Topeka VA Medical Center

Leader Name	Title	Area of Expertise/Responsibility
A. Rudy Klopfer	Director	Oversees the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, including operations at Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center and Leavenworth VA Medical Center. Expert in executive management and strategic healthcare leadership.
Jean J. Gurga	Executive Director/CEO	Leads hospital operations, patient care service quality, and strategic program initiatives.
Paula Roychaudhuri	Associate Director	Manages administrative functions and operational efficiency.
Angela Nix	Associate Director	Directs quality improvement initiatives and healthcare program management.
Ahmad Batrash	Chief of Staff	Oversees clinical operations and ensures the delivery of high-quality medical care.
Vicki Callahan	Deputy Chief of Staff	Supports the Chief of Staff in managing clinical services and staff performance.
Kelly Goudreau	Associate Director, Patient Care Services / Nurse Executive	Leads nursing services to ensure patient care quality and professional development.

Department	Common Procedures	Average Fees (Based on Priority Groups)	Factors Impacting Cost	Financial Assistance
Cardiology	ECG, Holter Monitoring, Stress Tests, Angioplasty, Pacemaker Placement	Inpatient: $335.20 - $1,676+ per 90 days (varies by group) Outpatient: Copay rates apply for non-service-connected conditions	Complexity of procedure, inpatient vs outpatient, service-connected status	Financial assistance for service-connected Veterans or those with limited income; annual out-of-pocket caps for medication costs
Neurology	Diagnostic Imaging, EEG, Stroke Rehabilitation, Neurological Exams	Inpatient: $335.20 - $1,676+ per 90 days Outpatient: Copay based on service tier; some preventive screenings free	Diagnostic complexity, usage of invasive procedures, specialist involvement	Copay exemptions for priority group 1; financial aid for eligible low-income Veterans
Oncology	Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Cancer Screenings	Inpatient: $335.20 - $1,676+ per 90 days Outpatient: Tier-dependent medication copays ($0-33)	Stage of cancer, treatment type (medications, radiation, surgery)	Sliding scale based on income, service-connected disability status; options for payment plans
Orthopedics	Joint Replacement, Fracture Care, Physical Therapy	Inpatient: $335.20 - $1,676+ per 90 days Outpatient: Physical therapy copay as per service tier	Procedure complexity, inpatient stays, rehabilitation requirements	Copay limits; free care for priority group 1 Veterans
Outpatient Services	General Consultations, Preventive Screenings, Vaccinations	Preventive care often free; other services $15-$50 depending on complexity	Nature of service, priority group status, geographic location	No cost for many preventive services; income-based aid for non-service-connected Veterans

markdown | Special Program | Details | |-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance | Assistance with co-pay waivers, debt relief, and repayment plans for low-income veterans. Hardship determinations may exempt veterans from co-pays. | | In-Home Care Services | Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) offers primary care at home, social work, rehabilitation, and caregiver support for veterans with severe illnesses. | | Day Care Centers | The facility includes a community day treatment center for various mental health services and therapies. | | Palliative Care | Comprehensive palliative and hospice care services, including specialized memory care for dementia patients. | | Social Support Options | VA social workers provide resources for housing stability, mental health, crisis intervention, and caregiver matching with local services. | | Caregiver Support | Support coordinators connect caregivers with resources and benefits, including a dedicated support line for immediate assistance. | | Homeless Veteran Support | Transitional and permanent housing assistance, job training, financial support, and community reentry programs for at-risk veterans. |

Payment Option	Description
Repayment Plan	Allows patients to repay in installments over an agreed time frame, typically interest-free if terms are adhered to.
Debt Relief	Options where patients facing financial hardship may qualify for partial or full debt forgiveness.
Copay Exemption	Eligibility-based exemption from copayments for specific groups or services such as preventative screenings.
Interest-Free Payment Plans	Provides the ability to pay bills over time without incurring additional interest, ensuring total payments equal the original bill amount.
Third-Party Financing	Medical credit cards or loans managed by external providers, which may include interest-free periods or variable rates depending on eligibility.
Extended Installments	Allows up to 36 monthly payments, with monthly caps (e.g., 4% or 2% of household income for facility or professional bills).
Upfront Payment Discounts	Discounts provided for paying the full bill amount in advance or in fewer payments.
Individualized Payment Plans	Customized payment terms based on financial discussions between the patient and the provider.

markdown | Department | Service Offered | Guidance on Costs and Financial Support | |---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Counseling | Assistance with debt relief options, including waivers or compromise offers for copay bills. | Provides cost guidance and financial hardship services before treatment. | | Revenue Office | Helps set up repayment plans for unpaid bills with monthly installment options. | Offers repayment plans tailored to financial capability. | | Business/Health Administration Office | Assistance with hardship determination and priority group reassignment to reduce or waive costs. | Reviews applications for hardship-based copay exemptions. | | VA Empathy and Support Programs | Offers emergency financial hardship services for Veterans experiencing income reduction. | Discusses treatment costs and financial hardship plans directly. | | Insurance Services | Offers financial advice for SGLI, VGLI, and TSGLI beneficiaries, including online will preparation.| Not applicable for medical treatment costs specifically. |

| Category | Details | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Physical Accessibility | Wheelchair availability on arrival; accessible parking and entrances; ADA-compliant facilities | | Assistive Devices | Mobility assistive equipment, manual and powered wheelchairs, seating systems, environmental control units (EADLs), and adapted driving and vehicle modifications | | Communication Aids | Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC), assistive listening devices, text-to-speech software, and accessible telecommunication services such as TTY | | Priority Services | Veteran-specific transportation services (DAV vans), shuttle services, expedited care for disability-related needs, minority and caregiver support programs | | Staff Training | Certified assistive technology providers, training in inclusive care practices, and specialized rehabilitation expertise |

Department	Digital Health Service	Description	How It Supports Patient Care
Telemedicine	VA Video Connect	Provides video-based telehealth appointments with VA providers via smartphones, tablets, or computers.	Improves accessibility, reduces travel burden, and allows for virtual caregiver inclusion.
Remote Monitoring	Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth (RPM-HT)	Monitors biometric data like blood pressure, weight, and glucose remotely using devices at home.	Enables continuous health tracking, prevents complications, and reduces emergency visits.
Patient Portal	My HealtheVet	Allows patients to view health records, refill prescriptions, schedule appointments, and communicate securely with providers.	Enhances patient autonomy, streamlines health management, and provides 24/7 access to health tools.
Telehealth Access	ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations)	Offers telehealth services from community-based stations for Veterans lacking adequate home connectivity.	Expands accessibility for underserved areas and ensures reliable telehealth connections.
Health Data Management	Remote Monitoring Tools	Collects and transmits vital signs to healthcare teams using connected devices.	Supports timely interventions, personalized care adjustments, and enhanced chronic disease management.
Appointment Management	Online Scheduling	Patients can manage, schedule, and cancel appointments online through portals like My HealtheVet and My VA Health.	Simplifies appointment management and reduces administrative barriers.
Digital Health Expansion	Mobile Health Technologies	Utilizes mobile apps to provide health services, reminders, and self-management tools.	Encourages proactive health management and improves access to VA health resources.
Support Services	Care Coordinator Integration	Assigns care coordinators to oversee remote monitoring and patient interventions.	Facilitates continuity of care, ensures appropriate follow-ups, and reduces unnecessary hospitalizations.

markdown | Department | Rotations/Classes/Seminars/Training | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Ambulatory Care | Required rotation as part of the Pharmacy Residency Program; includes patient care and prescription management. | | Acute Psychiatry | Required rotation focused on psychiatric care for veterans. | | Anticoagulation | Provides training in managing anticoagulation therapies as part of the residency and internship programs. | | Geriatrics/Home Based Primary Care | Includes rotations for both required and elective training, focusing on elder care and community-based treatments. | | Mental Health | Offers rotations in residential rehabilitation treatment programs for PTSD and substance use disorders, along with outpatient psychiatry and therapy services. | | Cardiology | Elective rotation offering advanced training in cardiovascular care. | | Pharmacogenomics | Elective rotation studying the impact of genetics on medication efficacy and safety. | | Infectious Disease | Elective rotation emphasizing antimicrobial stewardship and infection control practices. | | Acute Care | Required rotation involving the treatment of acute medical conditions in hospitalized patients. | | Psychology | Generalist internship training, including seminars and supervised clinical training in treating diverse populations as part of the APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program. | | Practice Management and Leadership | Longitudinal focus on leadership and clinical practice skills with minor projects and staffing assignments. | | Mandatory Training | Annual training covering VA requirements, safety goals, trainee supervision, and benefits for all health profession trainees. | | Residential Rehabilitation | Focus on mental health rehabilitation at specialized residential centers for PTSD and other disorders. | | Whole Health | Classes available for exploring concepts of personalized healthcare goals and wellness practices, offered virtually and in person at Topeka and Leavenworth campuses. |

Department	Research Projects	Clinical Trials	Development Impact on Healthcare Professionals
Cardiology	Studies on atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.	NIH, VA-CSP, and industry-sponsored trials addressing testosterone´s role in cardiovascular diseases.	Advances understanding of cardiovascular health, supporting evidence-based practice for practitioners.
Mental Health	Research on PTSD, TBI, stroke, epilepsy, and posttraumatic headache.	Database-focused studies and clinical research on innovative treatments.	Improves diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for mental health care professionals.
Substance Abuse	Opioid addiction studies addressing chemical brain changes.	Developing medications for substance use disorders.	Equips clinicians with tools to better manage addiction treatment.
Oncology	Research on triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and oncolytic viruses for therapy.	NCI and VA-CSP trials offering veterans access to innovative cancer treatments.	Explores new cancer treatments, enhancing oncology care expertise.
Renal, Hypertension, and Diabetes	Investigating chronic renal diseases and role of cytokines in inflammation.	VA-CSP and industry trials targeting hypertension, diabetes, and COVID-19 impacts on renal health.	Supports advancements in nephrology and endocrinology practices.
Pulmonary	COVID-19 related research and clinical trials on pulmonary diseases.	DOD-funded trials addressing COVID-related challenges.	Enhances understanding and management of respiratory illnesses.
Drug Discovery	Development of small molecules for Alzheimer’s and substance use disorders.	Collaboration among organic and medicinal chemists for innovative therapies.	Drives pharmacological education and practical application in treatment.

Department	Affiliations with Professional Organizations	Professional Development Programs
Cardiology	American Society of Health-System Pharmacists	Residency programs in medical and surgical specialties
Mental Health	American Psychological Association	Accredited Psychology Internship Program
Occupational Therapy	Kansas Occupational Therapy Association	Training programs through VA partnerships
Optometry	Kansas Optometric Association	Associated training in optometry
Physical Therapy	Kansas Physical Therapy Association	Residencies and associated training programs
Primary Care	Joint Commission	Leadership Development Programs (HCLDP)
Rehabilitation Services	Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities	Clinical and leadership training opportunities
Respiratory Care	Kansas Respiratory Care Society	Collaborative training for respiratory therapists
Radiology	Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists	Education programs advancing radiologic disciplines
Women’s Health	Veterans Integrated Service Network 15	Specialized health services and training programs

Department	Certification/Program	Accreditation Body
Cardiology	Comprehensive Specialty Services	American College of Cardiology
Neurology	Advanced Neurological Care	American Academy of Neurology
Geriatrics	Comprehensive Geriatric Care	American Geriatrics Society
Hematology/Oncology	Advanced Cancer Care Program	American Society of Clinical Oncology
Nephrology	Kidney Disease Management	American Society of Nephrology
Mental Health	Behavioral and Mental Health Services	National Alliance on Mental Illness
Rehabilitation	Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program	Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Suicide Prevention	Suicide Prevention Care	Department of Veterans Affairs

markdown | Department | Internship/Observation Opportunity | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Academic Affiliations | VA residency programs in clinical and dental fields available through Office of Academic Affiliations. | | Education Department | VA-STEP program for nursing and medical laboratory scientist students post-junior year. | | Psychology | Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program, accredited by APA, for clinical and counseling psychology students. | | Nursing Programs | Practical training for nursing students, including licensed practical nurse roles in patient care teams. | | Allied Health Programs | Internships in associated health fields like dietetics, medical laboratory, and others. |

Department	Award(s) Received
Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA)	American Pharmaceutical Association Foundation’s Pinnacle Award (Health System Category)
General Facility	5-Star CMS Quality Rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
General Facility	Named one of the best medical facilities in Kansas for Patient Satisfaction
Mental Health Clinic	Recognition through VA National Center for Patient Safety Gold Cornerstone Recognition Award

Department	Program Description
Emergency Medicine	A 12-month program focusing on advanced training in emergency care, patient management, and procedural skills in high and low acuity settings.
Geriatrics	A residency program specializing in care for elderly patients, focusing on chronic diseases, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care.
Mental Health	A 12-month residency focusing on psychiatry, including interprofessional teamwork and preparation for the NCCPA CAQ Psychiatry exam.
Primary Care	An evidence-based 12-month program covering broad disease management and primary care medicine through diverse clinical rotations and coursework.
Pharmacy	A PGY-1 residency program emphasizing ambulatory care, mental health, geriatrics, and electives such as cardiology and infectious diseases.
Optometry	Specialized training in eye care, focusing on managing ocular diseases, teaching, and advanced clinical practices.

Department	Residency/Specialty Training Offered
Cardiology	Elective residency rotation available in advanced pharmacy practice.
Pharmacy	PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency focusing on ambulatory care, mental health, and geriatrics.
Emergency Medicine	Post-graduate residency programs for physician assistants available at affiliated facilities.
Geriatrics	Residency training programs and focus areas in pharmacy and mental health.
Mental Health	Residency programs for physician assistants and psychiatry training rotations.
Primary Care	Post-graduate primary care residency programs at affiliated VA facilities.
Pharmacogenomics	Elective rotation in pharmacy residency.
Infectious Diseases	Elective residency rotation available in antimicrobial stewardship.
Substance Use Disorder Psychiatry	Elective rotations for pharmacy residents.
Anticoagulation	Required rotation in pharmacy residency program.

| Department | Service/Support | |----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance | Hardship determination and copay exemption by submitting VA Form 10-10HS and a supporting letter. | | Repayment Plans | Monthly repayment plans for outstanding bills (up to 3 years to pay off debts). | | Debt Relief | Options to waive or compromise on copay debts by submitting VA Form 5655 and a supporting letter. | | Emergency Care | Guarantee of emergency room services without prior approval for life-threatening conditions. | | Mental Health Emergency Care | Coverage for up to 90 days for eligible veterans in immediate crises, even if not enrolled in VA care. | | Discounted Services | Financial assistance for uninsured veterans based on income thresholds and family size. | | Alternative Insurance | Guidance on obtaining subsidized health insurance via Kansas Marketplace for eligible individuals. | | Billing and Insurance Guidance | Assistance available through VA billing office for setting up payment plans or resolving billing issues. |

Department	Research Institutions/Labs	Affiliated Universities	Collaborations
Genomics	Million Veteran Program, NIH-funded All of Us Program	University of Kansas	Development of genomic databases and biobanking research; enrolling veterans in large-scale genetic studies
Cardiology	VA Partnered Research	University of Kansas	Research collaboration on post-deployment cardiopulmonary evaluations
Mental Health	Menninger Institute	University of Kansas	Collaboration on programs for PTSD and other mental health issues
Clinical Trials	NIH, National Institutes of Health	University of Kansas	Expansion of clinical trials, including VA and DoD-funded initiatives
Internal Medicine	Department of Internal Medicine	University of Kansas	Collaborative research in fields like geriatrics and chronic disease management
Pharmacy	KU School of Pharmacy	University of Kansas	Collaborative programs to enhance medication safety and efficacy
Psychology	Department of Psychology and Educational Psychology	University of Kansas	Joint studies on PTSD, cognitive therapies, and mental health education
Business	KU School of Business	University of Kansas	Collaboration on healthcare management and operational research
Pulmonary	Stormont Vail Health	-	Participation in NIH and NCI collaborative research on respiratory health
Neurology	Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation	University of Kansas	Collaborations on traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders

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Department	Mentorship Program Description	Structured Mentorship for Trainees or Graduates
Clinical Research	Group and one-on-one consultations for developing and submitting VA clinical science and research grant applications. Includes mentors, project managers, and support staff with regular bi-monthly meetings over a 12-month cycle.	Yes - Structured mentoring that includes support from experienced mentors and staff, fostering peer-led mentorship.
Social Support for Disadvantaged Trainees	An NIH-funded program fostering inclusivity in clinician scientist workforce through mentoring, career development, and didactic lectures, targeting diverse and disadvantaged trainees.	Yes - Includes a 10-week program with long-term mentoring and post-graduate follow-ups.
Veteran Mentoring	Peer mentoring for Veterans, focusing on workplace adjustment, personal and professional growth, and career development in civilian contexts.	Yes - Veterans are matched with mentors for ongoing support, training, and developmental activities.
Caregiver Support	Peer support mentoring for caregivers of Veterans to enhance networking, share experiences, and provide practical caregiving guidance.	Yes - Mentoring includes training programs and matching with experienced caregivers through support coordinators.
Nursing	Structured mentorship for newly hired nurses lasting 6-12 months, focusing on job satisfaction, stress management, and retention.	Yes - Programs include mentor training, relationship-building strategies, and time-protected mentoring interactions.
Psychology	Fully accredited internship program providing supervised clinical training, developing skills for diverse client care, and ensuring ethical treatment.	Yes - The program features supervised training, clinical competency development, and career placement guidance for doctoral psychology interns.