Impact of Veterans Choice Program implementation on newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients

The Veterans Choice Program (VCP), implemented in 2014, aimed to help veterans with prostate cancer get specialized care outside of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. This study examined how many veterans used this program and what kind of care they received.

Researchers looked at data from veterans diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2015 and 2018 who regularly used VHA primary care. They analyzed where veterans lived in relation to VHA hospitals and whether they received their care there or through the VCP.

Of the 45,029 veterans in the study, (64.1%) received definitive treatment for their prostate cancer. Over half were treated through the VCP, that included surgeries and radiotherapy. Veterans who lived farthest from VHA hospitals were more likely to use the VCP for their treatment.

The study found that more veterans started using the VCP over time, especially those with low-risk prostate cancer. However, there was a concern that some veterans might get more treatment than they needed when using the VCP.

In conclusion, while the VCP helped veterans with prostate cancer access treatment, especially those living far from VHA hospitals, there were questions about whether all veterans received the right amount of care. This study suggests that careful monitoring is needed to ensure veterans get appropriate care for their prostate cancer.