Expanding access: Bringing specialized care closer to rural Veterans
For Veterans in rural West Texas, getting specialized healthcare has often meant long drives, frustrating wait times, and navigating a complex referral system.
But now, thanks to the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS), those barriers are coming down. By expanding in-house specialty services, WTVAHCS is ensuring that Veterans receive faster, more consistent care—without having to leave the VA system they trust.
A Game-Changer for Rural Veterans
For Navy Gulf War Veteran Bill Hensley, 56, of Mesquite, Texas, the impact of these changes has been life changing. After years of dealing with shoulder pain and bouncing between non-VA specialists who never had a complete picture of his medical history, he’s finally receiving consistent treatment—all under the same roof at the VA.
“I was always bouncing between different doctors on the outside, and no one really knew my entire history,” Hensley said. “Now, I see the same people in VA who understand my condition. It makes a world of difference.”
His experience is a testament to the VA’s commitment to ensuring that Veterans—no matter where they live—have access to the care they need.
Bringing Orthopedic Care Closer to Home
Recognizing the growing demand for orthopedic services, WTVAHCS has taken a significant step by bringing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Chelsea Luebke, a certified orthopedic specialist. She works alongside VA medical teams to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions, helping Veterans stay mobile and pain-free.
Veterans in rural West Texas can now access in-house services such as:
- Joint pain evaluations – Helping Veterans manage chronic discomfort and mobility issues.
- Arthritis management – Offering targeted treatments to improve quality of life.
- Fracture care – Providing expert treatment for bone injuries.
- Surgical referrals – Seamless coordination for advanced procedures when needed.
By keeping these services within the VA system, providers can develop long-term, coordinated treatment plans—without unnecessary delays or outside referrals.
Expanding Specialty Care Beyond Orthopedics
Orthopedic care is just the beginning. WTVAHCS is also broadening access to other essential specialties, ensuring that rural Veterans receive the comprehensive healthcare they deserve. These expanded services include:
- Urology services – Addressing conditions such as kidney stones and prostate issues.
- Sleep medicine – Treating sleep apnea and other disorders common among Veterans.
- Pulmonary medicine – Managing respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma.
- Mobile eye clinic – Bringing essential vision care directly to Veterans in rural areas.
By offering these services in-house, the VA is eliminating the need for Veterans to travel long distances for specialized care. This expansion is a major step toward closing the healthcare gap for those who live in remote areas.
Less Hassle, More Care
Many rural Veterans have faced challenges in accessing timely medical treatment, often being referred to outside specialists, leading to confusion, extra costs, and delayed care. WTVAHCS’ expansion changes that by streamlining services, reducing wait times, and ensuring Veterans receive continuous care from VA providers who understand their unique needs.
“Our goal is to keep Veterans moving and living pain-free,” said Luebke. “By expanding specialty care services at our clinics, we’re making sure Veterans don’t have to jump through hoops to get the care they need.”
A Commitment to Rural Veterans
With these improvements, WTVAHCS is reaffirming its mission to deliver high-quality, Veteran-focused healthcare—quickly, efficiently, and within the VA system Veterans trust. The investment in specialty services isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring that every Veteran, no matter where they live, has access to the care they earned.