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FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS TO YOU

TheFocus

July 2018 Edition

Although the program was originally established to help transition military returning from theaters of combat, the Transition Care, and Management (TCM) program is now available to any active duty or Veteran who served on or after September 11, 2001. “We encourage people to enroll at the VA because you never know

when you might need something,” said Hampton’s TCM Program Manager, Julia Allaman, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, RN-BC. What started in 2007 as the VHA OEF/OIF/OND (Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn) has evolved into the modern day TCM program (2016), in part,

because of a 2012 agreement between the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) known as the Interagency Care Coordination Committee (IC3). The goal of the IC3 is to work collaboratively to simplify the

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Transition Care ManagementWe Link Them To Care

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transition for service members who require complex care as they move from the DoD to VA, or within each system of care. Because of advances in modern medicine, survival from battlefield injuries has increased exponentially. Because of this many transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans suffer from multiple complex health and mental health problems, including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), amputations, burns, loss of vision, combat stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “We have up to 24 new referrals from the military per day,” said Allaman. “Each year our numbers grow, we had 70 more this year than last—but now we see Veterans with a range of issues from combat to cancer.” Now the program is open to more

than just combat-related injuries. VA TCM assists transitioning military and Veterans to navigate the VA system through information and guidance within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); they also help link Veterans to services they may need outside the VHA. “This program helps ensure continuity of care,” said Allaman. “The program allows lead coordinators within the military to refer to lead coordinators within the VA. “For example, when they get out of the military, if they were severely injured, we see if things like a follow-up appointment are needed and ensure they get that appointment.” While this initiative was initially established to transition military personnel returning from theaters of combat, it now includes any active duty military personnel and Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001, including

those who served in support of OEF, OIF, and OND and are ill or injured and transitioning to VA. For those Veterans who were not referred or do not require complex care, Allaman encourages them to enroll with the VA. Veterans can also self-refer or stop by building 14 on the Hampton campus. Those assigned to the program are paired with a case manager. Initially, the case manager, which is a Registered Nurse or Social Worker, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Veterans (and caregiver if applicable) needs; once those needs are identified a plan is developed to help answer those needs. For complex cases, the case manager will serve as an advocate for the patient through assessments, communication, and facilitation of care and are accountable through the Veterans cycle of care. “The difference between a

HELPFUL INFORMATIONVA is divided into three administrations:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) takes your applications and determines your eligibility for compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, life insurance, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), as well as benefits assistance.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America’s largest integrated health care system with over 1,700 sites of care and serves nearly 9 million Veterans each year. VHA provides health care in all its forms at medical centers, clinics, and Vet Centers.

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides burial and memorial benefits and maintains VA national cemeteries. NCA honors you and your eligible family mem-bers with lasting tributes that commemorate your service and sacrifice to our nation.

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patient advocate and us is we follow the Veteran from start to finish within their care,” said Allaman. “Every nurse or social worker is an advocate, and because we see the big picture, we can help Vets identify things they may not be able to identify themselves.” In multiple instances, the case manager will spend a lot more time helping the Veteran navigate VA benefits, said Allaman. Needed referrals are put in then the case manager continuously monitors and evaluates the care plan to ensure they meet the Vets needs. “If we see Veterans need other services, outside of healthcare, whether career or caregiver needs we also link them to that,” said Allaman. Although not every Veteran will require complex care management, Allaman said all Veterans are welcome to use the program, and she doesn’t turn any Veteran away, even if they are not post 9/11. “When you are getting out of the military, often your focus is getting a job or on the location where you will live or what you plan to do with the rest of your life,” said Allaman.“Some may not see the VA as a resource that can help them when making these decisions – and yet we can. If someone is having a tough time finding a job, we can help link them to services that can assist, or if they are homeless, or need medical appointments and so

on.” The TCM can do most things from setting up an urgently needed appointment, advocating for different resources, or refer them to a community agency, for those in some situations such as financial crisis and even help connect those who are homeless to resources they need. “I have had a case manager get help to get a few Veterans housed-on a Friday afternoon,” said Allaman. To help ensure military members, the TCM strives to reach out to them before they leave active duty. A TCM team member provides briefings at military bases to share the information. Hampton VA also has a liaison located at the Langley and Ft. Eustis base. “Many don’t realize, even before they get their VA claims filed, they are entitled to five years of free healthcare for anything combat related,” said Allaman. “From there, everything else will depend on your enrollment category which can be related to not only service connection but things like income, which are determined by the Health Benefits Office. For those that need help with their claims we have a resource for that too.”Allaman said she appreciates the opportunity to help Veterans and understands they frustration or confusion they may often face.

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

eBenefits www.ebenefits.va.gov

va.gov www.va.gov

My HealtheVet www.myhealth.va.gov

ExploreVA explore.va.gov

A joint DoD/VA web portal with resources and self-service capa-bilities that enable Service members, Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to apply for, research, access, and manage their VA and military benefits.

VA’s primary website, which offers current information, resources, tools, and contact information for all VA benefits. VA’s online personal health record designed for active duty Service members, Veterans, families, and caregivers, which makes it easier to partner with your health care team and make informed decisions to manage your health care.

A website that is linked to the eBenefits portal and allows Service members, Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to learn about and apply for VA and military benefits.

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“My husband was an artilleryman, who with some prompting got seen for his hearing but then was told needed to go somewhere dealing with the VBA and he was curious why this was,” she said.“These are the types of questions we can help answer.” Other things TCM assists with include, orientation and education about VA health care; help the Veteran identify transition goals; help those with severe mental illness get reintegrated into the community: support a

Continued from Page 3 healthier lifestyle (Whole Health), increase positive impact on family life, and introduce veterans into non-military community-based resources. The VA has many programs and processes, and VA staff understand it can be overwhelming. Ultimately, the goal of the TCM is to assist not only those who require complex care management but all those who have served so that they may all pursue their best life possible. #

Veteran ID CARDSVeterans with honorable service may apply for an ID card, which provides proof of military service, and may be accepted by retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to obtain promotional discounts and other services where offered to Veterans.

The VIC provides a more portable and secure alternative for those

Disability Compensation Overview

www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/

Disability compensation is a tax-free, monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active duty military service. These disabilities are considered service-connected. Compensation varies with the degree of disability and is paid monthly. Service-connected disabilities are rated from 0 percent to 100 percent, in 10% increments, and monetary payments begin at 10 percent. Veterans with a combined evaluation of 30% or more are eligible for an additional allowance for their dependents. Your compensation may be offset if you receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive pay. VA does not compensate for acute conditions or conditions that come and go and leave no lasting effects—a cold, for example, or a mild injury that heals completely.

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Services Available through TCM

Primary and specialty Medical Care

Traumatic Brain Injury screening/referral

Readjustment and Transition Programs

Post Deployment Mental Health Services

Women Health Veteran Programs

Recreational Therapeutic Sports Events

Coordination of Care by Transition Care

LOCATIONSLIAISON PROGRAM

TCM Nurse/Social Work Case Managers assist with the following resource information and referrals:

Disability Benefits

VA Health Care Eligibility Education

Military Sexual Trauma Referral

Referrals for substance abuse treatment

Referral for individual and family Counseling

Referral for Homeless/Housing Assistance

Caregiver Support

TCM Management Team Bldg. 14

*(757) 722-9961

Julia Allaman, MSN,PMHCNS, BC, Program Manager *Ext. 2809

Noel P. Craig, LMSW, Case Manager *Ext. 1563

Devon A. Rene, LMSW, Case Manager *Ext. 3361

Mary Jane Lyon, RN, MSN, BSN, BA, Case Manager *Ext 2616

Merlon Blizzard, Program Support Assistant *Ext. 3727

Valerie Evans, AW-2 Advocate Ext 1465

Medical Support Staff*Ext. 4426 or 4427

who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC.

To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” on the bottom left of the page and sign in or create an account.

Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov.

ID Cards: Continued from Page 4

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www.prevention.va.gov

Be Involved in Your Health Care Healthy Living Message

What’s Important to Know?You can play an active role when you visit with your health care team. To get the most out of your visit, plan the questions you want to ask and the things you want to discuss, and be sure to leave the visit with information about your care. Here are some specific ways to be more involved in your health care and get the most out of your next visit:

Before your visit:• Write down your health questions and concerns• Make a list of all the medications you take,

including vitamins and supplements to bring to the visit

• Get additional information from the Veterans Health Library and My HealtheVet

During your visit:• Bring a family member to help you remember

what you and your team discuss• Share your health questions, problems, and

concerns with your team at the beginning of your visit

• Tell your team about your past illnesses/hospitalizations, medications, and any problems you may be experiencing

• Tell your team about your needs and preferences for treatment and your health

• Work with your team to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and be involved in

making decisions about your care• Know your medications and why you take

them, and ask for written instructions and information to take home with you

• Ask your team to clarify anything that’s confusing, and speak up if you have concerns or think something is wrong

• Ask when and how you will get test results and additional treatments

After your visit:• Get additional information from the Veterans

Health Library and My HealtheVet • Tell your team if you have problems following

your care plan, or if there is a change in your conditions or health

Want to Know More?If you want to learn more about how to be involved in your health care, talk with your VA health care team. They can also help if you have questions about or interest in making a healthy living change. For more information go to: http://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Be_Involved_in_Your_Health_Care.asp

Resources• VHA National Center for Health Promotion

and Disease Prevention (NCP): www.prevention.va.gov

• Veterans Health Library: www.veteranshealthlibrary.org

• My HealtheVet: www.myhealthevet.va.gov

• Healthfinder — Quick Guide to Healthy Living, Take Charge of Your Health: www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=78

• Ask Me Three — National Patient Safety Foundation: http://www.npsf.org/askme3/

May 2017IB 10-403 P96473

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Q. I thought my A1C goal should be less than 7%. Why are you changing that advice?

A. Healthcare providers want to be sure you have the best possible healthcare. Best current studies suggests that your A1C goal should match your lifestyle and what is important to you.

Q. I feel fine even though my A1C is less than 7%. Why might that be a bad thing?

A. It is best to always be able to feel low blood sugar. If you are not feeling low blood sugar, this could lead to low blood sugars that are unsafe. Always tell your healthcare provider about low readings, so they can discuss a change in your plan with you.

Starting the ConversatonQ&A: What You Should Know About a Safe A1C Goal

Q. Am I taking my diabetes medicines at the right time? Should they be taken with or without a meal?

A. Some diabetes pills can cause low blood sugar if taken at the wrong time. Take them when your medicine label says to and discuss any concerns with your health-care team.

Q. How does it help me to have higher A1C?

A. Higher A1C levels will reduce the risk of low blood sugars during the day and in the middle of the night. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may cause falls, acci-dents, and serious problems during your sleep. Higher A1C levels will also lower stress on your heart.

To read more about A1Cs, We Want You and Your Healthcare Provider to Discuss and Choose a Safe A1C Goal.

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Show us your...

Photograph yourself using sun protection.

Post it on social media.

Practice what you post! (Plan ahead before outdoor activities so you’re

always prepared to be sun-safe.)

Sun-safe skin is always in! Protect yourself from sun damage today to lower your risk of skin cancer in the future.

Learn more at www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin.

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Can’t Make It?

Let Another Veteran Take It!

Call:

Log on: www.myhealth.va.gov

To cancel your appointment:

757-722-9961

Enter Facility Name Here

Why is it So Important to Cancel My Appointment?No-Shows actually hurt other patients. It may seem like it is impossible to get an appointment. Research shows, that in fact, appointments typically are available.

So what seems to be the Problem? According to VA studies, some 9 million patients miss their appointments annually. They simply don’t show up. In turn, patients who need to see their provider can not.

When a Veteran calls and cancels their appoint, they in turn open up a spot for another Veteran.

Just like Veterans who are frustrated when there seems to be no access, staff get frustrated as well because no-shows can easily be turned into filled spots by a simple phone call -- and now Vets can cancel via text.

The best time to cancel an appointment is at least four hours before a Primary Care appointment and 24-hours before a Specialty Care appointment.

The VHA has three convenient ways to cancel: (1) Online through MyHealtheVet (2) Via Telephone call to the call center and (3) now through VEText.

The new VEText option will automatically send reminders to patients about thier appointment as long as they have an updated cell phone number with the VA.

Please remember, an appointment missed by you, is an appointment missed by two!

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Connect with support.No matter what you’re going

through, resources are available.

VeteransCrisisLine.net

© 10/16 VHA

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Veterans, Have you? Joined our Facebook Page, get fast facts, information on benfits and upcoming events

Hampton VAMC Employees, Have you?Checked out our intranet page for information on events, celebrations and more?

The Hampton Focus is a monthly publication. Articles and information should be submitted no later than the 10th of each month. Please contact the Public Affairs Office at VHAHAMPublicAffairs@va.gov

Next months focus: Engineering at Hampton VA

JulyAround the Campus

July 11 VSO Quarterly Meeting (Commanders and Adjutants) Bldg. 83 10-11 a.m.

July 30 Youth Awards Banquet Bldg. 83 6 p.m.

SAVE THE DATEInformational Town Hall Sessions. Representatives will be available to answer questions. You can pre-submit questions to: VHAHAMPublicAffairs@va.govAugust 23 Chesapeake 4 to 5 p.m. at 4060 South Military Highway Chesapeake, VA 23321November 7 Hampton 4-5 p.m. at122 East Melon St Hampton VA

Patient Oriention: 1st Thursday of each month YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A NEW PATIENT - ALL PATIENTS WELCOME! Attend a brief session to learn about VA healthcare and resources available Staff will be available to answer questions. Call to register! 757.722.9961 Press 2

for appointment then 2 for Primary Care. Tell the operator you want to enroll. Walk-ins welcome (upcoming dates: Aug. 2 * Sept. 6 * Oct. 4 * Nov. 1 * Dec. 6)

VENDOR INFORMATION FOR FOOD TRUCKS Vendors interested in bringing their trucks to the Medical Center must contact: Cassandra Ayala of Eat the Streets 757 at 757-408-2245.

Vet Centers Community-based centers that offer readjustment counseling in a safe and confidential environment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Jewish-American Heritage Month, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month

Stay Quit Coach p is designed to help with quitting smoking. The app guides you in creating a tailored plan that takes into account your personal reasons for quitting. It provides information about smoking and quitting, interactive tools to help users cope with urges to smoke, and motivational messages and support contacts to help you stay smoke-free. Stay Quit Coach is based on the smoking treatment manual Integrated Care for Smoking Cessation: Treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Stay Quit Coach was the result of a collaborative effort among the VA’s National Center for PTSD, the VA Sierra Pacific (VISN 21) MIRECC, VA Clinical Public Health Group (CPH) and the Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology.

The 4th of July can be especially difficult for those with PTSD. Please be mindful. Learn more about PTSD through the stories of other Veterans and the evidenced based care that is available.