The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program is making major progress in providing specialized care to veterans in rural regions as part of a ground-breaking initiative to revolutionize veterans’ access to healthcare. This innovative program, which was started in 2021 by certified prosthetists Daniel Abrahamson and Eli Kaufman from VA Puget Sound Health Care System, has grown quickly to assist thousands of veterans who previously had difficulty accessing necessary orthotic and prosthetic services.
Over 12,000 patient visits and over 8,300 veterans served in just three years, with approximately 6,000 of these beneficiaries living in rural regions, demonstrating the program’s impressive impact. MoPOC has launched operations at 18 VA sites with assistance from VHA’s Office of Rural Health and plans to grow at a rate of eight new sites each year to reach 60 locations by 2029.
An important factor in MoPOC’s success is its veteran-centered strategy. Certified prosthetists and orthotists staff mobile units, which visit VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics and, if needed, veterans’ homes. The many tools and technology carried by these specialized physicians make on-site fitting and modification of personalized orthotic and prosthetic devices possible. When mobile units are deployed, veterans will have dependable points of contact thanks to the program’s devoted support staff in home locations.
The program’s influence goes beyond practicality. According to Abrahamson, about 20% of veterans say that without MoPOC’s assistance, they would have completely skipped their recommended orthotic and prosthetic therapy. Veterans frequently compliment the program’s staff on their knowledge, patience, and civil demeanor. In an example of the program’s regard for individual requirements and quality of life, one veteran described how a MoPOC doctor meticulously adjusted their brace to fit formal shoes for church attendance.
From a budgetary standpoint, MoPOC is advantageous for veterans and the VA. Veterans save a great deal on lost work time and travel costs, and the program usually costs less than comparable care from community providers. Due to the long commutes to VA hospitals, this economic gain is especially significant for veterans living in rural areas. The program’s remarkable 98% appointment accessibility satisfaction rate is a testament to its success.
MoPOC has a big impact on veterans’ everyday lives in ways that go beyond money and logistics. Recipients report improved ability to perform everyday tasks, reduced discomfort, and increased mobility. One veteran said the support from the program has made going for walks and other outdoor activities with their spouse more convenient and comfortable.
The VA’s dedication to providing cutting-edge healthcare that prioritizes veterans’ needs and accessibility is evidenced through MoPOC. This effort improves quality of life by giving medical services. It guarantees that access to necessary prosthetic and orthotic treatment is no longer ruled by geographic location by delivering specialist care straight to veterans’ communities.