[Vamc Sepulveda - Questions]

Welcome to hadit MACS,

Ventura is beautiful. Sometimes it gets a little cold and foggy. They might get you to light smug pots, if you are able and willing some times of the year, to help keep the orange crops from damage. My cousins always participated.

It is about 60 minutes from VC to 11000 Wilshire Blvd (VARO and next to medical center) depending on traffic and what time you go. It is a great hospital. I was amazed that my X-ray wait was less than 10 minutes, when I was there a few years ago. It is as efficient hospital. Long Beach, CA. VAMC is a little slower.

I would suggest that you do not go the the West Los Angeles mental health clinic, up on the hill, which is across the freeway from the main VAMC. Maybe you should go there, if you have time, just to see what I am talking about, and then you could report back. Dr. Hartman, psychologist at the West LA VAMC was very good, but it took me over a month to see him. The Gamut of people to go through is ridiculous. Walk ins will find out that you have an appointment and cut in front of you, because there is no organization and the barriers put up. These regular patient cutters know how to slip right in. You could wait many hours if you do not understand this. It is hard for them to sort out the homeless from the schemers. There are many dedicated people at this mental health clinic, but it seems that the place has a mind of it own that is extremely paranoid. As you are leaving the building and going to your car, you will feel like looking over your shoulder all the way back. Now shake off this last paragraph.

Dental, in Los Angeles, is the comparable to Fayetteville, Arkansas. They are the best I have ever seen in my life. The LA dental clinic has the most dedicated people and are willing to help with painful tooth problems at any moment. I can't say enough about these people. Vision is in the same building as dental, and the clinic was generous getting glasses to Veterans, in 2004.

Good luck

Stretch,

Thanks for the Welcome Aboard shipmate. Do agree about Venture County being one beautiful place and about the weather. I was stationed there, then CBC now NBVC Port Hueneme, and loved it.

Very sorry for the late reply, guess I'm having problems with receiving tracking notifications. Your reply was top shelf, printed it out and have it in my VC folder, which I will hopefully be using next year.

Actually a 60 min travel time to the Wilshire VAMC doesn't sound too bad. Do you have an idea of about how long, at present, does it take to get your initial PCP appointment? Going to be using all of their services and hopefully can get all of the initial check-up appointment with some specials such as mental health. Again, thanks for tip on the line jumpers, hope I don't have a run-in... a bit short tempered and that gets me into trouble from time to time. At least knowing that upfront it won't hit me that hard/unexpected. You can bet I will be watching over my shoulder when walking to my car or sitting in the lobby, always am.

Great news about dental, have a serious need for them, same goes for the eye clinic.

Let me say again... Sorry for the late reply.

Your shipmate in the PI,

jOE

Good judgment comes from experience,

and a lot of that comes from bad judgment

[Vamc Sepulveda - Questions]

Pete53, thanks for your reply. Here in the PI we don't have a VAMC only an OPC meaning NO INPATIENT care and you are only treated for S/C disabilities.

I started going to OPC, Manila in 1996 and I thought for the most part it was excellent. The doctors and staff are pretty much the same and I like that as they have always cared. Over the years there have been many changes, some just for the sake of change, but we now have a new Clinic Manager and he seems alright, we veterans are expecting a turn around in some of the 'SOP' previously implemented. Wish us luck Brother.

jOE

Good judgment comes from experience,

and a lot of that comes from bad judgment

[Vamc Sepulveda - Questions]

http://www.desertpacific.va.gov/

Thanks Pete53, good info but what I was looking for was that veteran personal touch, you know the 'Been There Done That' sorta thing.

Actually guess I should have called it West Los Angeles Healthcare Center, located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd.

jOE

Good judgment comes from experience,

and a lot of that comes from bad judgment

[Vamc Sepulveda - Questions]

VAMC Sepulveda

I presently live in the Philippines, however, next year about this time will be taking an extended vacation to the Ventura County area in CA. Wondering if anyone has had any experience, good or bad, with VAMC Sepulveda? All the usual questions apply so I can get a feel for first time checking in procedures and getting all of my appointments started. What is the usual wait time for an initial PCP visit?

Any information on the drive, especially time, from VC to the VAMC would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

MACS (Ret)

Good judgment comes from experience,

and a lot of that comes from bad judgment