How VA Clinics Are Expanding Preventive Care Access for Veterans—And What It Means for You

Veterans now have access to comprehensive preventive care services at VA clinics across the country, including cancer screenings, cardiovascular evaluations, and diabetes management programs designed to catch health problems early. The Toms River VA Clinic in New Jersey exemplifies this expanded approach, offering a full spectrum of preventive and diagnostic services that go far beyond basic primary care.

What Preventive Services Are Available at VA Clinics?

VA clinics have significantly expanded their preventive care offerings to address the most common health threats facing veterans. These services include screening and early detection programs that can identify serious conditions before they become life-threatening. The range of preventive services now available spans multiple specialties and health concerns.

• Cancer Screenings: Women's health services include mammograms for breast cancer detection, Pap tests for cervical cancer screening, and comprehensive exams for abnormal uterine bleeding and various cancers.
• Cardiovascular Evaluations: Cardiology services perform noninvasive tests including electrocardiograms (EKGs), portable heart monitors, and ultrasound imaging to evaluate heart health and detect coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and heart rhythm disorders.
• Diabetes Management and Prevention: Comprehensive diabetes services include self-management education classes, blood glucose monitoring training, and insulin therapy guidance to help veterans manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing: Full-range clinical testing services analyze blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to detect infectious diseases and monitor overall health status.
• Allergy and Immunology Screening: Services include skin tests, blood tests, and specialized exams to identify food, drug, insect, pollen, and environmental allergies that may affect daily health.
• Dental and Oral Cancer Screening: Eligible veterans receive routine dental exams, teeth cleaning, and comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of preventive dental care.

Why Early Detection Matters for Veterans

The emphasis on preventive care at VA clinics reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward catching diseases in their earliest, most treatable stages. Veterans who utilize these screening services gain a significant advantage in managing chronic conditions and preventing serious health complications. The combination of primary care checkups, specialized screenings, and laboratory testing creates a comprehensive safety net for early disease detection.

Women veterans, in particular, benefit from dedicated gynecology services that include osteoporosis screening for brittle bones, sexually transmitted disease screening, and counseling for contraception and reproductive health concerns. These services recognize that preventive care must be tailored to individual health needs and risk factors.

How to Access VA Preventive Care Services

Veterans interested in preventive care services should contact their VA clinic to schedule appointments. Most VA clinics operate during standard business hours, with the Toms River facility offering services Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For veterans who need referrals to specialty services, the first step is contacting your primary care provider, who can coordinate the appropriate screening or evaluation.

Transportation assistance is available for eligible veterans through beneficiary travel benefits, which cover round-trip transportation from home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. This removes a significant barrier that might otherwise prevent veterans from accessing preventive care services.

The expansion of preventive care at VA clinics demonstrates a commitment to helping veterans maintain their health and catch potential problems early. By taking advantage of these comprehensive screening and diagnostic services, veterans can work with their healthcare teams to prevent serious diseases and maintain better overall health outcomes.