I was told I needed a liver biopsy back in April, I had to wait until June to get it done and it took another month to meet with the MD for the results the results. The cost of that biopsy would have been 8-10k in a civilian hospital (I priced it) but it only cost the VA about 1/3 of that.
I am used to the long wait times it comes with the territory. The Veteran patient population is older and sicker than the population as a whole and this trend will only continue for at least the next 50 years.
The VA has been a good political target for the past few months but its going to cost much much more to cut down on the wait times, to get veterans seen and procedures done faster no matter how many employees the VA fires as so many here advocate.
Tell you what, give all Vets a voucher and then shut up and pay for it when the bills come in.
But that wont happen...because the idiot politicians are not interested in actually providing the promised care for the Veteran they are only interested in getting reelected.
Fire everyone at the VA. The system is replete with negative-attitude people. Give the Vets insurance and let them use whatever doc they want. This is a mismanaged agency that is out of control. For goodness sake...they even murder Vets by neglect then give themselves bonuses. Fire them all and bulldoze the facilities.
“I am used to the long wait times it comes with the territory. The Veteran patient population is older and sicker than the population as a whole and this trend will only continue for at least the next 50 years.”
Montanajoe, you deserve way better than what you say you are getting. In exchange for your service, you should be getting the best medical care this country has to offer and getting in on a timely basis. The waits you say you experience, are unacceptable.
My doctor prescribed an ultrasound for me yesterday and I had it done this morning, and I am 73 and on Medicare. That is the level of care you are due!