Mental Health Diagnoses and Utilization of VA Non-Mental Health Medical Services Among Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

• DOI: 10.1007/s11606-009-1117-3
• Publication Date: 2009-09-28T13:44:38Z
• Authors: Beth E. Cohen; Kris Gima; Daniel Bertenthal; Sue Kim; Charles R. Marmar; Karen H. Seal
• Keywords: Subspecialty; Veterans Affairs; Military psychiatry

Over 35% of returned Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in VA care have received mental health diagnoses; the most prevalent is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little known about these patients' use non-mental medical services impact disorders on utilization.To compare utilization across three groups veterans: those without disorders, with other than PTSD, PTSD.National, descriptive study 249,440 newly utilizing healthcare between October 7, 2001 March 31, 2007, followed until 2008.We used ICD9-CM diagnostic codes to classify status. We compared outpatient services, primary care, subspecialty, ancillary laboratory tests/diagnostic procedures, emergency hospitalizations during veterans' first year care. Results were adjusted for demographics military service facility characteristics.Veterans had 42-146% greater depending category (all P < 0.001). Those PTSD highest all categories: 71-170% In analyses, 55% higher services; 91% utilization. Female sex lower rank also independently associated utilization.Veterans diagnoses, particularly utilize significantly more services. As return home, we must ensure resources are allocated meet their outpatient, inpatient, needs.