Improper Exam?

[togb68]

I was recently reevaluated for TBI and a hip injury at QTC. Nevermind that my claim was filed in 2009, and forget that I was seen by an internal medicine doc. But why the pressure to undergo a PAP and rectal exam?? Yes I said PAP. Not pelvic. I listed no bowel or other issues. When I declined the exam both the doc and his assistant indicated that my claim would be denied. I prefer to only let the GYN that I chose perform this procedure. Plus he was creepy. Will or can they deny my claim for this? I did contact the VA IG and hotline, but no response.

[Pete53]

Welcome to Hadit. The VA is infamous for not answering requests from Veterans as far as status of claim.

[LarryJ]

Neither a PAP smear nor a rectal digital exam is in the proper protacol (sp?) for a TBI exam. Are you sure that they said that they were doing a TBI exam and that they didn't have you mixed up with someone else's exam(s)? I have found that MANY times the examiner(s) get everything all mixed up and wind up doing "nonsense exams". BTW, they get paid for the number of exams that they do (none of the C&P examiners are directly employed by the VA) and they will try to squeeze as many exams as they can into their schedule, regardless of whether they are doing the RIGHT exam to the RIGHT person..................................then again..........there is that "creepiness factor" that you mentioned..............

[togb68]

I've gotten used to the lack of or no communication, and I understand that I am but one vet of thousands. But I feel violated. Sexually violated by both the doctor and the system. Have others had to go through this too?

[togb68]

The paper work clearly said TBI. The doctor even read me two pages out of a manual explaining what TBI was. The form they made me sign declining the procedure also stated TBI and hip bone injury.

[Notorious Kelly]

C & P doc in Vegas wrote that I wasn't "fully cooperative" with the finger thing, and said to me on site, "Good thing you're not gay. huh?"

No telling all the hijinks that go on, but I got Mine................so.....

[carlie]

I was recently reevaluated for TBI and a hip injury at QTC. Nevermind that my claim was filed in 2009, and forget that I was seen by an internal medicine doc. But why the pressure to undergo a PAP and rectal exam?? Yes I said PAP. Not pelvic. I listed no bowel or other issues. When I declined the exam both the doc and his assistant indicated that my claim would be denied. I prefer to only let the GYN that I chose perform this procedure. Plus he was creepy. Will or can they deny my claim for this? I did contact the VA IG and hotline, but no response.

tog,

You are right, I see absolutely no reason for a PAP or rectal exam for TBI.

Larry's response was good that maybe they had the wrong claimant / the wrong exam.

Let us know if the IG gets back to you.

I would probably contact the General Council on this and certainly someone higher up

the food chain regarding C&P exams, also submit a statement (form 21-4138) to my VARO

and relay what they wanted to do to you at the C&P exam, ask if the decision maker ordered

this part of the exam and if YES then WHY ?