Hearing on VA Foot and Ankle Care Services
January 1, 2018
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The Frame
This hearing addresses the medical care standards and provider staffing for nearly 2 million veterans currently at risk for serious foot-related complications, including infections and amputations.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Veterans
Veterans receiving care through the VA system are directly affected by the availability and quality of specialized foot and ankle medical services.
VA Medical Professionals
Podiatrists and orthopedic specialists working within the VA are affected by recruitment and retention policies discussed by the committee.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2018.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on May 2, 2017, to review specialty care access for lower extremity conditions.
- Musculoskeletal injuries are the leading health concern for veterans newly separated from military service.
- A February 2017 VA white paper identified nearly 2 million veterans in the VA system at risk for major foot wounds, infections, and amputations.
- The Subcommittee has been investigating recruitment and retention challenges for foot and ankle specialists within the VA since 2015.
- Chronic illnesses, specifically diabetes, are identified as major factors exacerbating foot and ankle conditions in aging veteran populations.
- The hearing included testimony from representatives of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and the American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the VA focusing on foot and ankle care?
How many veterans are at risk for serious foot complications?
Why It Matters
This hearing addresses the medical care standards and provider staffing for nearly 2 million veterans currently at risk for serious foot-related complications, including infections and amputations.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Chronic Care
The VA is shifting focus to address long-term chronic conditions like diabetes in addition to acute combat-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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