Durham VA Health Care System
Durham VA now offering “self-referral” oncology scheduling for eligible Veterans
January 2, 2018
Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS) is proud to announce that the organization now offers eligible Veterans with active cancer the ability to “self-refer” to make an initial oncology appointment. Previously, Veterans had to receive a consult or referral from a primary care provider prior to scheduling an appointment with a cancer specialist, but through patient self-referral direct scheduling (PSDS), eligible Veterans with active cancer will be able to get enrolled and schedule an appointment to see a cancer specialist directly.
“Patient Self-Referral Direct Scheduling is improving timeliness for Veterans accessing specialty services. I am excited to see sites who are getting rid of unnecessary consults and helping Veterans get the care they need,” said Dr. Susan Kirsh, VHA National Clinical Director, Practice Management and Access.
Durham, North Carolina-area Veterans with active cancer who are not yet enrolled in VA can call 1-833-309-1349 to find out if they are eligible for VA health care benefits and make an appointment to see a cancer specialist. Previously, this process required multiple phone calls with different offices, followed by an appointment with a primary care provider to receive a referral to see a cancer specialist. The goal of this initiative is to improve clinic access, reduce wait times, as well as enhance Veteran care and satisfaction. Veterans with cancer face many challenges, and accessing the care they earned should not be one of them.
Currently, this self-referral scheduling process is available at select VA facilities, with Durham VA being one of them. If successful, the process may roll out nationwide, as well as branch out to other care specialties. This is just one of the many ways that VA is evolving and adapting to make sure Veterans get the care they need, when they need it.
For more information, please contact (919) 286-0411 extensions 7213 or 7180.
