North Texas VA’s new Fast-Track Operations Center

Dallas VA has taken a significant step forward in improving health care services for Veterans. Activated Aug. 1, 2023, the Fast-Track Operations Center marks a milestone in reducing wait times and streamlining emergency care for Veterans in need. This new center not only speeds up connecting Veterans to the soonest and best care but also expands the medical center’s capacity to address mental health concerns, which is important in serving our growing Veteran population.

Reducing wait times and improving access

One of the primary objectives of the Fast-Track Operations Center is to decrease wait times for Veterans seeking emergency care or near-emergency care. With 40 percent of North Texas VA emergency care patients presenting health concerns that can be optimally treated through the Fast-Track, this new center aims to alleviate the burden on the Emergency Department.

By triaging and quickly addressing the needs of patients with less severe conditions, the Fast-Track Operations Center ensures the Emergency Department can concentrate its resources on higher levels of emergency care, leading to faster treatment for those who require immediate attention.

“One of the top priorities of North Texas VA is to provide the soonest and best care for our Veterans,” said Executive Director Jason Cave. “The addition of the Fast-Track Operations Center is just one example of our commitment to that priority.”

The Fast-Track Operations Center operates as a dedicated facility within Dallas VA, staffed by a specialized team of health care professionals. These professionals are trained to assess and treat Veterans with less severe conditions efficiently.

Expanding mental health services

Recognizing the pressing need to address mental health concerns among Veterans, the new Fast-Track center features dedicated mental health rooms. Veterans will now have greater access to specialized mental health professionals who can offer prompt evaluations, consultations and treatment plans. By integrating mental health services into the Fast-Track Operations Center, Dallas VA demonstrates its dedication to addressing the unique health care needs of Veterans.

“Designing, building, staffing and operationalizing this Fast-Track Operations Center is also a clear demonstration of our commitment to improving the Veteran experience,” said Scott Davis, emergency medicine physician assistant. “When our Veterans are seeking emergency care, long wait times are not an option. This new center is designed specifically to reduce those wait times.”

“The Fast-Track Operations Center has been in the works for several years and with this new, modern and purpose-built space, we are able to provide the best care possible in the most healing environment of any emergency department in the region,” said Stephen Burgher, chief of emergency medicine.