About the Program

Women who have served in the armed forces are eligible for a variety of veterans benefits. VA actively encourages women to utilize the benefits due them.

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital offers a variety of health services to address the unique needs of women veterans. The Women Veterans Health Care Program focuses on wellness education, preventive health treatment, disease management and the emotional well-being of women veterans. Our goal is to offer women patients quality healthcare in a concerned, compassionate and comprehensive manner throughout their life span.

Women’s Primary Care Services

Exams and Services:

• History and physical, including pelvic exam and breast exam
• Menopause treatment including hormonal therapy if appropriate
• Family planning and contraceptive care
• Infertility evaluation and referrals
• Maternity care referrals
• Assessment for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke risk
• Tobacco use cessation counseling
• Sexual trauma referrals
• Flu and other vaccines
• Social work referrals
• Medication therapy education
• Referrals for other services as needed

Screening for:

• High blood pressure
• Breast cancer or fibrocystic disease – mammograms
• Cervical cancer – Pap test
• Colorectal cancer
• Osteoporosis
• High cholesterol
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Diabetes
• Nutrition and dietary needs
• Psychosocial issues that impact your health

Women’s Specialty Services at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

The Gynecology Clinic provides special services including major or minor surgical procedures for treatment of women’s reproductive disorders, urologic-gynecology (for treatment of urinary incontinence) and oncologic-gynecology (for treatment of cancers of the female reproductive organs).

The Breast Care Clinic has been established for evaluation and treatment of breast diseases or abnormalities detected through breast examination or mammography.

Mental Health Services are available for treatment of many conditions, including depression and anxiety. An individual comprehensive treatment plan is developed with the patient. Referrals are made as needed for specific issues, including military sexual trauma, eating disorders, substance use and post traumatic stress disorder.

We invite women veterans to take advantage of our special programs. Your active and vocal participation in the health care process is important to our success. We value the opinions of veterans and want to listen and respond to your health care concerns.

OEF/OIF veterans, including activated Reservists and National Guard members, are eligible for a wide range of benefits, including free health care for conditions possibly related to your hazardous service. Timeframes are as follows:

• Veterans currently-enrolled and new enrollees discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003 are eligible for the enhanced benefits for five years post-discharge.
• Veterans discharged from active duty before Jan. 28, 2003, who applied for enrollment on or after Jan. 28, 2008, are eligible for the enhanced benefit until Jan. 27, 2011.

How to Access These Services

All women veterans who have received an honorable discharge (or general under honorable conditions) from the military are eligible to apply for healthcare services. An eligibility specialist will process the request and the patient will be notified if she has met eligibility criteria. Eligible women patients are assigned to a primary care team. A co-payment may be assessed for treatment of non-service connected conditions. The fee is determined by the patient’s income and entitlement.

If you are NOT already enrolled for VA medical benefits at JAHVH, contact the Eligibility Unit at (813) 972-2000, ext. 1710 for assistance.

If you are already enrolled for VA medical benefits, contact your Primary Care team for information about how you can access the services available in the Women’s Clinic.

If you want to know more about the Women Veterans Health Care Program at JAHVH, stop by the Women Veterans Program Manager’s office in the RTU building on the ground floor, Rm. 041. She is also available by calling (813) 972-2000, ext. 6695.