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Vamc Health Records

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In March 2007, the VA sent me to Portland Oregon for a c&p exam. As a result of the exam the doctor found more problems. She also made recomendations as to medicine change etc (she's a specialist). I kept waiting for my pcp to make the changes and/or call me in for consultation, but after 3 months, no results.

I made an appointment with my pc and carried a copy of the Portland doctors c&p exam. My pcp stated the c&p exam is not in my records. This is the second time this has happened to me. The c&p was very important because if the medicine change didn't work, the removal of my bladder is possible.

I was told that the c&p doc can't precribe meds etc-that their only purpose is do an "exam". The Portland doctor also suggested I return to see her every 6 months for an implant adjustment, as Portland has the equipment and expertise to do this. My pcp hospital is Spokane Washington. Has anyone else ran into this problem? Also the VAMC has stated they have no way to put private doc's diagnosis and notes into their "records".

The VA brags about having the best record keeping process in the nation, but what good is it if they don't get ALL your records entered?

Comments please.

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Since you have copies I would go to the VAMC Administrator and complain. You won't talk to the big dog but you will see someone who can bite. Although the C&P Doctor is not there to write scripts nor prescribe therapy they are supposed to be a specialist.

I would not wait for a miracle to happen either.

Veterans deserve real choice for their health care.

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I'm about 20 minutes from the Portland VA and even closer to the Oregon RO, yet all of the wife's paperwork has to go through Seattle because we live across the bridge in WA. From what I've seen, it's a huge pain when dealing with the two different states here, especially in terms of a C-file.

I think you should try to schedule an appointment with that specialist and/or find a new one in WA, but don't expect them to sort it out for you, because the two states do not communicate well at all.

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Jon,

A few years back, I had a C&P and the PA recommended that my BP medicine should be increased and advised me to talk to my VA PCP before leaving the clinic. I was considered a walk-in to see her, but I only had to wait a couple hours. She agreed about the increase and changed my Rx.

Ed

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Jon,

Yes I've had the same problem of C&P's not showing upgo to the records dept at the Spokane VAMC. REquest seeing your "Administrative Folder" records. They may hide favorable C&P's in there. Atleast, that's where mine was.

You will not get any cooperation between any facilities. In state or between states. Seattle & Spokane VAMC's act like complete rivals at times. There records dept. do not coexist. Their medical records concerning you, ARE NOT linked by computers according to staff. Staff within the same facility can't find any of your records on their own computers, if they don't want to help you. Same at the RO.

Get ahold of the your team Social Worker & the clinics Patient advocate. Theres some very good folks at Spokane. Let them try to get you help first.

If you get no action in 24 hrs, then I would get on the horn to Sen Patty Murrays office followed by a fax & a letter.

If you live in Idaho, try Sen Craig's office.

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