The paper explores how the Veterans Administration (VA) implemented a broad public health policy initiative across the country. VA considers Hepatitis C to be a serious health problem for veterans; a nationwide one-day screening indicated that the veteran population might be five times more likely to be infected than the general population. VA established a four-step Hepatitis C policy process which includes (1) assessing veterans for Hepatitis C risk; (2) testing those who are at-risk; (3) counseling those who are positive; and (4) providing treatment. The focus of the paper will be on risk assessment and initial testing of those veterans who are identified as at risk.
VA is the largest health care system in the United States with about five million enrollees. Our research examines the evolution of VA's approach from acute care to a public health basis. We will examine the challenges that VA faces developing policy, educating providers, implementing strategies, budgeting and distributing resources, and overseeing providers' performance. Also, we will discuss lessons learned.
Learning Objectives: To understand how a large government health care agency implemented a broad public health policy initiative across the country.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Veterans' Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Veterans Health Administration
U.S. General Accounting Office
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.