Using A Cvillian Surgeon Over Va Surgeon

[oldman273]

Hello not sure if this is right area to post but can anyone tell me if my SC back operation has to be done by VA? I am looking at back surgery been all over the place found a good surgeon clsoe to home with experience (which is very important LOL) that I want to do recomended surgery. VA wanted to do my back in Charleston but it is like a 3 hour drive from home. Driving now kils me and that far after surgery is hurting me just thinking about it. It is going to be a solo trip for me as my family is not able to go down and stay that long reason to try and do it here. I will have to get someone to come and drive me home from Charleston biggest reason is better on family here. Any Advice? I have been waiting to do surgery for 5 months for VA but nothing happen overnight with VA. I had thought I could wait my back out to see if it eased off I am ready to try surgery just way too much pain every stinking day. Civ surgeon said he could do it within two weeks. Adios this is 3 disc replacment with fushion and hardware. thanks for any all advice...

[mags1023]

You have the right to choose whether you receive VA or private care/surgery. The main issue is normally cost. If you have secondary insurance that will cover it and the Dr. is close to home and you are comfortable with him, then go for it. Especially when you consider the long drive to VAMC. Good luck !

[retiredat44]

The VA in San Diego has many surgeons that work both at the VA and UC San Diego..

so you get the best of both..

of course the type of surgery you need/get may not give you any choices..

I have had surgeries..

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You have the right to choose whether you receive VA or private care/surgery. The main issue is normally cost. If you have secondary insurance that will cover it and the Dr. is close to home and you are comfortable with him, then go for it. Especially when you consider the long drive to VAMC. Good luck !

[retiredat44]

I think I already gave my Fee Basis story here, a while back..

my main suggesting is to get prior written approval before you take any steps regarding Fee Basis..

so there are no misunderstandings..

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No matter who does it, you should probably contact a VSO or the VA toll free # about getting temp 100% while you recover. I don't think the VA cares who does the surgery one way or the other.

If you don't have a VSO, call a Patient Advocate for your local VA clinic or at the Charleston VAMC, and talk to them about 1) getting Fee Basis approved 2) filing for temp 100% while you recover. If you explain the hardships to them, you might get Fee Basis approved. That will mean VA covers all costs, no out of pocket or deductible for anything. They might even approve Fee Basis for your Rehab Therapy too.

I'm no expert on this, but I did recently succeed in getting VA Fee Basis approved for chiropractic care. The VA Patient Advocate at the VAMC a couple hours away was the biggest help.

Best of luck whatever you do, hope they make your spine feel mighty fine.

[oldman273]

No matter who does it, you should probably contact a VSO or the VA toll free # about getting temp 100% while you recover. I don't think the VA cares who does the surgery one way or the other.

If you don't have a VSO, call a Patient Advocate for your local VA clinic or at the Charleston VAMC, and talk to them about 1) getting Fee Basis approved 2) filing for temp 100% while you recover. If you explain the hardships to them, you might get Fee Basis approved. That will mean VA covers all costs, no out of pocket or deductible for anything. They might even approve Fee Basis for your Rehab Therapy too.

I'm no expert on this, but I did recently succeed in getting VA Fee Basis approved for chiropractic care. The VA Patient Advocate at the VAMC a couple hours away was the biggest help.

Best of luck whatever you do, hope they make your spine feel mighty fine.

Well today was a good day got approved for fee basis (phone call) will wait till I get hard copy in Mail. Also got surgeons opinion that said I am unemployable due to SC Back 3 level degenerative disc and multiple herniated disc requiring a 3level lumbar fushion and decompression. His opinion is that I am unable to seek gainful employment due to SC back injury. I am gpoing to get fee basis approval for the local surgeon to do surgery. I can barley make it to Columbia now much less Charleston. Thanks for advice so much A lot of good infromation sure does help coming from those who already been there.