Obama's New Va Reform Bill--How To Use It?

[pmchugh7]

I've been waiting six months for a Urology Appointment. I have a 10.2 cm parapelvic cyst on my right kidney. My PcP has requested a consult 3 times. Urology Dept. just canceled it every time. They're too busy. My PcP called me and told me not to wear a seat belt because it could rubture. What is the process of using private care? Where does the bill go? Do I first have to get VA's approval?

How good is this bill if Veterans can't figure out how to use it?

Edited August 29, 2014 by pmchugh7

[Vync]

Welcome to Hadit!

Having specialty clinics cancel appointment with no notification is unfortunately something that happens, but the VA denies occurring. Don't let them keep doing this.

I would start with the patient representative at your VAMC and let them know. The last thing you want is your cyst rupturing (seatbelt or not). If it is severe enough for him to recommend not using seat belts, you probably need to get treated sooner than later.

I believe the VAMC business office has handles approval of external billing. I don't have any experience with dealing with external billing because I have never had to use it. I am pretty sure other members will be able to provider more info to help you out.

[GatorNavy]

The Law is about as useful as tits on a steer! The law is only good for two years and states have a say in what they will pay for medicare and what they won't pay. The VA drags their feet in making any emergency payment so the private providers decided to sit this one out. Our government never intended for the Bill to work anyway. Just a smooze for the general public.

I had to cough up blood and do faceplants in multiple VA emergency room visits before I could see a specialist. Took three years and I almost died. Should have...no one knws how I was able to survive it.

Edited August 28, 2014 by GatorNavy

[Mikemmlj]

Pmchugh go to your patient advocate and insist on being seen please.

[GatorNavy]

Good luck with a patient advocate.....they are just a gate-keeper. The VA will only pay a private provider for a life threatening emergency that you cannot get to the VA emergency room for. Some VAMCs will pay that others won't. no ryhme or reason why. They do what they want to do as there is no oversight by anyone. The director's main responsibility is show up for tee time on fridays. Might want to camp on urology's doorstep until they give you an appointment. Sometimes when they do give an appointment, it's with a nurse who doesn't know squat and doesn't do squat. your PCP is responsible for that, or should be. Good luck!

[carlie]

I've been waiting six months for a Urology Appointment. I have a 10.2 cm parapelvic cyst on my right kidney. My PcP has requested a consult 3 times. Urology Dept. just canceled it every time. They're too busy. My PcP called me and told me not to wear a seat belt because it could rubture. What is the process of using private care? Where does the bill go? Do I first have to get VA's approval?

How good is this bill if Veterans can't figure out how to use it?

Contact your PCP - yes again, they are the ones that can put some heat under their feet

for the VAMC to provide you with an appointment with the VAMC urologist.

jmho