Clinic Appts

[halos2]

Wings, I can only speak of my own experience: My PCP was out sick for months so no appointments were made and they (VAMC) told me to wait...for what hell to freeze over?

So I went to an outpatient clinic 25 miles away (my VAMC is 134 miles away) and I got an appointment within 1 week...also my 3 psych doctors left within 6 months so I went and made an appointment at this other VAMC and saw a new one via tele-med at this closer clinic

. I got travel pay.

I am 110 miles away from the closest VAMC in another state, but I choose to use the one in my state, and the clinic is in another state (closest one)...Finally my main VAMC got another PCP I went and saw her once got my copy immediately in Medical records and she LIED I went back to the area and said she lied and saw me for 92 seconds and wrote a complete physical up on me and I filed a formal complaint...they gave me a new pcpin a few weeks and she lasted for the last few years, but she is leaving next month after 34 years as a NP.

Bottom line I went on my own to another clinic, didn't ask anyone, just went and said I was treated for x years at this VAMC, am having problems setting up appointments and want to be seen here, and they gave me an appointment...I was 50% during these times too...2 years prior to my 100% PT. NEVER had to squabble over travel pay, only thing is @ the outpatient they mail it to me as they are a 5 person clinic. I always get paid from my home to the nearest VAMC when I go to my original VAMC appointments, yet @ the outpatient clinic my home to them.

(Mo Ia Il with Il closets clinic, Mo live, Ia closest VAMC, prefer VAMC Mo)

Also I drive almost 3 hrs to my appointments (VAMC) and get free lodging with morning appointments paid the night before. Then I get my travel pay after my appointments the next day.

Bottom line...I took the proactive way and went to the nearest clinic and made my appointment myself. Eventually reverted back to my original VAMC when they finally got enough specialists to provide my care.

I hope I didn't confuse you with this.

You travel there, they have to pay you, but it will be to the closest one they pay. Example 25 miles one way, or 60 miles one way or 134 miles, but they will take the 134 and change it to 110 because it is the closest one...you get round trip minus $6.00 copay but if over 3 trips per month no copay on the rest that month too.

[Wings]

Wings, I can only speak of my own experience: My PCP was out sick for months so no appointments were made and they (VAMC) told me to wait...for what hell to freeze over?

So I went to an outpatient clinic 25 miles away (my VAMC is 134 miles away) and I got an appointment within 1 week...also my 3 psych doctors left within 6 months so I went and made an appointment at this other VAMC and saw a new one via tele-med at this closer clinic. I got travel pay.

I am 110 miles away from the closest VAMC in another state, but I choose to use the one in my state, and the clinic is in another state (closest one)...

Finally my main VAMC got another PCP. I went and saw her once got my copy immediately in Medical records and she LIED. I went back to the area and said she lied and saw me for 92 seconds and wrote a complete physical up on me and I filed a formal complaint...they gave me a new pcp in a few weeks and she lasted for the last few years, but she is leaving next month after 34 years as a NP.

Bottom line I went on my own to another clinic, didn't ask anyone, just went and said I was treated for x years at this VAMC, am having problems setting up appointments and want to be seen here, and they gave me an appointment...I was 50% during these times too...2 years prior to my 100% PT.

NEVER had to squabble over travel pay, only thing is @ the outpatient they mail it to me as they are a 5 person clinic.

I always get paid from my home to the nearest VAMC when I go to my original VAMC appointments, yet @ the outpatient clinic my home to them.

(Mo Ia Il with Il closets clinic, Mo live, Ia closest VAMC, prefer VAMC Mo)

Also I drive almost 3 hrs to my appointments (VAMC) and get free lodging with morning appointments paid the night before. Then I get my travel pay after my appointments the next day.

Bottom line...I took the proactive way and went to the nearest clinic and made my appointment myself. Eventually reverted back to my original VAMC when they finally got enough specialists to provide my care.

I hope I didn't confuse you with this.

You travel there, they have to pay you, but it will be to the closest one they pay. Example 25 miles one way, or 60 miles one way or 134 miles, but they will take the 134 and change it to 110 because it is the closest one...you get round trip minus $6.00 copay but if over 3 trips per month no copay on the rest that month too.

I am still a little confused! I totally get the part about being "pro active" and not waiting for the VA to schedule you with a specialist. I have just learned that a vet can call to scheule and appointment on their own inititative. However, the travel pay rules are still confusing to me! I will re-read, research and keep learning! Thank you brother. ~Wings