TGH and USF Health Collaborate with CSMV to Enhance Military Healthcare Services

Tampa General Hospital Expands Healthcare Access for Military & Veterans Thru New Partnership

Tampa, FL – December 1, 2025 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health have joined the CareSource Military and Veterans (CSMV) network, considerably expanding TRICARE Prime Demo healthcare services to the military community across the Tampa region of Florida. This collaboration will provide eligible beneficiaries – including military retirees, their families, survivors, and active-duty family members – with enhanced healthcare coverage under the TRICARE Prime Demo program offered by CSMV.

The partnership ensures beneficiaries receive extensive coverage comparable to the standard TRICARE plan, with added benefits such as waived enrollment fees for the first year, direct access to network providers without required referrals, and a dedicated CareSource nurse advice line.

Patients will have access to a broad spectrum of clinical services delivered by specialists at both the University of South Florida and TGH, encompassing crucial areas like neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, dermatology, behavioral health, and urology. Existing TRICARE patients choosing to participate in the demo will maintain continuity of care with their current providers, while new patients will benefit from the expanded service offerings.

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How does the TGH-USF-CSMV collaboration specifically improve VA healthcare access for veterans needing specialized care?

Strengthening Healthcare for Veterans: A Tripartite Partnership

Tampa General Hospital (TGH),University of South Florida (USF) Health,and the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Centre (CSMV) – formerly known as the Hines VA Hospital – have formalized a robust collaboration aimed at substantially improving healthcare services for veterans. This strategic alliance focuses on expanding access to specialized care, accelerating medical research, and enhancing the overall quality of life for those who have served. The partnership leverages the unique strengths of each institution to address critical gaps in veteran healthcare, particularly in areas requiring advanced medical expertise.

Key Areas of Collaboration & Specialized Services

The collaboration isn’t a broad, undefined agreement; itS built around specific, impactful initiatives. Here’s a breakdown of the core areas:

* Cardiovascular Care: USF Health’s renowned cardiology program is working closely with TGH and CSMV to provide advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiology services to veterans. This includes access to cutting-edge procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and complex arrhythmia management.

* Cancer Treatment: A joint oncology program is being developed, integrating the expertise of TGH’s Cancer Institute and USF Health’s Moffitt Cancer Center affiliate. This will offer veterans access to clinical trials, precision medicine approaches, and multidisciplinary cancer care teams. Military cancer care ofen requires specialized understanding of environmental exposures.

* Mental Health Services: Recognizing the high prevalence of PTSD and other mental health challenges among veterans, the partnership is expanding access to tele-mental health services, intensive outpatient programs, and specialized therapies. USF Health’s behavioral health experts are playing a key role in this expansion. Veteran mental wellness is a top priority.

* Trauma & Burn Care: TGH’s Level I Trauma Center and Burn Center are providing specialized care for veterans with traumatic injuries and burn wounds, frequently enough resulting from thier service. This includes reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation services.

* Neurological Disorders: Collaborative research and clinical programs are being established to address neurological conditions common in veterans, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative diseases. TBI treatment for veterans is a critical focus.

Leveraging USF Health’s Research Capabilities

USF Health’s strong research infrastructure is a cornerstone of this collaboration. The university is actively involved in conducting clinical trials and translational research focused on improving healthcare for military personnel and veterans.

* Research Focus Areas:

* Developing new therapies for PTSD and depression.

* Improving diagnostic tools for TBI.

* Investigating the long-term health effects of military exposures (Agent Orange, burn pits, etc.).

* Advancing precision medicine approaches for cancer treatment in veterans.

* Data Sharing & Analysis: Secure data sharing protocols are being implemented to facilitate collaborative research and improve the understanding of veteran health outcomes. This includes utilizing electronic health records (EHR) for research purposes, while maintaining patient privacy and security.

Benefits of the TGH-USF-CSMV Partnership

The benefits of this collaboration extend beyond improved access to care and research advancements.

* Enhanced Quality of Care: Combining the expertise of three leading healthcare institutions leads to higher quality, more comprehensive care for veterans.

* Reduced Wait Times: Increased capacity and streamlined referral processes help reduce wait times for specialized services.

* Improved Veteran Satisfaction: Access to better care and a more coordinated healthcare experience leads to increased veteran satisfaction.

* Cost-Effectiveness: Collaborative resource sharing and efficient service delivery can help reduce healthcare costs.

* Training & Education: The partnership provides valuable training opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows, preparing them to meet the unique healthcare needs of veterans. Medical training for veteran care is a vital component.

CSMV’s Role: A Central Hub for Veteran Services

The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center (CSMV) serves as a central hub for veteran services within the partnership. CSMV’s extensive network of community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) extends the reach of the collaboration, bringing specialized care closer to veterans in their communities. CSMV also plays a crucial role in coordinating care and ensuring seamless transitions between different healthcare settings.VA healthcare access is significantly improved through this network.

Real-World Impact: Case Study – Cardiovascular Care

A veteran, Mr. Robert Miller (name changed for privacy), a 70-year-old Army veteran, was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Previously, he would have faced a lengthy wait for specialized care and potentially had to travel significant distances. Through the TGH-USF-CSMV collaboration, he was able to receive a TAVR procedure at TGH within weeks, performed by a team of cardiologists from USF Health and TGH. His quality of life has dramatically improved, and he is now able to enjoy activities he previously couldn’t. This exemplifies the direct impact of the partnership on individual veterans.

Future Directions & Expansion of Services

The TGH-USF-CSMV collaboration is not static. Plans are underway to expand the partnership to include additional areas of focus,such as:

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