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11-12-03, 11:05 AM
VA and DoD Select Eight Medical Demonstration Sites

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the
selection of eight medical sites to participate in demonstrations with
nearby Department of Defense (DoD) medical facilities. These demonstrations
will test the capabilities of the two departments to provide a seamless
delivery of benefits and services to military members and veterans by
sharing information and other efficiencies.

"This is an important step toward reaching President Bush's goal of
improving service to our active duty and veteran populations by enhancing
our ability to work together," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J.
Principi. "It's an example of our joint efforts to knock down the walls
between our two departments."

Mandated by the Fiscal Year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act, the
demonstrations will test three separate areas: budget and financial
management; staffing and assignment; and medical information and information
technology systems.

"These demonstration projects reflect the determination and desire by those
in both the military and VA health care systems to improve the delivery of
care for our beneficiaries," said Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant
secretary of defense for health affairs. He explained that the
demonstrations will "enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness for
the delivery of benefits and services to veterans, service members, military
retirees and their families."

The DoD/VA Health Executive Council selected the sites from a list of
hospitals that volunteered to participate. These projects will operate
through Fiscal Year 2007.
The budget and financial management demonstrations will be conducted at:

* Tripler Army Medical Center and VA Pacific Islands Health Care System,
Hawaii; and

* Air Force 3rd Medical Group and Alaska VA Health Care System in Anchorage,
Alaska.

Staffing and assignment demonstrations will be at the following locations:

* Madigan Army Medical Center and Puget Sound VA Health Care System,
Seattle/Tacoma;

* Eisenhower Army Medical Center and Augusta VA Health Care System, Augusta,
Ga.; and

Langley Air Force Base 1st Medical Group and Hampton VA Medical Center,
Hampton, Va.

The medical information and information technology systems will be tested
at:

* Madigan Army Medical Center and the Puget Sound VA Health Care System,
Seattle/Tacoma;

* William Beaumont Army Medical Center and El Paso VA Health Care System, El
Paso, Texas; and

* Air Force Wilford Hall, Brooke Army Medical Centers and South Texas VA
Health Care System, San Antonio.