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Multiple VA teams work together to improve health, quality of life for a rural Veteran

Two photos of a group of staff in scrubs and shirts.
In the hub-and-spoke method of delivering care, a four-person spoke team from Eastern Kansas VA (L) provides direct patient care through various modalities and refers requirements for higher levels of care to Dole VA’s hub team (R).

By Dole VA Office of Communication Services

VA’s Cardiology Access and Resources for Delivery of Integrated Outreach to VETerans Network (CARDIO-VET for short), operated in partnership with the VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), expands access to care for Veterans in rural and highly rural communities to expert care.

Employing a hub-and-spoke care delivery model, the program reduces travel burdens, enhances continuity of care, and ensures timely access to life-saving diagnostics and treatments.

“Through this program, we extend our cardiology reach to ensure every rural Veteran in the areas we serve can get access to high quality cardiology care,” said Alwin Abraham, Director of Field Operations for the national CARDIO-VET Network.

This outreach effort recently saved the life of a Kansas Veteran.

Late in November 2025, the Veteran was evaluated by the CARDIO-VET Team out of Eastern Kansas VA (the spoke) after indications of an underlying severe condition. The team quickly identified the need for a cardiac catheterization and sprang into action.

The three members of the CARDIO-VET Team worked seamlessly to ensure timely care. RN Health Care Navigator Tanya Twombly immediately contacted the cardiology nurse navigator at Dole VA in Wichita (the hub) to secure the appropriate consult. Thanks to this rapid coordination, the Wichita VA cath lab contacted the Veteran the same day and scheduled the procedure.

Transportation options were addressed with the Veteran and, when the Veteran expressed a preference to drive himself, the Wichita cardiology team arranged for an overnight stay at Dole VA to ensure his safety and comfort.

The cardiac catheterization was successfully completed on December 9, 2025, and the Veteran was scheduled for a planned intervention on January 7, 2026. Once again, Wichita cardiology coordinated an overnight stay for the follow-up procedure.

The intervention was a success. The Veteran reports decreased symptoms and increased stamina, a testament to the power of teamwork and patient-centered care.

“This is what exceptional care looks like,” said Abraham. “This is exactly how this outreach program produces improved health outcomes for Veterans.”