scythis Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 So I am about to go up the VA medical center "chain of command" and I've learned from many posts that this is common... What is the typical chain of command at a VA medical center (above the Patient Advocate)? I dislike complaining but am not averse to it where treatment and people become inaccessible. There must be a ton of people in between the Pat Adv and the Director.... I'm sure its like the military - if you go right to the base commander with an issue, you not only make the problem worse, you piss off a bunch of people in between him and yourself in a big hurry. Thanks! Dante Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder john999 Posted August 16, 2010 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted August 16, 2010 I think I would write a letter to the Director of Medical Services. Ask them if you need to go to your local newschannel or newspaper to get help. The VAMC is really a group of institutions inside a single building. I never knew a pharmacy could overrule a doctor's orders until I tried to get my pain prescription filled recently. Then I found out the DEA could overrule every doctor and pharmacist in the VA. Go to the top. If you piss people at the top off it creates heat for those below. That is good. They are all worms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder jbasser Posted August 16, 2010 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted August 16, 2010 Top dog is the Director. Next in line is the chief of staff. The next one is the Associate director of Patient care services. Department heads Department Managers. Other Managers. Work leaders Nurses Janitor. Some VA's have assistant Directors so they would slide in at number 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scythis Posted August 16, 2010 Author Share Posted August 16, 2010 That's great! Much appreciated!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scythis Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 What agencies besides the OIG provide external oversight for VAMC's? I've seen the OIG put sheets up around the VA, they usually say something like "CONTACT US....HERE'S HOW". The one time I saw them, they were everywhere in the hospital. A few weeks later, when I returned, they were all gone. Problem is, I only saw those OIG contact info notices once and the OIG online form for submitting a comment or complaint is down. Initially, a congressman or the OIG comes to mind. I am curious to see if the community here has tried anyone else with success in resolving an issue that stagnates at the patient advocate or director level for too long. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticcherokee usn vet Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 My guess would be your Congress-(man or woman)Person.. Its an educated guess based on some things I myself have had to endure at Baypines. If youve a Congess "person" thats on the Veterans Committee, all the better. Worse case scenario, the Congress persons "People" will tell you who it is thats the next in lin of command from the Director. Good Luck, Godspeed to resolution Brother! Sincerely, Mystic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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