Penn Medicine opened the ALS multidisciplinary clinic for veterans at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (CMJC VA) to provide comprehensive, specialized and sensitive care for our military veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Located at: 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
ALS has been marked as a presumptive service connected disease by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The service connection has important implications for veterans with ALS and their families ranging from direct monthly monetary compensation to full coverage and priority for many VA services.
Multidisciplinary Care for Veterans with ALS
The clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team and works with other services on the premise including:
- Neurologists
- Palliative care nurse practitioner
- Spinal cord injury nurse
- Nurse coordinators
- Respiratory therapists
- Representative from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Nutritionists
- Prosthetics and medical equipment
When necessary, noninvasive ventilation (BiPAP) is arranged by our Home Oxygen department through a single private vendor. For patients who are not able to come to clinic, we can arrange secure telemedicine visits. The excellent VA Home-Based Primary Care Program also allows for comprehensive care for home-bound patients in coordination with our clinic.
For people with private insurance, VA services may be used as much or as little as desired, and attendance at our clinic does not prevent attendance elsewhere.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS and believe you might be eligible to receive services at CMJC VA, please contact Mini Matthew at 215-823-5800 ext. 5102.
Thank you for your service.