Va Formulary

[Dak To II ATC]

The VA formulary is alright to a limited extent, especially if their analogues are not good enough to avoid adverse affects.

I tried the VA for a while but found that, with one exception, none of the meds I was taking for cholesterol, blood pressure and bad attitude were on the formulary and I had some fairly uncomfortable weeks trying to live through the chemical readjustment. I needed a specific variation of several meds that kept me on the level and feeling halfway well. It took about six months to get back to the proper meds and that was through a family doctor and a cardiologist.

Be careful.

[Vync]

This also works for some prosthetic items.

Also, if the VA is not able to obtain and/or provide the medication you require, you can always ask the doc for a paper prescription and get it filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

[titlewave]

chicopee

I agree 100% with you about developing a relationship with your PCP. However I would bear in mind that the appointment allows you 20 minutes with him. If you run long it throws off his whole day and possibly short changes the next vet down the line.

sledge

I get my oxycodone monthly from my PCP with a phone call. My understanding is that 30 days is the maximum the feds will allow this prescription. And the new script has to be an original to the pharmacy, it can't be called in but they send it FedEx.. I see you have been posting a while so I am sure you have tried other PCPs. I am sorry to read of your experiences. I have always received top level compassionate care from the VA. Maybe you should keep shopping for a provider.

[Pete53]

When I visit my PCP I am sorry I stay as long as she wants me there. The time spent is her decision not mine. If you take more than 20 minutes its not the Veterans fault. I have waited hours to see the Doc and sometimes just a few minutes you never know. I do not begrudge a Vet for the time spent in the Doc's office.

I also see my Medicare HMO Doc 4 times a year and I must say he is much more efficient as I usually see him in less than 20 minutes from arrival.

[Bravo6]

Nobody at the VA has the stones to prescribe anything for pain for more

than one month anyway.

I think this must be your PCP, because my PCP does 6 refills for Hydro 10's (180 per month)......with a 3 month check-up in-between!

I really hope you have better luck finding some kind of pain relief .......God Bless!

B6

[john999]

I have used the VA opiate program. This was OK as long as you had no changes needed in your scripts. They would mail me the dope every month. As time progressed the drugs became less effective as is the usual case with narcotic pain meds. My PCP referred me to the ambulatory pain clinic for adjustment. Now I have to drag myself into the VAMC once a month and wait for an hour to see a different doctor each time. I have to wait around for the piss test. Then if I want my pain meds right away I have to wait at the VA for two hours to get the script. I spend the whole day for one script. This sucks! I pity anyone with chronic pain problems that relies on the VA. I think it is better to somehow just suffer the pain than to be on this hamster wheel. Better to just tie a block of concrete around your neck and jump into the nearest lake than be treated like a dope fiend.