As you know, I take great pride in treating Veterans, the ones who risked their lives for our liberties and freedoms. I have discussed in previous blogs my unique position, as part of the Veteran Community Care network, in being able to treat Veterans who have VA insurance. It truly has been a rewarding experience that is sure to continue.

There are a number of things that I keep track of in my practice. One important variable I keep track of concerns a recurring theme that constantly comes up in a specific patient pool. I track Veterans, according to this metric, as a separate group.

So, what is this theme that constantly comes up from the Veterans? It concerns their lack of awareness of Acupuncture being a benefit that they can take advantage of. Obviously, I am gearing this discussion on the Veterans in the VA system. However, there are Veterans, not in the system, that tell me that they wished they had known of Acupuncture earlier.

Why is this? For the Veterans in the VA system, they need their primary care to send an authorization for the Veteran to receive Acupuncture treatment. This, the physician needs to be aware of the benefits of Acupuncture for pain disorders and PTSD. Unfortunately, most of the times, that physician rarely thinks of Acupuncture as being viable for treating such issues or doesn’t even know that Acupuncture is a benefit that the Veteran has at his disposal.

The solution to this problem really centers on the Veterans. Veterans, who have been treated successfully by Acupuncture, need to voice their displeasure in Acupuncture not being made a priority by VA physicians. They also need to educate other Veterans of all they have at their disposal. Most importantly, they need to voice their displeasure to the VA administration and demand that Acupuncture be more highlighted to all clinicians on the VA staff.

Only if Veterans take charge will they get the most in terms of treatment efficacy.