Community Based Outpatient Clinics for Iowa Veterans


According to Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Department of Veterans Affairs has issued final clearance to establish the fifth community outpatient clinic for veterans in Iowa. The Fort Dodge clinic, which opened its doors on March 22, has been operating under a partnership contract with local providers. The clinic will provide primary medical and preventive health care to area veterans. The projected patient caseload estimates the clinic will serve 1,445 area patients. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates the local clinic could save from $10,000-$11,000 in beneficiary travel costs.

The Veterans Integrated System Network 14, which serves Iowa, Nebraska and parts of Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, already operates community based outpatient clinics in Waterloo, Dubuque, Bettendorf and Mason City. Plans are on the drawing board to consider the feasibility of opening clinics in Marshalltown and Ottumwa.

Since the fall of 1998, Grassley has sought assurances from the VISN 14 Network Director to increase local service levels for veterans across Iowa.

"I'm pleased the VA is continuing to make a solid commitment to make health care more affordable and accessible to veterans," said Grassley. "Outpatient clinics are going to make it easier for veterans living in under-served, rural areas to receive prompt medical attention. Many aging veterans may have difficulty traveling long distances to the nearest regional veterans medical center."