Abstract
We examine how distance to a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility, patient hometown classification (e.g., small rural
town), and service-connected disability are associated with veterans’ utilization of radiation therapy services across the
VHA and Medicare. In 2008, 45,914 dually-enrolled veteran patients received radiation therapy. Over 3-quarters (35,513) of
the patients received radiation therapy from the Medicare program. Younger age, male gender, shorter distance to a VHA facility,
and VHA priority or disability status increased the odds of utilizing the VHA. However, veterans residing in urban areas were
less likely to utilize the VHA. Urban dwelling patients’ utilization of Medicare instead of the VHA suggests a complex decision
that incorporates geographic access to VHA services, financial implications of veteran priority status, and the potential
availability of multiple sources of radiation therapy in competitive urban markets.
town), and service-connected disability are associated with veterans’ utilization of radiation therapy services across the
VHA and Medicare. In 2008, 45,914 dually-enrolled veteran patients received radiation therapy. Over 3-quarters (35,513) of
the patients received radiation therapy from the Medicare program. Younger age, male gender, shorter distance to a VHA facility,
and VHA priority or disability status increased the odds of utilizing the VHA. However, veterans residing in urban areas were
less likely to utilize the VHA. Urban dwelling patients’ utilization of Medicare instead of the VHA suggests a complex decision
that incorporates geographic access to VHA services, financial implications of veteran priority status, and the potential
availability of multiple sources of radiation therapy in competitive urban markets.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9523-y
- Authors
- Dustin D. French, Department of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, VA Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 West 10th Street (11H), Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Douglas D. Bradham, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Robert J. Dole VA and the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS, USA
- Robert R. Campbell, VA Center of Excellence, Maximizing Rehabilitation Outcomes, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
- David A. Haggstrom, Department of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, VA Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 West 10th Street (11H), Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Laura J. Myers, Department of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, VA Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 West 10th Street (11H), Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Neale R. Chumbler, Department of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, VA Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 West 10th Street (11H), Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Michael P. Hagan, Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145