Navy4life Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Hi fellow Veterans; I am going to have surgery on my ankle/foot/toe and my Podiatrist can't do the procedure until October. I am considering waiting b/c he is my Podiatrist but he did indicated that I can go outside the VA with the new "Fee Basis Program". How does this work? Do I get to pick the doctor? Is this a good idea to have my surgery with a doctor who has never seen me before? Thanks for the help! Steph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berta Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 This the most updated info I have: http://www.washingtondc.va.gov/services/Fiscal_Service.asp This link is from my local VAMC http://www.bath.va.gov/services/Fee_Basis_Fee_Service.asp Maybe your VAMC has a link on fee basis too. Navy4life 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navy4life Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 Berta; Thank you! I think this is the same process I am going through right now and just realized it! I am currently seeing a therapist on the outside through Tri-West who is having the therapist paid by the VA. I believe that is the same program. Will look into that. Can you also tell me about getting temporary 100% disability while I am out of commission so to speak? Looking at 6-8 weeks. Thank You! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berta Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 I am not sure as to your other questions I have a great podiatrist and am not a vet so it is always good to get someone you feel comfortable with... Here are the temp convalescence regs: "Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30, a temporary total rating for convalescence will be assigned effective from the date of hospital admission and continue for 1, 2, or 3 months from the first day of the month following hospital discharge when treatment of a service-connected disability results in (1) surgery necessitating at least one month of convalescence; (2) surgery with severe postoperative residuals such as incompletely healed surgical wounds, stumps of recent amputations, therapeutic immobilization of one major joint or more, application of a body cast, or the necessity for house confinement, or the necessity for continued use of a wheelchair or crutches (regular weight-bearing prohibited); or (3) immobilization by cast, without surgery, of one major joint or more. The total rating will be followed by an open rating reflecting the appropriate schedular evaluation; where the evidence is inadequate to assign the schedular evaluation, a physical examination will be scheduled prior to the end of the total rating period. An extension of 1, 2, or 3 months beyond the initial 3 months may be granted and extensions of 1 or more months up to 6 months beyond the initial 6 months period may be made, upon approval of the Veterans Service Center Manager. 38 C.F.R. § 4.30." Navy4life 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder john999 Posted May 19, 2015 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted May 19, 2015 I would get a SECOP on that operation if I were you. I had a very minor operation done by a podiatrist and got a severe staff infection and almost lost my foot. I have used Fee Base on occasion and have had bad luck with it. Doctors who accept it tend to be greedy or hungry. I had an eye exam and dental done Fee Base. Both were poor because one cut corners and the other wanted to do stuff that was unnecessary just for a payday. Reminds me of the worker's compensation doctor I had who wanted to operate on me every time I saw him. John Navy4life 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder Pete53 Posted May 19, 2015 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted May 19, 2015 It is very limited and restricted with VA having to give prior approval. it can work but the VA is also a notorious slow pay which usually pisses the outside Docs off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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