DOD and VA Health Care: Medication Needs during Transitions May Not Be Managed for All Servicemembers
Abstract
Medication management is critical to effective continuity of care for servicemembers transitioning out of the military. Psychiatric and pain medications may be of particular concern because of potential adverse health effects if not taken as intended. GAO was asked to provide information on the process used by DOD and VA to help servicemembers manage their psychiatric and pain medications during transitions. In this report, GAO examined (1) the extent to which servicemembers transitioned out of the DOD health care system with psychiatric or pain medications and subsequently received care from VA and (2) efforts DOD and VA have in place to help ensure servicemembers psychiatric and pain medication needs are met during transitions of care. GAO focused on active duty servicemembers, Reservists, and National Guard members who discharged from military service and Reservists and National Guard members who demobilized in fiscal years 2009 through 2011. GAO also reviewed DOD and VA documents, including transition policies, and interviewed DOD and VA officials from headquarters and six DOD and VA facilities, selected on the basis of size, geographic location, patient characteristics, and other factors. GAO recommends that DOD develop a transition policy for medications that applies to all servicemembers and that DOD and VA identify and apply best practices for managing servicemembers medication needs during transitions of care. DOD and VA concurred with the recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570351
Entities
People
- Dan Ries
- Debra A. Draper
- Janina Austin
- Jennie Apter
- Karin Wallestad
- Leslie Powell
- Lisa Motley
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office