Modeling an integrative physical examination program for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Current policies governing the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs physical examination programs are out of step with current evidence-based medical practice. Replacing periodic and other routine physical examination types with annual preventive health assessments would afford our service members additional health benefit at reduced cost. Additionally, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs repeat the physical examination process at separation and have been unable to reconcile their respective disability evaluation systems to reduce duplication and waste. A clear, coherent, and coordinated strategy to improve the relevance and utility of our physical examination programs is long overdue. This article discusses existing physical examination programs and proposes a model for a new integrative physical examination program based on need, science, and common sense.
Goodrich
Scott G
SG
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, VA/DoD Liaison Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, USA.
D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000145:classification*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010808:Physical Examination; D016730:Program Development; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014728:Veterans / Q000145:classification*; D014729:Veterans Disability Claims / Q000458:organization & administration*