ptsd Va Gets Kudos For

[Berta]

Although I gripe- still the fact remains that VA does save lives everyday and I think their PTSD help is usually the cream of the crop-

from VA Media email: (I think the Harvard media release was posted here already)

Recent VA News Releases

Journal Article Praises VA Health Care

Secretary Nicholson: Further Proof of VA's Top Quality Care

WASHINGTON (January 17, 2007) -- "One of the most striking examples of

American health care success" -- that is one medical journal's recent

assessment of the health care system operated by the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA).

The most recent tribute to VA's health care system came in an article in

the medical journal Neurology.

"The quality of VA's health care system is recognized by medical

professionals and, most importantly, by veterans," said Secretary of

Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "Repeatedly, the medical community holds

up VA's health care system as a model."

"The VA has achieved remarkable improvements in patient care and health

outcomes, and is a cost-effective and efficient organization," according

to the journal. For example, the article cited VA's comprehensive

coverage and said it is especially suited to manage chronic disease.

Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said the

article underscores the Department's commitment to high quality patient

care.

"This shows that VA's health system is recognized internationally as the

benchmark for health care services," Dr. Kussman said. "It further

demonstrates that our commitment to high quality care is benefiting the

men and women who have earned the best possible care through service to

our country."

The Neurology article is the second recent study citing the quality of

VA health care. In December, a comprehensive study by Harvard Medical

School said federal and military hospitals, such as those run by the VA,

provide the best care available anywhere for some of the most common

life-threatening illnesses.

In 2006, VA received the prestigious "Innovations in American

Government" Award from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government for its

advanced electronic health records and performance measurement system.

[SLEDGE]

I take six medications, none of which are 'formulary'.

They won't even x-ray my service connected knee, they might have to treat me.

They refuse to examine my service connected ankle, they might have to treat me.

My spinal surgery was very successful, it cost me 120,000 bucks, the VA refused the operations.

I can't get any thyroid medication, which I actually need, without becoming a mental patient.

I can't get pain medication.

The secretary is the biggest liar on the planet.

In general terms, VA health care stinks.

Specifically, what care?

Patting their own backs over record keeping does not equal quality medical care.

I save lives every day by NOT running over kids in the crosswalk.

Simply my opinions.

sledge

[goofycow]

Oh, pluuuuuuuuuuease!!!! All these kudos for the great healthcare VA provides makes me want to hurl!! Try getting treatment for PTSD if you happen to be a female vet in Arkansas! Who makes up this BS anyway?????

[goofycow]

What the heck is an SOC??????Sorry about showing my ignorance here. I do believe that the VA is denying me service. I am 100% IU P & T. The mental health clinic at Fayetteville refuses to give me MST counseling. The last time I went to the mental health clinic at Fort Smity AR, it was 6 days after my husband's funeral. No one I saw on staff bothered to say "Sorry for your loss." even though according to my progress notes, it was known that I had just lost my husband. Instead the male shrink I saw for medication wrote in mky records that I had a "rather severe personality disorder" & assignedme a gaf of 71. This is the kind of care VA gets kudos for????? Take me out & shoot me