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Jeff Tintle

VA Launches New Community Health Care Options

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched its new and improved Veterans Community Care Program on June 6, 2019, implementing portions of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (MISSION Act), which both ends the Veterans Choice Program and establishes a new Veterans Community Care Program.

The MISSION Act will strengthen the nationwide VA Health Care System by empowering Veterans with more health care options.

“The changes not only improve our ability to provide the health care Veterans need, but also when and where they need it,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It will also put Veterans at the center of their care and offer options, including expanded telehealth and urgent care, so they can find the balance in the system that is right for them.”

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VA Offers Tools to Make Traveling Easier for Veterans with Health Concerns

Travel can be fun and rewarding. But if you’re a Veteran with health concerns, it can also bring worry: What if I lose my medications? What if I get sick or have a flare-up while I’m out of town?

You can relax. VA has a set of virtual health care tools that will help make your trip more carefree. For increased peace of mind, do these things before you go:

Register for My HealtheVet, VA’s online health portal, to stay on top of your VA health care while you’re away. Look up health information, refill prescriptions, download your medical images and reports, and access information on your allergies and adverse reactions. If you upgrade to a premium account, you can view and download your medical records, keep track of your appointments, and message you’re your VA care team if they participate in Secure Messaging.Read More »VA Offers Tools to Make Traveling Easier for Veterans with Health Concerns

DNR or POLST

DNR vs POLST: Differences and the Right Choice For You

Living wills and health care powers of attorney are essential documents for anyone who wants to put their health care wishes in writing. However, these health care directives may not be immediately available in an emergency. You may want to also make a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order because it will be more easily apparent to emergency response teams. Some states are supplementing or replacing DNR orders with a similar form, often known as a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. This article discusses both documents.

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