[quadrant]

I am conflicted about this story. In principle, I agree with the proposition to allow vets to seek service outside the VA system.
However, I have been a patient at SFVAMC for almost a decade and have received excellent treatment. It has been prompt - allowing for the fact that the VA is a government bureaucracy - and caring. I have had excellent relations with all personnel (except one) and have found them responsive to my requests.
The hip replacement surgery went far better than I had any right to expect. The concern for my high blood pressure has been constant and professional.
Again, I cannot speak for all vets - or even for all who are treated at SFVAMC - but I would be reluctant to leave the MC as I would be trading something I know (and with which I am satisfied)for an unknown.

[Mariner]

“However, I have been a patient at SFVAMC for almost a decade and have received excellent treatment. “

The Norcal district is the best in the VA system.

I user the Mather facility outside Sacramento. Wonderful.

I’m due for a knee replacement and they offered me the choice of Combat Surgeons at Travis AFB, or Teaching Surgeons from UCSF in the SFVAMC.

Wait time is 10 working days from when I say go.

[crabpott]

I am conflicted also. Received good care at the VA Hospital but it was just to far away and there treatment plan was truly inconvenient and seemed like it was a medical “assembly line”. The diagnosis procedures are glacial.
The VA missed my bladder cancer and only by luck getting into the Choice program did I get a proper diagnosis from a local urologist. Just in time. Probably saved my life or certainly more drastic procedures.
Local hospital got right on it with chemo and radiation and got rid of it. I’m not so sure the VA would have been as through or compassionate. I can never prove it but I’m sure in my mind it was Agent Orange related.
I am very thankful for the Choice Program and with virtually no problem navigating the system.