DoD And VA Health Care: Federal Recovery Coordination Program Continues to Expand But Faces Significant Challenges
Abstract
Servicemembers wounded in recent conflicts are surviving injuries that would have been fatal in past conflicts, in part because of advanced protective equipment and medical treatment. However, the severity of their injuries can result in a lengthy transition from patient status back to active duty or to veteran status. Most severely wounded servicemembers from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan initially are evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for treatment. From there, they are usually transported to military treatment facilities in the United States, with most of the severely wounded admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center, or Brooke Army Medical Center. Background Acute medical treatment and stabilization is the first of three phases in the 'continuum of care' experienced by severely wounded servicemembers. The second phase of the continuum is rehabilitation at a DOD, VA, or civilian facility. (The recovery needs of some servicemembers receiving rehabilitation may require their return to a medical center for acute medical care, such as surgical procedures.) The third phase of the continuum is reintegration-either return to active duty or to the civilian community as a veteran, where they may receive health care from DOD, VA, or civilian providers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA539448
Entities
People
- Bonnie Anderson
- Cynthia Gilbert
- Deitra Lee
- Elizabeth Conklin
- Frederick Caison
- Kristina Martin
- Lisa Motley
- Randall B. Williamson
- Steven R. Putansu
- Susannah Block
- Suzanne Worth
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office