Posted on Jun 21, 2016
I just got a VA Veterans Choice Card. What are main reasons why people WOULDN'T use this?
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I've been reading the included materials that came with the card. The program sounds pretty good. But is it worth going through all the hoops to be able to use it? Are there risks in using it?
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans Choice
Health
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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The only risk I have heard of besides the below comments are that the VA in its usual "lets screw with people" activity's take 3 times as long to pay the bill. So Vets are being sent past due and collections notices because the VA will take up to 6 and 9 months to process the paperwork. My Personal opinion is its intentional just as with PO3 Garner below where they sent them 6 hours away, kind of a "screw you for not taking the crap care we provide at huge expense" Let us know how you fair with an update in a few months.
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CW2 Shawn Stevenson
Here are a few of the biggest problems with Choice bills getting paid on time.
Non VA facilities send the HCFA or UB claim forms to the local Non VA Medical Care Department just like they do with authorized, unauthorized and mil bill claims. If this happens the claim is scanned in, rejected and a letter is sent to the billing hospital. Choice clams are paid by Triwest and need to be sent to the WPS – VACAA address on the card. Many hospitals do not know this and it causes delays.
The claims must be sent with the complete medical records for the EOC. If a claim is received without medical records then it must be rejected or suspended. A letter will then be sent to the billing hospital requesting the complete medical records.
Non VA facilities send the HCFA or UB claim forms to the local Non VA Medical Care Department just like they do with authorized, unauthorized and mil bill claims. If this happens the claim is scanned in, rejected and a letter is sent to the billing hospital. Choice clams are paid by Triwest and need to be sent to the WPS – VACAA address on the card. Many hospitals do not know this and it causes delays.
The claims must be sent with the complete medical records for the EOC. If a claim is received without medical records then it must be rejected or suspended. A letter will then be sent to the billing hospital requesting the complete medical records.
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AN Christopher Crayne
CPO (Join to see) I've had two surgeries with the Choice program this year. Both of them authorized. I have received bills, late notices with fees, then collection notices for both.
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I was instructed to use mine in late spring of last year because the VAMC facility did not have any capability to get me an appointment within the required 60 days CPT Aaron Kletzing.
The process was not very efficient. Hopefully that has gotten better.
At first even after I received the card it took over a week to activate it and get an appointment.
When I went to my appointment, which was weeks after it had been coordinated, I learned that the Choice Program had not sent the required paperwork. The doctors office called and was getting pushback. I asked to talk to VA choice POC and respectfully but forcefully explained the situation to them and they agreed to fax the paperwork. I learned that I was the second VA choice program veteran to visit that clinic. The first one traveled two hours to get there and was so frustrated with the "process" he just paid for his appointment in total.
I expect it has improved; but, make sure the Choice Program has done their part for the doctor's office sake as well as your own.
The process was not very efficient. Hopefully that has gotten better.
At first even after I received the card it took over a week to activate it and get an appointment.
When I went to my appointment, which was weeks after it had been coordinated, I learned that the Choice Program had not sent the required paperwork. The doctors office called and was getting pushback. I asked to talk to VA choice POC and respectfully but forcefully explained the situation to them and they agreed to fax the paperwork. I learned that I was the second VA choice program veteran to visit that clinic. The first one traveled two hours to get there and was so frustrated with the "process" he just paid for his appointment in total.
I expect it has improved; but, make sure the Choice Program has done their part for the doctor's office sake as well as your own.
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I think it was a mistake to send out those cards. Many people are not aware that it does not work like an insurance card. If the episode of care is not preauthorized by the VA the claim will be denied.
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