How Do I Contact The Va During An Emergency

[captain soggy]

example: Let' say I have an illness that requires me to go to a civilian hospital ER. How do I contact the VA to let them know I went to the ER and I am being admitted to the hospital for an emergence surgery. I know I am suppose to contact them as soon as possible but what department do I call?

Also should I call the finance dept.so they know they are going to get a billing from the hospital as my only insurance is the VA?

[john999]

You need to call the VAMC within 24 hours of admission to the hospital if you are staying and then within a few days they will transfer you to the VAMC from private hospital. If you go to a private ER you will have a big fight on your hands to get money from the VA unless the VA sent you there. How long were you in the hospital? You can probably get the VA to pay for emergency if it is life or death. I know it is not easy. Many probably know more than me. Just call the main line and tell them what you want or need and they should transfer you. You got to get it documented that you called. If you want to get the VA to pay for your care you will end up at a VAMC.

[Philip Rogers]

You are only rated 40% so having the VA pay for your care is highly unlikely, in my opinion.

pr

example: Let' say I have an illness that requires me to go to a civilian hospital ER. How do I contact the VA to let them know I went to the ER and I am being admitted to the hospital for an emergence surgery. I know I am suppose to contact them as soon as possible but what department do I call?

Also should I call the finance dept.so they know they are going to get a billing from the hospital as my only insurance is the VA?

[stillhere]

I thought that no matter the % if a vet has an emergency of a SC then it will be covered?

[mrs rockman (widow of vet)]

Maybe I have misunderstood, but I thought that in the VA handbook, you had 72 hours to nitify the VA. I never knew what department to call.

[Philip Rogers]

stillhere - the question did not mention anything about a SC condition.

pr

I thought that no matter the % if a vet has an emergency of a SC then it will be covered?

[Philip Rogers]

rockman - you do have 72 hrs but the sooner they are notified the better. Generally it is handled by the fee basis office. The receiving hospital is required to ask if you are a veteran and if so, are you a VA patient. They then notify the VA, however don't count on them doing it. You should call the VA yourself and note the time and who you spoke with.

pr

Maybe I have misunderstood, but I thought that in the VA handbook, you had 72 hours to nitify the VA. I never knew what department to call.