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How To Prepare For 1st Va Primary Care Doctor Visit?

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Ken1

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Ken1

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In the near future I have my first appointment with VA primary care doctor. In 40+ years I have never used a VA doctor for any of my health care, have always been covered with group plans from work.

Will the new doctor have a “C” File? I will have my medical history but I would like for this visit help with some of my claims in process with the VA

Thanks

Ken

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LarryJ Grand Master

LarryJ

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You'll get a generalized "check-up" (you know, pee in the cup, bleed in the syringe, weight, height, breathing, etc). This is the time to tell the Primary Care Physician ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Make yourself a list of what you need and what you need to talk about. If you are having any "problems", this is the time for the PCP to, first of all, prescribe any medications, so's you can get them through the VA pharmacy, and for the PCP to get you appointments with any specialists that may be indicated/needed. If you are hoping for any medical evidence to help you with a claim or claims, then you need to tell your PCP what you need (not necessarily that you have "filed claims" but that you need this or that looked at. If you feel the need for psych visits, then this is the time to get them scheduled.

"It is cold and we have no blankets.

The little children are freezing to death.

My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food; no one knows where they are-perhaps freezing to death.

I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find.

Maybe I shall find them among the dead.

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad.

From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

Chief Joseph

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chr49 Proficient

chr49

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Ken,

LarryJ's said about all that needs to be said. If your visit is like my first, it will be pretty intense, being sent here and there for one thing or another...but in the end they really get a lot done. It may be a long day for you so plan some extra time, just in case.

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CHR49

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john999 Grand Master

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If they ask you if you are in pain be sure to rate yourself as high as you ever get and not as you are on your best days or when you are medicated. Be very frank about any mental health issues. If they ask you if you ever are suicidal don't laugh it off. Tell the truth about all issues and don't hold back. They are creating a baseline.

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Bravo6 Community Regular

Bravo6

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Great Information! I wish I would have known what to say and do on my initial VA visit!

Thanks to Hadit.com others will find there way!

Good Luck Ken1!

United States Army 1990-2001

80% SC, 100% TDIU (P&T) w/SSDI

Operation Desert Shield/Storm - 1st Infantry Division

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