The "Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act" mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide regional care coordinators to assist women veterans diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer, ensuring comprehensive support and monitoring of their care, especially when utilizing community care services.
Sylvia Garcia
Representative
TX-29
The Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to assign a Regional Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinator at each Veteran Integrated Services Network. These coordinators will help coordinate care for eligible women veterans diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer, especially those receiving care in community facilities. The Act also mandates a report to Congress on the health outcomes and timeliness of care for veterans receiving treatment both within and outside of VA facilities.
VA to Assign Cancer Care Coordinators for Women Vets: New Roles Aim to Bridge Care Gaps by 2025
The "Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act" mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hire or designate Regional Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinators across all Veteran Integrated Service Networks within one year. This means that by next year, women veterans diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancers will have a dedicated point person to help them navigate their treatment, especially if they're getting care outside the VA system.
Bridging the Care Gap
This Act is all about making sure women veterans get the best possible cancer care, no matter where they receive it. The Care Coordinators will serve as the bridge between VA clinicians and community care providers, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. For a veteran, this translates to having someone who understands both the VA system and the local healthcare landscape, making the often-complex process of cancer treatment a little less daunting.
Real-World Impact
Imagine a veteran in a rural area who needs specialized cancer treatment not available at her local VA facility. Under this Act, her Care Coordinator would work with the VA's Office of Community Care to ensure she gets the necessary treatment from a qualified provider in her community. The coordinator will also regularly check in with her, providing a consistent point of contact and support throughout her treatment journey (Section 2.(d)(3)). This is especially crucial for navigating things like emergency care and mental health resources, both of which are vital during cancer treatment.
Tracking and Improving Care
This Act doesn't just set up a new system; it also demands accountability. Within three years, the VA must report to Congress on the effectiveness of this program (Section 2.(e)). This report will compare health outcomes for veterans receiving care within the VA versus those getting community care, looking at things like diagnosis rates, cancer-related deaths, and remission rates. It will also evaluate how quickly veterans are getting the care they need and assess patient safety. This data-driven approach is designed to identify any gaps or areas for improvement, ensuring the program delivers on its promise of better care for women veterans.