haven/Newington/Community Partners/Fee Basis.
  • We are conducting weekly reviews of clinics to identify issues and address potential access constraints.
  • We are conducting weekend and evening clinics to meet surge and to improve access outside of usual administrative hours.
  • We are continually assessing supply and demand to identify needs for additional staff.
  • Non-VA Care is being used as clinically appropriate to meet the needs and desires of Veterans.
  • Transition from Specialty Care to Primary Care has been improved to maintain access for new consults.
  • We are continuing to communicate access issues and wait times to Service and Sections Chiefs to facilitate timely action.
  • We’re hiring above ceilings to improve appointment availability due to provider loss and coverage.