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Getting Treatment for Mesothelioma Through the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center

If you are a Veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or suspect you have mesothelioma, get a “virtual” consult from the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Treatment and Research Center at the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Medical Center (West LA VAMC). The Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center is the ONLY specialized mesothelioma treatment center in the VA system and is headed by Dr. Robert B. Cameron.

Consultation Steps

Step 1: Inform your doctor at your local VA facility about the specialized treatment available at the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center at the West LA VAMC. Providing the local doctor with a copy of this blog from the VA website may help, as not all VA physicians are aware of the Center.

Step 2: Ask your local doctor to contact the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center at the West LA VAMC and request an “inter-facility” consult through the VA’s “TeleHealth” program.

The person to contact is Almaz Tesfasilase, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Case Manager at the West LA VAMC, at (310) 268 – 4543.

Step 3: Doctors at the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program will conduct a “virtual consult” by reviewing your medical records and films. They can then assist the local VA doctor with determining the precise diagnosis and recommending a course of treatment.

Step 4: If appropriate, you may be referred to the West LA VAMC for specialized treatment through the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA.

A patient referred to the West LA VAMC will have travel expenses paid for by the VA. While in Los Angeles, complimentary lodging and transportation will be arranged.

Contact the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center at the West LA VAMC:

Almaz Tesfasilase, Cardiothoracic Surgery Case Manager, West LA VAMC

a.tesfasilase@va.gov

(310)268-4543