VA Cardiology Program Expands Access for Rural Veterans in Southeast Missouri

Poplar Bluff, Mo. (KFMO) - A new cardiology initiative at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is expanding access to heart care for rural Veterans across southeast Missouri.

Through the VA’s Cardiology Access and Resources for Delivery of Integrated Outreach to Veterans Network, known as CARDIO-VET, eligible Veterans can now receive specialized cardiology services at outpatient clinics in Cape Girardeau, Farmington, and West Plains, without having to travel to larger VA medical centers in St. Louis or other urban areas.

“To stay within the VA system, a lot of times the patients would have to go to St. Louis or other bigger cities, so there would be quite a bit of travel,” said Nurse Practitioner Alice Hall. “This program allows them to be seen and treated in the local clinic with assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up.”

Registered Nurse Kerri Joiner added that keeping Veterans within the VA system improves continuity of care.

“If a Veteran stays within the VA system, they are less likely to have split care and they are better taken care of,” Joiner said.

One of the early enrollees in the program is Albert Lindsey, a 77-year-old Vietnam War Veteran from Fredericktown. Lindsey said he had been experiencing heart-related symptoms for years before finally getting answers through the new program.

“My heart was racing and I could actually feel it,” Lindsey said. “If I was startled or excited, instead of just normal adrenaline flow, I could feel it racing. Plus, I was feeling sharp pains every now and then.”

Lindsey said earlier testing outside the VA system did not identify the issue. After returning to VA care, he was referred into the CARDIO-VET program.

“That first CARDIO-VET appointment was about four months ago at the Farmington VA Clinic, and it was an eye opener and very educational,” he said. “They kept checking and probing and finally figured out that I’ve got a problem.”

He praised staff for their communication and care.

“They explained it so clearly that anyone could understand it,” Lindsey said. “They were very respectful and listened to every word I said.”

Beyond improved care, Lindsey said the program has also eased the burden of travel.

“It helps me immensely, both mentally and physically, and it costs me less,” he said.