Changes in VA

broncovet · November 9, 2018

I personally have noticed some good changes at my VAMC. Most important, is the quality of care. Example:

Four years ago, my doc ordered physical therapy, and told me to call that department and make an appointment. I was told that "Trina" was on vacation for 2 weeks and there was no one else who could schedule an appointment, only her, so I had to wait. Thats 2 weeks to schedule and another 3 or 4 weeks to wait for the appt. Even tho my doc marked it urgent, it was 6 weeks later. Unacceptable. I finally went to the (hospital administrator, that is the boss) office, and complained. He called the department manager, and I had an appointment the next day.

On Oct. 24, I had a total knee replacement. Everything was "first class". A few examples: I got an "ice machine", the latest technology in surgury which infuses ice cold water around the injured leg, virtually 24/7. Its vastly superior, and gets better results than an ice pack. Next, I got IN HOME physical therapy. That was nice, as I was not supposed to be up and walking more than a few steps for the first couple weeks. To walk to the PT office at my VA probably takes 1000 steps or more, from the parking lot handicapped space which you can find available.

As a result, Im getting a "good result" on my new knee. The doc was very experienced, ran the ortho department, and he made sure Vets get top notch care. My wife, who is a private care retried Rn, says I would "never" get insurance to pay for in home physical therapy after surgury, because its expensive to transport a therapist to my home, and much,much cheaper for me to go there for PT.

The VA supplied me, and had "on hand" stuff I needed: A walker, a "grabber", and even a device so I can put my own socks on. Its more difficult than you think when you can not bend your knees and are old where its difficult.

I have seen improvements "across the board". I waited less than 15 minutes to get . a prescription yesterday, when that has been about twice that, or more, in the past. When I was hurting, mr knee is swollen, and I need to ice and elevate the knee to get relief, I was very glad, I did not have to wait another half hour in pain.

I have had the same prime care doc for 3 years...that rarely ever happened in the past 20 years or so. I can now contact my prime care doc via a message in my healthevet, and usually get a response in 24 hours. You know, things like med renewals, need for PT, etc.

Im not the only one who thinks so:

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2018/11/08/for-todays-va-its-the-best-of-times-and-the-worst-of-times/