VA Healthcare System: Your Opinion.

vanity

[PROCON]

I' m an old Freeper just getting into the VA healthcare system in Eugene, Oregon. Today's first appt went great. Met my PCP, she gave me a free blood pressure monitor to keep a log. And my monthly prescriptions prices are lower (I don't have any other insurance). I am impressed so far. Look forward to future visits.

[PROCON]

How is the VA healthcare system treating you?

[seeker41]

I get excellent care at my VA Hospital, some clinics have longer wait times now. It is a busy place. No complaints.

[Don Corleone]

Look forward to future visits.

Better you should look forward to not having to go to any hospital.

[PROCON]

Ping to get some input from other Vets.

[PROCON]

You have a bad experience?

[ConservaTexan]

Maybe we should leave it alone then.

[doc1019]

With all the pressure falling on the VA in recent months, now is the time to visit the VA if you have to. My personal experience with the VA is limited and I have no complaints.

I correspond with many of my old military bros, and stories vary. I guess it depends on the VA hospital you go to. Some are great, some good, and a few are terrible.

[PROCON]

Could you Ping the Oregon list, I’d like to get input from Oregon Vets.

[VerySadAmerican]

I almost died while having my tonsils removed way back in 1973. Since that time I’ve had nothing but great care. The one caveat is I’ve never been treated for anything serious.

[mountainlion]

VA flew me half way across the country to Puget Sound VA to get treated for prostate cancer. They charge treatment against my insurance but they pay the copay for treatment. There are about 20 things they treat for Agent Orange so my blood pressure is covered also. Some hospitals are better than others.

[PROCON]

No, pockets of abuse exists, the VA system needs to be fixed. Quit being an #ss*ole

[ConservaTexan]

You post a vanity in defense of the VA, then you call me an a-hole for sarcastically disagreeing. What gives? Private Drs see 8 patients for every 2 that VA Drs see. Anecdotal instances of good experiences do not mean it is a well run organization. Like all gubmint, it is top heavy, middle heavy and bottom heavy. Our Vets deserve better. Thank you for your service.

[OldSmaj]

How is the VA healthcare system treating you?

I've said it before, I'll say it again:

I will die on the damn curb in front of a VA hospital, before I will step foot inside and be subjected to the heavy-handed incompetence and ignorance that I suffered from them at the Birmingham and Huntsville VA's.

I saw and experienced things that I will never forgive nor forget.

They will never overcome that in my mind.

End of story.

[jstaff]

All stories are anecdotal.

I have been treated at the VA in Durham, NC, for 20 plus years and I am convinced that no one, anywhere, for any amount of money ever had better treatment than I have.

The most common complaint I have seen is guys kicking down the door demanding to be seen RIGHT NOW when they are not in the system and show up with no documentation.

I see my Primary Care doc every 5 to 6 months at least.

I survived three heart attacks and a bypass in their care. I’m on my second pacemaker/ICD.

When my family is with me for any procedure they are in constant contact with a coordinator who keeps them updated about my status at all times.

I am alive because OR technicians were alert and good at their jobs and brought me back from the edge, twice.

If I wanted it, I could collect a mileage disbursement to cover the cost of driving to the hospital.

I have seen the same cardiac guy for the last 18 hears, twice a year.

It did take me a couple of months to get into the system, because I had to prove that I was entitled to benefits.

This is just a recap of the major treatments I have recieved, The small stuff I take care of on my own.

I am alive because of the care I recieved at a VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION hospital. I am a fan.

[Jumper]

I worked at the VA for a month inbetween jobs in 1997, after retiring in 1994. My PCP and the Emergency Room doctor who had treated me both said this, "The VA will treat you for whatever you show up with, however the documentation in the medical record will reflect treatment for a service connected disability", or words to the effect. The ER doctor further stated that he was not allowed to identify new medical conditions on paper, because it could later lead to a claim filed by the veteran. They cannot obligate the VA for future financial or medical claims.

The morale of my story is have secondary insurance, and get a second opinion or your first opinion outside the VA first and then take it to the VA. If your service connected disability is 50% or more they will treat many things routinely and no problem at the ER.

In May 2014, I asked my doctor about my hip problem and had it X-rayed at the VA; they worte that I had no problem in my hip... However, I have extensive documentation to support the 10% Disability Award prior; so is my case one of those I mentioned before? I think so because my doctor was shocked when I went in for a visit and he realized I was rated in both hips for 10% and both Duke University Medical Center and the VA in Washington DC had recommend Hip Replacement.... Duh

[ozaukeemom]

My husband is treated so well and, has been, for many years. We are very happy with it. Plus, the VA pays when he has to go to a more local doctor or hospital.

[Rannug]

I guess it depends on the VA hospital you go to

I am 100% P&C. My VA hospital is Wade Park in Cleveland. I have no complaints about the VA whatsoever.

[doc1019]

My VA hospital as well.

[Ace the Biker]

I have no complaints at all with my VA care. Don’t like the crowed parking but other than that it’s been great.

[trisham]

"Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes,
they just don't know where to look."

~Ronald Reagan

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