Fee-basis & Mandatory Records Release

[purple]

I received a call today from a lady at the Dayton VAMC who told me that it is mandatory that I sign Records Releases for cardiology and gyn before she will authorize any payments on any bills...even the bills that have already taken place!!

WTF!!!

In her msg (which was quite nasty), she said that if I refuse, I will have to pay all of these bills out of my own pocket!!

Now, I don't have a problem (obviously) with the civilian docs having my VA medical records....however, we all know how our VA records are. Within the medical records there are mental health records...how do I know what is being sent to them? I don't. I don't trust them to send only cardiology records or only Gyn records.....and......I've never had to do this before when I've seen civilian docs.

Anyone else been threatened like this?

[Pete53]

If the VA is paying than you have to sign release. A regular insurance policy requires the same.

[retiredat44]

I received a call today from a lady at the Dayton VAMC who told me that it is mandatory that I sign Records Releases for cardiology and gyn before she will authorize any payments on any bills...even the bills that have already taken place!!

WTF!!!

In her msg (which was quite nasty), she said that if I refuse, I will have to pay all of these bills out of my own pocket!!

Now, I don't have a problem (obviously) with the civilian docs having my VA medical records....however, we all know how our VA records are. Within the medical records there are mental health records...how do I know what is being sent to them? I don't. I don't trust them to send only cardiology records or only Gyn records.....and......I've never had to do this before when I've seen civilian docs.

Anyone else been threatened like this?

when you fil out the release form, it has not only check boxes for that what type of records, but also a comments section. So, you can go read the relase form, and sign for only the records you want released., it is not a blanket release.

That is through all my experince and I have done this many times..

[broncovet]

I agree with Pete. When you applied for benefits, you signed a release form, and if you didnt sign it, you wouldnt get benefits.

This is no different.

When the Va pays you benefits, they expect (and get) to know every single detail about you. Its just the way it is.

[sharon]

I may be wrong but I think you can specify which records are to be released. I would follow up by contacting the doctors office and requesting that only those records are released.

[purple]

I will most definitely specify which records are released.

This only caught me off guard because last time I had fee-based Gyn care, this wasn't done.

So that's why I was wondering if this was a new (since 07) requirement.

[purple]

Received the letters in the mail today...one for Gyn, one for Cardiology. They are confusing to say the least.

The letter isn't on letterhead and reads as follows:

"You are in the process of being authorized to receive off-site contract medical services for Gynecology Evaluation. The Non-VA provider will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Please have all prescriptions, labs, x-rays, test or other procedures requested by the Non-VA Provider placed on a prescription with attached note stating the reason for the procedure. Bring the documents to Primary Care Provider for scheduling at the VA. If the labs, x-rays, test or other procedures could have been performed here at the VA and you were not authorized to have the procedures outside of VA, you will be responsible for the bills.

It is critical that you contact your referring Primary Care Physician after seeing the Specialist to provide them with needed information."

That is word for word....bad grammer and all!!!

Are they out of their minds????????????????

And I got the exact same, badly worded letter for Cardiology.

Yet, page two of the letter states:

"3. Stupid Person at the VA will schedule your appointment."

In complete contrast to what was stated on page one.

Now the ROI form is like one I have never seen before. It's not the standard ROI form.

I called the POC on the letter to let her know that I need an appt ASAP because I'm in EXTREME pain. She has never called me back. B*tch. Now I'm going to e-mail the Prime Care Chief.

I never went through this before and I think they are just screwing with me.