Southern Nevada Healthcare System Provides Impressive Numbers

By Chuck N. Baker
The Veterans Administration Southern Nevada Healthcare System held a Veterans Community Engagement and Transition Service Fair in February at the VA facility.

Several local VA leaders imparted detailed information about the status of the organization and how it helps veterans on an on-going basis. Director Peggy Kearns reported on fiscal 2018 end of year numbers, noting that 63,409 veterans were treated, showing 2.8 percent growth. In addition, 910,637 outpatient visits showed an increase of 18,465 over Fiscal 2017.

Other numbers included average appointment wait times. Kearns said 90 percent of appointments were scheduled in 30 days or less and emergency department visits totaled 41,329, which translated into the fifth busiest emergency department in the VA system.

Comparing the VA to the private sector, Kearns quoted a Dartmouth College study that found VA hospitals outperformed private hospitals in “most health care markets” throughout the country. And going further, she quoted a Journal of American Medical Association study that showed the VA had “significantly” reduced wait times for veterans patients in primary care from 2014-2017, and the VA “drastically improved” wait times as much as 12 days shorter than the private sector.

Concerning community care, Kearns discussed the proposed MISSION ACT signed by President Donald Trump in June of last year. The act is designed to improve the VA’s ability to hire high-quality health care professionals, streamline community care programs, expand caregiver benefits to pre-9/11 veterans and create a process to examine the VA capital infrastructure.

She said there are six eligibility criteria for community care outlined below:

• Services available
• Residence in a state without a full-service VA medical facility
• 40-mile legacy/grandfathered from the Choice program
• Access standards
• Best medical interest
• Needing care from a VA medical service line that the VA determines is not providing care that meets VA quality standards.

Space does not allow a detailed definition of each criteria, but overall, eligible veterans who cannot access care within the VA standards would be able to choose between community providers and care at a VA facility. Although President Trump signed the Act, the VA is taking time to implement the provisions due to its complexity and the size of the VA system, which requires adequate time and consideration to properly develop the regulations and system changes.

Strictly in local news, Kearns noted that a new Primary Care building and a separate Women’s Clinic are on the drawing board for the VA property and both will begin design planning this year. However Kearns will not be here to see construction. She confirmed she will be retiring in April after 36 years with the VA and four additional years in private employment.

Vet/Success Counselor D. Allan Shockley spoke on providing assistance for veterans at UNLV and ensuring they receive earned benefits. A full-time VA employee, he is stationed on campus and works hand in hand with the Office of Military Affairs that assists active duty as well as Reserve and National Guard students. Among other topics, the campus noted that under certain circumstances veterans who have exhausted their VA educational benefits may be eligible for a one-year extension under Vocational and Rehabilitation rules. However, strict rules and stipulations apply.

Dr. Ramu Komanduri, Chief of Staff for the local VA Healthcare System, told the attendees the VA makes a tremendous effort to get information out about its services, which include many resources and multiple methods of treatment. However, he did bemoan the fact that there is no ability for one receiving VA care in Nevada to receive a heart, liver or lung transplant within the State. And although the area has 2.5 million residents, “It’s very difficult to recruit medical specialists to Las Vegas.”

He did explain that the VA has instituted some novel approaches to medicine, including the use of smart phones and chat rooms as well as self-directed help via video. As the VA budget grows, more employees are added, he said. A third doctor with experience in robotic surgery was recently hired. That specialized staff now consists of doctors Kevin Dunn, Jaclyn Munn and Frances Allocco.

Space for additional patient beds is being readied for October, with five beds for women and 15 beds for men scheduled to be installed. Komanduri also said mental health evaluations and treatment are a priority. “We are here for veterans and we need to do the right thing.” Doing “the right thing” includes on-going training of the medical staff to recognize and treat PTSD.

Nursing at the VA was also discussed. Questions pertaining to nursing were answered by VA Nurse Executive Jennifer Strawn.

Military personnel were told of varied resources concerning transitioning from active duty to civilian life. The VA’s Transition and Care Management Team has many programs including resources for marriage, family and spiritual concerns, employment education, care coordination and advocacy and assistance if one feels sad, depressed or anxious.  For more information, call (844) 698-2311 or (702) 791-9170 or the main number at the VA medical clinic in North Las Vegas at (702) 791-9100.