Center brings healthcare closer to veterans in California

Center brings healthcare closer to veterans

By Cheryl Walker

ESCONDIDO They run the gamut from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom.  These men and women share the bond of being veterans.   

“We have about 5,200 patients now, and it keeps growing,” said Carl Langston, regional administrator of the Escondido clinic. “We see patients from all over, even from Anza. We see about 800 to 850 a month.”

The center is one of five in the region. Others are in Vista, Mission Valley, Chula Vista and Brawley.

“The VA goes out nationwide and determines where the biggest veteran population is,” Langston said. “The feeling is a veteran shouldn’t have to travel more than 30 miles to see a doctor.

Escondido’s clinic is administered by CRAssociates Inc., which has a staff of 13, including two physicians and two nurse practitioners.

For an eligible enrolled veteran, there is no annual premium. Office visits are either at no cost or minimal cost.

“A primary care doctor coordinates their care on an ongoing basis,” said 60-year-old Langston, who served 30 years as a hospital corpsman. “If they need a specialist, we send them to (the veterans medical center in) La Jolla.”

Patients eligible to receive treatment at the Escondido Veteran Center must be out of the service. The youngest client at the center is 22 and the oldest is 94. The clinic sees a lot of women veterans.

“Unfortunately there aren’t many of the World War II veterans left. It’s especially nice for them that they don’t have to drive far for treatment,” Langston said.

Hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol are the three most common health problems the doctors see at the center. Clients find services offered that they couldn’t receive elsewhere.

“The VA provides hearing aids, which Medicare and private insurances don’t,” Langston said. “Another benefit is the lower cost for prescriptions. We have a lot of veterans who especially come for that.”

Staff continue to spread the word that the clinic is available to local veterans. Their motto is “Caring for the Veterans Who Have Kept Our Nation Free.”

“One of our veterans noticed we didn’t have a flag outside, so a flag and pole were donated by Chapter 70 of the Disabled American Veterans. All the veterans like it, and it flies day and night.”

All medical records are kept electronically, and the clinic makes sure it is up on the latest technology.

But the primary focus is patient satisfaction, Langston said.

“These are very important people to us, who have served their country.”