Annual Checkup

[Squidder]

Hello all, Is there any requirement that you be seen by your PCM at the VA Medical Center once a year? I remember talking to a Vet at a bus stop once and he was living overseas but came back apparently just to check in with his PCM. So I'm wondering are there any requirements about that?

Thank you

[charlest27]

I far as i know you are not required to see your PCP at the VA,It is very good to do so you can get lab tests,update info and meds ect. I go see my PCP i do this to keep all medicial records in one place the VA blue buttom is great on my health vet. The info may help with any future claims, or increases. I have to go to Manila OPC to do a remua consult this came from the Gulf War registry exam i did two months ago. The Gulf War registry Exam i hear alot people say it is a waste of time , if it is done right not so that is the problem if it is done right. The way i did mine was got the paper work form went home filled it out using my records and brought notes with me, one vet just filled it out right when he got to the appoiment no SMR or notes what part of garbage in garbage out did he not get.

Take care God Bless.

Charles

[Squidder]

Thanks Charles I will have to check out the Blue Button. I had some tests done that I would like to have added to my record. Not sure how I go about doing that?

Also I was wondering about the Manila VA clinic. I have a few questions maybe you know. If you are service connected and live in the Phillipines are you eligible to be seen there? Do you have to be in the foreign medical program?

[john999]

It is good to see the VA for any SC conditions. It is also good to see your PCP at the VA if you may have any AO exposure or Gulf War illness. Secondary conditions can be identified and the proof will be right in the VA's records. I did the AO Registry exam in 1999. The report said I had borderline DMII and some nerve problems. A few years later my borderline DMII became 10% DMII and I was also connected for PN. The AO Registry exam got my mind working. When I came up with a problem with calcification in arteries in my legs I knew this was most likely secondary to DMII. The VA doctor even made the connection for me. I know that a civilian doctor would not know that AO could cause such conditions. The VA PCP made the case for me.

In general, I feel VA care is poor at my VA hospital. However, the medical evidence they generate themselves is hard for them to refute. Now if I could just get my PCP or VA pulmonologist to say my OSA is secondary to DmII I would have them. It is these small victories against the Evil Empire that make it all worthwhile.

[Stretch]

Some times they will make me think regular appointment is the only time I can see my doctor. You must understand that you can go to emergency anytime you need a doctor for treatment.

I went to emergency twice with a stroke.

I went to see my doc for regular appointment a few weeks later. He said you are having a stroke right now. He wheeled me over to have me admitted right on the spot. I couldn't believe that it was happening again. Strokes suck. I really think I have a good doctor PCP now. I can't complain about the VA care. It is a process.

[Berta]

Squidder I hope these links can help you:

This is an old hadit post with link but I sure the FMP hasnt changed since:



The part about the Philippines is contained in the asp file link in the post.

Also this past SVR show might help too:


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/haditcom

It should be in the SVR archives or the blogtalk archives