December 15, 2009
Dr. Pendergrass, along with VA Alaska Health Care Director Alex Spector and Public Information Officer Marcia Hoffman-Devoe, set out with YKHC Administrative VP Dan Winkelman and Medical Director Dr. Joe Klejka in a Blackhawk helicopter for the Lower Yukon villages of Alakanuk and Emmonak.
Veterans Affairs officials visit sites for Rural Health Care Pilot
Dr. Susan Pendergrass, DrPH, was appointed Network Director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) NW Health Network on April 12, 2009. She began her career with the VA in 1974, working as a clinical specialist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Since that time she has served in numerous capacities for the VA Health care network throughout the nation.
On November 24, Dr. Pendergrass, along with VA Alaska Health Care Director Alex Spector and Public Information Officer Marcia Hoffman-Devoe, scheduled a day visit to Bethel's YKHC campus as well as the Emmonak and Alakanuk clinics.
Verdie Bowen, Senior administrator for the State of Alaska's office of Veterans Affairs, was instrumental in scheduling the Alaska National Guard to fly the group from Bethel to the Lower Yukon on a Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
YKHC VP for Administration Dan Winkelman, Medical Director Dr. Joe Klejka, Subregional Clinic Director Sue Hoeldt, and Public Relations Director Donna Bach also accompanied the group on their day trip.
Rural Health Care Pilot Program
During the quick trip, Irene Washington, YKHC's Veterans Affairs Liaison, spent a large part of her day in the villages continuing her outreach efforts in encouraging Alaska veterans to "opt in" for the Rural Health Care Pilot which began in mid-August.
The one-year pilot project is designed to maximize the VA's legal authority to purchase healthcare services for veterans living in rural areas from health care providers in their home or hub communities.
There are approximately 548 veterans currently enrolled in the Alaska VA Healthcare System in several rural census areas, but more enrollment is encouraged for those who meet the following criteria:
- All veterans who were signed up with the VA for health care services before the start of this pilot are eligible to opt in.
- Veterans who served after September 11, 2001 are eligible to opt into the pilot when they sign up for VA health care services.
For those who opt, in the VA is able to offer two primary care visits in addition to labs and radiology services within a six month period. In addition, veterans may also be authorized for up to three mental health visits in a six month period.
Opting in for our rural veterans is important. YKHC encourages all eligible veterans to enroll and participate in this pilot program. An estimated $3,100 can be contributed to a local village economy through health services provided to an individual who enrolls in this pilot program.
Authorization is obtained by calling VA Integrated Care Service toll-free at 1-888-353-7574, ext 6904. If you are a veteran seeking to opt in for these services, please indicate that you are calling for care under the Rural Health Pilot Program.
The Rural Health Pilot represents potential revenue in excess of $1.1 million to the Alaska Native Health Care System and Community Health Clinics. Success of the program will be determined by the number of authorizations issued and the number of veterans who choose to participate in the Pilot.
