As a veteran on the United States armed forces, you are entitled to certain benefits, including the provision of health care. Congress created the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide health care to America's veterans.

Throughout the existence of the VA health care system, the qualifications for receiving VA benefits have changed. At some point, the VA system was only caring for veterans with a service connected injury or illness. In October, 1998, Congress directed the VA to provide health care benefits to any veteran who has received an honorable discharge from active duty. Depending on the veteran's income level, he/she may be asked to pay for part of their health care costs.

In order to improve access to VA directed health care for the veterans of the Tri-State area, the VA has opened an outpatient clinic in Dubuque. This clinic is scheduled to be open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM by appointment only.

Dubuque Internal Medicine has provided health care services to many Tri-State area veterans. We wholeheartedly support the sacrifices that the veterans of America have made for our freedom and security. We support the Congress' commitment to provide health care to America's veterans. Many veterans use the VA system because of the high cost of prescription drugs. This is a good benefit, one which we hope you will use.

It is our understanding that the Veterans Clinic in Dubuque will only be available to meet your health care needs Monday through Friday 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM. If you have a medical emergency during the night or on a weekend, the physicians of Dubuque Internal Medicine will be available to meet your health care needs.

In order to provide you with the best medical care, we feel it is important for you to maintain an ongoing relationship with your physician here at Dubuque Internal Medicine, even if you choose to obtain part of your health care at the VA Clinic. If you see your Dubuque Internal Medicine physician on a regular basis, then, if you should need urgent care some evening or weekend, the physicians at Dubuque Internal Medicine will have access to your current medical records and can use this information to provide you with the best health care possible.

The Veterans Clinic in Dubuque will provide general medical care only. If you need specialty care, you will be offered a consultation with a specialist in Iowa City. We hope you will also consider the option of receiving your specialty care right here in Dubuque, which we believe is of high quality. Using specialty care in Dubuque is more convenient. If you should need surgery, your recovery would be enhanced if you have support from your relatives and friends right here in Dubuque.

Our office participates in the following health plans:

• Medicare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa
• John Deere Health Plans (formerly Heritage)
• SISCO
• Dean Health Plan

Our participation in these health plans benefits all of our patients.

We welcome the Veterans Clinic to Dubuque and look forward to working with the VA to meet your health care needs. We encourage you to use their services to receive the benefits you have earned by serving your country.

Also, we hope that you will maintain an ongoing relationship with your physician at Dubuque Internal Medicine. We also hope you will consider receiving any specialty care you might need right here in Dubuque when available.

Thank you for allowing the physicians and staff at Dubuque Internal Medicine to provide for your health care.