Bttt and Thanks for the great information you posted at #43
No problem.
I have a card that gives me the choice. However, it’s only if I can’t get treated within 30 days at the VA. And that’s also only if the provider will accept the VA “insurance”.
But that’s a “test” program and has nothing to do with emergencies.
Before I go to a local ER I always call the telenurse. They ask questions from a “book” and the answers determine if I should go to a local ER or if I can wait. I’ve never been disappointed. And they always call about an hour later to confirm I went to the ER.
I guess it just depends on the staffing and the location and the budget of the VA Hospitals. The ones I’ve been too have provided as good of service as any civilian hospital. And that especially includes the AFB in Albuquerque, MN.