Development of an interdisciplinary case management program for combat veterans.

The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, prompted a major mobilization of Alabama active military reservists and Alabama National Guardsmen to serve in the Middle East. Health problems related to geographic relocation, environmental threats, combat and other traumatic events, and the stress associated with serving in an active capacity have resulted in an increase in the number of patients and the variety of illnesses being seen at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. The Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center developed a combat veterans care coordination program to efficiently and effectively manage the care of returning combat veterans. The development and first-year outcomes of the program are described.