Polytrauma System of Care

Polytrauma is a term created by the VA to describe injuries to multiple body parts or organs; the term is often used to describe a traumatic brain injury and additional physical disability.

The VA’s polytrauma system of care provides high quality care for veterans who have suffered physical, cognitive, or psychological impairment and functional disability.

How Does the System Work?

There are five polytrauma rehabilitation centers and many more transitional rehabilitation programs, network sites with clinical teams and other points of contact in the United States.

Rehabilitation centers provide comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation and maintain a full team of professionals and consultants from other specialties related to polytrauma. Additionally, the centers can act as consultants for other facilities within the polytrauma system of care.

Polytrauma network sites provide post-acute rehabilitation in a setting that is appropriate to the needs of veterans and their families. The sites work with rehabilitation centers and provide proactive care management for existing and emergency conditions along with identifying local resources for further care. There are approximately 21 network sites throughout the country.

Polytrauma support clinic teams are groups of providers that deliver follow-up services in consultation with regional and network specialists. These teams assist in managing the long-term effects of polytrauma using direct care, telehealth and consultations as needed.

Veterans can expect initial assessments that will determine if the veteran may be admitted into the Polytrauma System of Care. After being admitted, a rehabilitation plan will be created along with an estimation of how long the veteran will need to stay at a rehabilitation center. After being discharged, veterans will still be able to receive healthcare assistance through clinic team programs and/or telehealth services.

Find out more about the Polytrauma System of Care on the VA’s website.