Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC) has transformed how it delivers care to its Veterans.  In 2010 OGJVAMC began implementing the VA’s Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Model to provide more patient centric care.   By mid 2011, the reorganization was complete with seven PACT teamlets at OGJVAMC and between 1-3 teamlets at each of its Community Outpatient Clinics in Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, Hancock, Ironwood, Menominee, and Rhinelander (WI) and Rural Outreach Clinic in Manistique.

PACT is Team-Based Care:  The Veteran works with a core team of health care professionals, known as a teamlet, which includes his or her physician, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and administrative clerk.  A social worker, pharmacist, dietician and mental health professional may also be on the team. These health care professionals work
together as a team to provide comprehensive care for each Veteran.

PACT is a Veteran-Centric Partnership:  The Veteran and his or her teamlet work together to assess and treat the whole person, with an emphasis on lifelong preventive health and wellness.  This partnership encourages open communication between the Veteran and his or her health care team.

PACT is Increased Access to Care:  The Veteran now has more options in communicating with his or her health care professionals and receiving care – Primary Care visits, telephone follow ups, secure messaging, telehealth appointments, and same day visits with his or her provider and other teamlet members such as the dietician, social worker and Circle of Care Clinic (clinic integrating primary care and mental health care).

PACT is Coordinated Care:  The teamlet coordinates all aspects of a Veteran’s health care to include within the teamlet, with specialists in other services or non-VA providers, and the transition from hospital care to ambulatory care.  The objective is ensuring seamless coordination and continuity of care.