Network Update

Department of Veterans Affairs VA MIDWEST HEALTH CARE NETWORK Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23 Network Update   AUGUST 2008

The VA Midwest Health Care Network, one of twenty-one Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), oversees the provision of health care provided to veterans residing in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and bordering states of Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  Also known as VISN 23, the Network delivers VA's comprehensive benefits package through an integrated system of medical centers (8), community based outpatient clinics (43), domiciliaries (4), and nursing home care units (7).

The Network continues to place a high priority on improving access to primary care for veterans living in rural areas.  Areas where the Network is seeking approval to expand VA primary care services are:

• Decorah, Iowa
• Sterling Illinois
• South Border, Minnesota
• Southwest Metro Minnesota

Business plans for opening community based outpatient clinics in these areas were submitted to VA  Central Office for review in June and July.  Review and approval is pending.

In Western Wisconsin, the Minneapolis VA Medical Center signed a long-term lease with owners of the River's Edge Professional Building to operate the Hayward, Wisconsin community-based outpatient clinic.  Since March, the medical center has been operating this clinic in temporary facilities on the second floor of the office park at 15954 River's Edge Drive.  The new space, located on the first floor, is more convenient for veterans and is twice the size of the second floor area.  The space includes four exam rooms, a telemedicine room, and a full-service laboratory.  We expect the Hayward CBOC to move into this new area within the next 90 days. 

Network funding for this fiscal year is good; we are upgrading equipment, improving capital assets, and continuing to reduce waits and improve access.   To date, the Network has increased equipment upgrades by 25%; invested $60m in infrastructure improvements; and has increased the purchase of health care services in communities closer to veterans' homes by 25%.  Funding projections for fiscal year 2009 look good as well.  Congress continues to consider mark-ups to the President's request that could deliver a budget increase on par with what VA received in fiscal year 08. (12.7% average increase).

The Network continues to concentrate on outreach efforts on this newest population of veterans.  We are operating transition clinics to assist returnees adjust to civilian life and we expanded case managers to assist those with special needs.  Our partnership with the Minnesota National Guard at Camp Ripley is allowing returnees easier access to mental health case management services.  This program is proven to be very successful. 

Through the end of June 2008, VISN 23 has enrolled a total of 26,190 combat veterans, this includes: 16,379 National Guard members; 4,832 Reservist; and 4,979 active military.  The majority of those enrolled receive outpatient care, with 493 receiving inpatient care.  There are a number who choose to enroll only.  Those who choose to enroll only are encouraged to come to a VA facility for a minimum baseline medical exam.

On-line applications are now being accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants.  Initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application is now possible.  Applications received through VAs on-line application website (VONAPP) do not require the claimant's signature.  

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1529

VONAPP http://www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm is a Web-based system that allows veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits to apply for benefits without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays.  Normal procedures and rules of evidence still apply to all VONAPP applications.