The VAMC Runaraound

[Vync]

Anyone else experience this type of runaround from the VAMC?

1. Secure message sent to PCP via myhealth.va.gov with a request for specific treatment previously received from former PCP doctor who no longer works there
2. Nurse responds the next day stating message was forwarded to the doctor.
3. A week goes by with no response.
4. Called the PCP clinic and was told I needed to come in and be seen. Next appointment is eight weeks out.
5. Told I could come as a walk-in, but likely would sit all day and be seen last.
6. Came in as walk-in at 7 am. Waited all day. Was seen at 3:45 pm.
7. Doc said they needed to refer me to a specialist because they "don't do that".
8. Asked why they were not able to tell me this via secure messaging. They said I needed to come in and get seen first.
9. Appointment with specialist scheduled six weeks later
10. Saw specialist (resident) and they said they "don't do that", but PCP clinic does. Explained PCP said they "don't do that" either. Resident talks to attending and told to go back to PCP to get request handled.
11. Talked with Patient Advocate and explained runaround. Was told they would send an internal email to my PCP and the clinic boss.
12. A week goes by and no response from PCP clinic.
13. Called the PCP clinic and was told I needed to come in and be seen. Next appointment is eight weeks out or I can come as a walk-in. Let them know I would be calling Patient Advocate again.
14. Talked with Patient Advocate and explained no response from PCP and still getting runaround. Asked to speak with someone in charge and advised it is best to let the system work. Explained system has failed to work for last couple of months. They send another email.
15. Asked Patient Advocate about the facilities Standard of Care and the Patient's Bill of Rights. Asked to speak with someone in charge. Was told I could speak with the Chief of Staff, but they were in a meeting. Next open time slot for them is six days later, but I cannot make it due to work commitments.
16. Another week goes by and still no response from anybody.

This is not the first time something like this has happened.

Should I go through the runaround again?

Should I contact the Chief of Staff, Director, elected official, or the media?

Thanks

[SgtDan_USAF]

This has happened to me over the last year at the Boise VA Med Center.  I won't mention names, but here's what happened.

Developed sores on my arms and legs, extremely itchy!!  Figured I'd use over the counter medicine to try to cure it.

Saw my Psychiatrist (as I do every three months) for medicine.  He noticed the sores and said "you look like some of the people that use meth".  Gee, thanks Doc.

A couple of months later, I saw my team NP.  She determined it was psoriasis and gave me some meds.  She told me to call back if no improvement.  This was around April 2016.  Called back and the nurse took a note.  I can see the note in E-Benefits (MyHeathyVet). Never heard from her. Told my anxiety and agoraphobia therapist about it.  No help.

Decided "forget them" and went to a civilian dermatologist, who had a completely different diagnosis.

Pretty much the only thing I can count on from the VA is a physical and that my meds will continue to be lowered.  I'm thinking that if Doc lowers my meds once more, I'll seek civilian treatment.  I don't need a Doc that belittles me and doesn't meet my needs.

My suggestion to you would be to document it and try to elevate it.  Then seek treatment outside of the VA.

[Buck52]

Its weird a NP to prescribe meds in a field he/she never studied? or I would question his/her credentials? ..I would have ask for a referral to the correct/proper clinic with trained personal.

 If I DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING I QUESTION IT RIGHT THEN.