Trying To Find A Doctor...

[hedgey]

Sigh.

After many recommendations from the friendly folks here, and our own "had it" moments with the VA docs, we decided to bite the bullet and really start looking for a doctor who will take care of us and write the letters we need for the VA.

So far... 2 out of 3 that I've called aren't taking patients. The 3rd one's office person said she'd need to take all my information and submit it to the office manager for approval before she could make an appointment. I said before I waste a bunch of her time, I wanted to ask whether the doctor (well established family practice guy) would write letters if requested. She got all bunch and said she didn't know the answer to that question. I asked her if she could find out, and she said she was very busy...

I don't think I want to go to that place any way. We need to be approved? Criminy, whatever happened to just asking for insurance info?

I know I've only called 3 places, but I'm getting very bummed already.

[Vync]

I like Pete's idea of making a section dedicated to Vet-friendly doctors who do not rip you off. I found one doc close to me who said it would be around $1000, but I am hoping to find one who is even cheaper... Come on tax return!

[broncovet]

Hedgey

Dont overlook the VA. Beleive it or not there are docs at the VA who are "Veteran Friendly" that you dont have to pay for. There are two methods of finding one:

1. Talk to other Veterans at your VA and ask them if their doc is Veteran friendly and who he or she is.

2. Fill out a form to "change" your doctor, since it sounds like the one you had was not "Veteran friendly". If so, get rid of him/her. Docs dont like to be "changed" especially if you have a good reason. I filled out a form to change my prime care doc. (Other Vets who were familiar with this doc agreed with me) This doc called me and asked me why I wanted to change. I told her exactly how it is and why I was changing. She pretty much begged me to keep her, promising she would do better. I said ok, what do I have to do to keep you, now that I have applied for a change. She said all I have to do is to call and make another appointment. I did. Now, this formely Veteran unfriendly doc is now Veteran friendly, at least to me.

[hedgey]

Broncovet, that's so good to know. I didn't think I could ask for another doctor, and thought that I had to have a really clear reason why I wanted to change. It's funny you should say this about yours, because my dear spouse has the same doctor and was fed up with not getting the treatment/tests he wanted. He laid it out for her that he was going to file a complaint and guess who has an MRI next week?

I'm seeing her next week and will ask once more about a nexus. I think that she will decline - she's said in the past that it's really hard to be sure that any condition stems from another... Plus, she's a PA. I don't know if a nexus from her will carry any weight.

Ironic, isn't it? The VA feels that PA's and NP's are perfectly qualified to provide care, and NP's are perfectly qualified to perform rating examinations. Yet when it comes to an IMO or nexus letter, it has to be an MD and/or a specialist in the field.

It's just too funny.

[hedgey]

Carlie, yeah, I thought so too. I suspect it's either because it's just the "get in the door, let's see what we've got" charge and the letter will be another fee, or it's a case of the Dr. not being aware what other IME's charge since that's not what his sign says he does.

$150 will be a great bargain if he writes the letter for it. It will be a lot of money out the window if he doesn't...

[broncovet]

Hedgey...

Yes, that is right. The VA has a "triple standard".

1. If you are a QTC "doc" that does C and P exams, the Veteran can be denied benefits with a PA or Nurse Practioner's exam.

2. However, if you are applying for benefits, its almost impossible to be approved based on a NP or PA..it has to be a MD.

3 Of course, if the VA cant afford docs, then PA's or NP's can treat Veterans.

The VA always asks, "Whats in it for me? (The VA executive bonus system) " when setting their policies, never considering the needs of the Veteran.

Edited January 15, 2010 by broncovet