Posted on Jun 15, 2016
Anyone have any experience with Veterans Choice? If so, would love to hear about it.
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Posted in these groups: 
Disabled Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
DAV
PTSD
Veterans Choice
Disabled Veterans Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) DAV PTSD Veterans Choice
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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Yes. The VA was unable to see me within 30 days for dermatology and an MRI. The choice program here in El Paso is managed by Triwest and I was seen by the dermatologist in the community within a week. MRI is scheduled for next week (10 day turnaround). Easy enough to use, very satisfied with my care.
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Col Val Finnell, MD, MPH
Awesome. Thanks for the information. I was stationed at WBAMC back in 1999-2003. I was Chief of Clinical Pathology there. I separated for a couple of years and then went Air Force. 9 years as an Army doc, then 11 as an Air Force doc.
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I've used it a couple times when the VA can't get me in to an appointment soon enough.
So far it's worked good enough, the guys at the VA actually say to try to use the Veterans Advantage if we can. I live about 40 miles from the nearest AFB and about 25 from the VA so it's worth it to me, not sure how it would work for anyone else.
So far it's worked good enough, the guys at the VA actually say to try to use the Veterans Advantage if we can. I live about 40 miles from the nearest AFB and about 25 from the VA so it's worth it to me, not sure how it would work for anyone else.
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MSG David Johnson
I get all but 2 meds from the VA, they won't stock Nexium and the generic Omeprisol/Osmeprisol doesn't work for me. My local VA said they won't do anything else with my knees until I reach 60. When I had my first surgery done on them at the VA the doc said I would need them both replaced in about 15 years. That was over 20 years ago. Now I'm seeing a civilian provider recommended by the orthopedic doc at the VA, plus, they no longer do the knee injections to help with hydration.
It's just taking too long to get in to see someone before the 6 month expiration date on MRI's.
My primary care provider called this morning to get set up for yet another MRI, and she actually asked if there was ever any trauma to my low back. Hmmm, that's what the MRI is for, my wife told me to watch my language when that question was asked.
As for the MRI's, I don't fit in the new "hi power" MRI machine at the VA. They insist on sticking me in head first for my low back. If they put me in feet first I would fit, they won't do it so I have to go to one of the outside MRI's.
It's just taking too long to get in to see someone before the 6 month expiration date on MRI's.
My primary care provider called this morning to get set up for yet another MRI, and she actually asked if there was ever any trauma to my low back. Hmmm, that's what the MRI is for, my wife told me to watch my language when that question was asked.
As for the MRI's, I don't fit in the new "hi power" MRI machine at the VA. They insist on sticking me in head first for my low back. If they put me in feet first I would fit, they won't do it so I have to go to one of the outside MRI's.
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MSgt Mike (Lobo VNV Original) Morrow
As I implied in earlier response I don't deal with the VA at all. I've had too many family members and friends messed over by the VA. Also heard too many horror stores about treatment etc. Since you are already on Medicare and TriCare for Life I would look into getting a Doc near you and Express scripts. Express scripts sends your meds by mail to your home, no hassle or fuss. By the way they fill Nexium. Scripts are for 90 days.
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MSG David Johnson
I've been in the VA system since I came back from Kuwait/Iraq in 1991, I never had an issue til the VA started getting crowded with this younger generation of Vets. I have not had issues I could not deal with except the knees, I'm seeing my civilian provider for those issues. I'm also using the Vets Advantage for items that were taking times, or that the surgery schedule would have been long waits.
Even the issues I have with my back have been farmed out now so there isn't an issue there any longer. I've also heard horror stories from older Vets, but I'm sure that not every single one was entirely the VA's doing.
It depends what your preferences are, you have your preferences, I have mine. Don't try to tell me your way is the best, it may be for you, but not for me.
Even the issues I have with my back have been farmed out now so there isn't an issue there any longer. I've also heard horror stories from older Vets, but I'm sure that not every single one was entirely the VA's doing.
It depends what your preferences are, you have your preferences, I have mine. Don't try to tell me your way is the best, it may be for you, but not for me.
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I just got out of the hospital on may 11 from heart bypass surgery at a civilian hospital on 16 january!!! I am now under home care for two months. All of it being paid by the V.A. . i am rated at 70% but with IU. So i am paid at 100% sc. Total and permanate. However, one does not need a rating to use veterans choice!! The system is confusing and you have to push a lot of buttons, but well worth it. I can get into the ins and outs for you, but it would be too much here. If you like, email me and i can try and answer all your questions. Houstontodd@ hotmail.com
stontodd@ hotmail.com
stontodd@ hotmail.com
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LCpl Todd Houston
SGT (Join to see) - The very first thing is immediate and good communication. For example, a ride to a civilian e.r.
will require a phone call within 24 hours to Fee Base or they will refuse the claim. the veteran does not need to be the one to call.
A lenghthy hospital requires weekly contact with the VA. Again, the vet need not be the one to call. However, DO NOT rely on the
civilian hospital to do it for you. Those two things are key. Also, I carry my veterans choice card with me just like my veterans I.D.
For routine doctor visits, you must meet one of two criteria. One, you must live further than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility.
This has changed to road miles vs. "as the crow flies" as it was during roll out. Second, you must have tried unsuccessfully to get
an appointment within 30 day. Regardless, you must fisrt get preauthorization. If you show up at a civilian doctor, and then ask
the VA to pay, you wil be S.O.L. This by all means is only a rough overview. Nothing is better for learning than experience, Follow
all instructions and check in no later than every week until you receive the summary that says the bills have been paid. As always,
be on your best behavior on the phone as you will never know when you will need assistance from one of the very few folks who
run the program for your VISN. Build a good report with them and your claim won't end up at the end of the stack or refused for
payment. After an origional denial and losing a lawsuit, the VA eventually paid a doctor bill and I got a check back from the doctors
office for the full amount. But I never sat back and said, "Oh well, I guess I'm screwed." I kept fighting even after I was sued and I
eventually won!!! I had to push buttons. Never give up with the VA. As soon as you do, its over, they won. I truly hope this is enough
to help for now, but I am open for contact if you wish. I am NOT an expert at this. I am only going off of my own experience.
will require a phone call within 24 hours to Fee Base or they will refuse the claim. the veteran does not need to be the one to call.
A lenghthy hospital requires weekly contact with the VA. Again, the vet need not be the one to call. However, DO NOT rely on the
civilian hospital to do it for you. Those two things are key. Also, I carry my veterans choice card with me just like my veterans I.D.
For routine doctor visits, you must meet one of two criteria. One, you must live further than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility.
This has changed to road miles vs. "as the crow flies" as it was during roll out. Second, you must have tried unsuccessfully to get
an appointment within 30 day. Regardless, you must fisrt get preauthorization. If you show up at a civilian doctor, and then ask
the VA to pay, you wil be S.O.L. This by all means is only a rough overview. Nothing is better for learning than experience, Follow
all instructions and check in no later than every week until you receive the summary that says the bills have been paid. As always,
be on your best behavior on the phone as you will never know when you will need assistance from one of the very few folks who
run the program for your VISN. Build a good report with them and your claim won't end up at the end of the stack or refused for
payment. After an origional denial and losing a lawsuit, the VA eventually paid a doctor bill and I got a check back from the doctors
office for the full amount. But I never sat back and said, "Oh well, I guess I'm screwed." I kept fighting even after I was sued and I
eventually won!!! I had to push buttons. Never give up with the VA. As soon as you do, its over, they won. I truly hope this is enough
to help for now, but I am open for contact if you wish. I am NOT an expert at this. I am only going off of my own experience.
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