Moderator broncovet Posted June 13, 2019 Moderator Share Posted June 13, 2019 Always remember THIS rule: When you want someone to do something for you, ask politely first. Save those arm twisting techniques, at least at first. You know, things like asking VA to "change your provider" (doctor). I have asked Va to change my provider. Doc's know that a Vet asking for a provider change reflects poorly on them, so use it as a last resort. Remember, there may not be that many docs available at your VAMC, and you could get one that is worse. When I did so, this was apparently a foreign doctor here in USA on some type of a work Visa. The doc called me and asked my why I requested a change. I told her the problem. I could tell she was close to desperate. I consented to leave her as my provider, after she promised to "do better". After that confrontation, I got anything I wanted from that doc. So, even the "threat" of changing providers was/is a big deal at least for some of them. Dont forget, however, be nice first but carry a big stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vetquest Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Well guys, I have some good news like broncovet. I went to my VA doc for my once a year physical and asked him about a special medication. The VA sent me to a doctor on the outside who approved the medication, I am still waiting for the decision the VA but just that they did this is an improvement over what we normally get. paulstrgn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard1954 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 I just remembered where I actually wrote up my request for Aid and attendance, took it to my primary care doctor, and he actually had the letter copied to VA letter head and signed it. He also completed the examination form... this was in 2007. initially I was awarded Housebound, but appealed and got Aid and Attendance... I got the idea to write my letter by an article on vawatchdog.org that Jim Strickland had written... I don't know if it would work today.( write a letter for any condition) . but I don't know why it wouldn't..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder Buck52 Posted June 14, 2019 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted June 14, 2019 16 hours ago, vetquest said: Well guys, I have some good news like broncovet. I went to my VA doc for my once a year physical and asked him about a special medication. The VA sent me to a doctor on the outside who approved the medication, I am still waiting for the decision the VA but just that they did this is an improvement over what we normally get. vetquest Just curious , this VA Dr could not tell you about his special medication? and the VA Referred you to outside Dr..to explain this medication to you?and prescribe it? or the VA don't have this ''special medication''?and they out-sourced you to a private Dr to be able to get this special medication? or maybe I. not understanding this? I know some times the VA don't have a certain medication that the Veteran may need and get out side source referral. it seem my VA don't like to use outside referrals grrrr or Maybe this new Mission Act in effect June 6th 2019 is helping out? I had a outside referral a few years ago for a colonoscopy because they (VA ) was booked up 3 months in advance and my PCP put in for an outside source and they called me set it up...which was fine by me I got it done within a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vetquest Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 This special medication is AMOVIG. It works by blocking the calcitonin gene peptide receptor. It has been approved by the FDA last year. It is expensive. I learned about this medication from my civilian doctor. I am being prescribed by my civilian doctor but if the VA picks up the tab that would be great. But it is not on the formulary. I believe they sent me to an outside neurologist because they shut down the neurology department for my hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder Buck52 Posted June 14, 2019 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted June 14, 2019 Richard1954 Just my opinion here but some veterans are just blessed with the right Dr's at the right time, most VA Dr's would not do what your Dr did. Its Good you got the Idea from Jim Strickland he is a great guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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