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Better Call Va Before Going To Emergency Room


Notorious Kelly

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The Spokane VA emergency room that recently went part-time due to 'doctor shortage' or lead doc getting arrested for child molestation (depends on who you believe) had a town meeting.

TeeVee Newz said 'so many vets showed up they had to open another room". (Is this the same lack of foresight that caused a 'world class healthcare' VA to close an ER at night?)

"(one veteran) said most vets wanted to know what would happen if they needed emergency heath care after the hospital closes in the evening. Hospital staff said to call the VA before a trip to the hospital, and most of the time that would be enough to get the authorization for care.

SO - Before going to an Emergency Room in an emergency, try to reach the VA first so Maybe you won't go in debt for life.

http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_c9504bfd-352a-5b77-b9a2-7c84c76f4b69.html#user-comment-area

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N Kelly: I'm assuming (which we should never do) that the only reason to go to any Hospital Emergency Room at night is because of an actual Medical Emergency, not just to use the Fast Track to see a PA or NP to get a Zpak or cough syrup.

With that said, any Vet that is eligible for VA Medical care can go to any Non VA Hospital's Emergency room for any and all Medical Emergency's. As for the VA paying for the Non VA care, The Vet needs to be prepared in advance. 1. As soon as the Vet hits the Non VA Hospital Emergency Room Door, the VET or his next of kin must notify the Hospital intake that the VET is a patient of what ever VA Hospital and needs to be transferred to that VA Hospital as soon as he is medically stabilized. 2. The Vet, next of kin, girl friend whoever must contact the VA Hospital Emergency Department immediately to advise them regarding the admission to Non VA Emergency and the need to arrange transport once the Vet is Stabilized. If the VA Dr in charge of the Emergency Dept makes a decision that the Vet can't be transferred after being stabilized, the VA will pick up the entire cost of the NON VA Hospital Stay.

Evidence regarding Names of Drs and Administrators, Telephone numbers and time is extremely important. Getting the VA Dr to fax something to the Non VA Hospital is probably best. Vets that are eligible for Medicare are advised not to even carry their Medicare Card with them, just heir VA Health care ID card. The reason being, if for some reason the Non VA Hospital got a hold of both cards, they would automatically bill Medicare and the Vet could be on the hook for the 20% Copay, big bucks. Medicare pays the hospitals faster than the VA, and they want their money yesterday. Why take the chance, especially if no one is with you to advise the Hospital that your eligible for VA Medical coverage.

Semper Fi

Gastone

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  • Content Curator/HadIt.com Elder

In this case, once stabilized, how are they going to transfer someone to the VA ER if it is closed?

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  • HadIt.com Elder

I think in an emergency a veteran can go to private hospital or the closet ..Call Va within 24 hours and tell them if the veteran can't call then a family or friend or someone at that hospital VA picks up the tab.

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