Long Wait For Consult With Eye Doctor

[Chuck75]

Well, there is some language to the effect that if the VA cannot provide services, you can submit a claim for outside costs.

I'd be tempted to type a letter/form/statement for signature that has a check box for the day, or in the future(with date) when the service needed is available.

Then, if the services are not available in a "reasonable" period of time, fill out the VA form (number escapes me) for repayment, accompanied by the document showing that services were not available.

Don't know what will happen, but it's sure to cause some rumblings.

[Hollis]

I just can't figure out why the VA would hire someone like this to take care of our veterans. Georgia papa I wish you luck with the Dr. Also when you see her ask her if she also work at the Columbus Vamc .I will not go back to her, if I have to I will pay out of my pocket to get a good eye examine.

[stillhere]

Wow you folks in GA put up with a lot of crap! While my PCP appt. are now taking up to like 30 days. I can usually get a specialist consult in about the same time except for audio appt. which can run 60 days or worse.

Hearing lose is like the number one problem in most vets! I have actually just had emergency ear surgery and was in after only 2 weeks because of the problem.

I am like John in a lot of ways though and use the VA MC after I check to see A) who the doctor is I am seeing and B) I check to see how they are rated on the web. The ENT I just saw is one of the top ones in the private sector! So I went to have him do the evaluation. While the actual surgery on my ear was preformed by the head resident the doctor was right there. Now if it had been my heart I would not even think about going VA a I have had a private cardio doc for years!

We as patients must do what we are comfortable doing and check out people (doctors) to use and make smart decisions. I have compared and checked doctors all my life. If I had VA as my only insurance I still would do it and if something seemed flat out sub premium care I would bring it up with the PA and demand another doc!

Stillhere

Edited June 17, 2013 by stillhere

[jc30655]

Here it is August 1st. I use the VA Augusta, GA and the Athens, GA CBOC for my VA care. I would assume from what I have read about your issues that 1) you need to be more pro-active in how you are treated at the VA or 2) you are one of the Vets that slip through the cracks, and the VA back peddles until they think you have accepted what they say. Typically, in my case, I contact the Patients Advocates office. If I do not get a response within 48 hours, I call the Directors office and ask for their fax number. I compose a factual letter, naming names, dates and times of how I was treated and what it will take to make it better. The motto at the VA in Augusta is "We do all we can for veterans". I cited this in a letter and stated that they have failed in their mission statement. Within 30 minutes of sending that fax I got a phone call, confirmed all of the information in my letter and was promised a follow up call in 24 hours. I got calls from the resident, the department head, and the senior patient advocate. The problem was taken care of within 2 more days, and I am happy with the results. My file must be somehow noted because now when I call to get an appointment, they are made for within 30 days. I always ask for appointments from between 10am and 2pm, and they make that happen too! Every once in a while, I will have to quietly mention that I will be calling the directors office, and it seems like magic happens. Let's remember, we have earned this medical care. It is not a freebie or charity.

One thing that I would like to tell anyone reading this thread is this. I made friends with a former VAMC employee that began there while Pres. Clinton was in office. She clearly told me that the VA has been a test area for what is now called the Affordable Care Act. With electronic record keeping, the exchange of medical information across different VISNs (regions in the US geographically), and sometimes not seeing the same doctor that you saw previously, limited "fee basis" medical care, etc.

I am not the service rep for my DAV unit and Legion post. I have no "power" but I can nudge a veteran in the right direction from time to time. GA PaPa, if I can help you, let me know.

[georgiapapa]

jc30655,

Thanks for the good info. I will try it next time I have a problem.

Georgiapapa...

[meghp0405]

This is strange! When I need an e-exam I just go to my PCD, he signs a pre-printed form, I take it to Visors for the exam. I then take the prescription to VA and have my glasses in about two weeks.

I would really like to think that maybe one day we can have somewhat consistency in our VARO's ......