Identifying Veterans in Your Practice: What Clinicians Need to Know

Abstract: Clinicians in ambulatory care are likely seeing veterans regularly without knowing it. In fact, most practices are not screening for military service, and most veterans do not divulge their military service without being asked. Veterans experience unique stressors during their service, placing them at risk for long-term health issues, including emotional health and psychiatric problems. Incorporating screening for military service into the health history for all patients and including military health history questions for those who screen positive is important. A basic knowledge of military culture and understanding the common mental and behavioral health issues veterans face is also helpful.