Join Forces: Professionals Work Together to Improve Veterans' Health Care-Join Forces: Professionals Work Together to Improve Veterans’ Health Care

Join Forces: Professionals Work Together to Improve Veterans’ Health Care

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The article highlights the importance of providing tailored healthcare to veterans, emphasizing how military service can affect their health and well-being. Medical assistants are encouraged to understand military culture to better serve veterans, given that their experiences and transitions from military to civilian life, such as from combat to civilian roles, are uniquely challenging. <br /><br />Medical professionals should employ listening and observational skills to gather relevant details about veterans’ military backgrounds and health effects. They should approach veterans with compassion, avoiding insincere greetings like "Thank you for your service." Instead, they should initiate conversations that show interest in the veterans' experiences, fostering trust and rapport. <br /><br />Dr. Manning and Dr. Felker stress that understanding specific exposures—such as burn pits—can inform healthcare providers about potential risks and health conditions veterans might face. Conditions linked to military service, such as PTSD, depression, and exposure to toxins, are significant concerns. The PACT Act expands VA healthcare eligibility to assist veterans with conditions linked to toxic exposures.<br /><br />Veterans experience various ailments, including musculoskeletal injuries and mental health issues like PTSD. Symptoms might not be immediately evident, particularly PTSD, which can manifest in anxiety, hypervigilance, and social withdrawal. Dr. Manning notes that veterans might suffer from sleep disturbances, often exacerbated by military experiences.<br /><br />Coordinating care with the VA can help avoid treatment duplication, ensuring comprehensive care. Medical assistants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with VA procedures and resources, such as public health information on burn pit exposures and transportation programs for veterans. Understanding military culture and the specific needs of veterans enhances healthcare outcomes, with medical assistants playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between veterans and civilian healthcare systems.

Keywords

veterans healthcare

military culture

PTSD

toxic exposures

VA healthcare

burn pits

mental health

medical assistants

military to civilian transition

veteran-specific care