Do you feel that most VA doctors give you the best care or service possible from both a customer service and patient stand point?

2017-03-21T18:28:45-04:00

I went to a new VA PCM appointment after 2 years of waiting on a wait list to get in to my local CBOC. In that appointment I have never felt so disappointed and disrespected in my life. At one point I had him un-validate my disabilities and tell me just to get over my PTS issues. Reminded me of that suck it up and take an Ibuprofen mentality. Anyone else have this type of experience?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-03-21T21:18:37-04:00

I think it really depends to be honest. A couple of years back I did some volunteer work in the PT dept of a VA and as an observer I thought the quality of care was awesome. A little while later I went to another VA as a patient and my experience was a lot like yours. The doctor seemed aloof and dismissive. I never went back there for care and I probably will never do so again unless absolutely necessary.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 22 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-03-22T09:44:44-04:00

I think the VA thing is pure luck, other than long wait times and a negative encounter at the colonoscopy clinic I've had good luck. I use the VA only for issues related to things that they rated me for and Tricare for immediate care issues. If the VA was my only source of care I'd probably have a different view.
The local counselor here has been very decent as far as the PTSD counseling goes, but again I think that kind of care is subject to personalities, if you aren't comfortable with the provider it makes it hard to make progress.
Have you spoken with the patient advocate? They can sometimes work wonders in getting you linked with the rite provider.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 22 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-03-22T11:32:45-04:00

When I first got out, I thought the VA doctors were amazing with the level of detail and attention they gave me to my injuries. I never got that much attention from my own personal doctor on the civilian side. But then the stories coming out became more frequent...

Dentists using unsterilized tools in multiple patients.
Patients being turned away.
Patients killing themselves in VA parking lots.

It's honestly made me hesitant to go back. I'd rather live in pain than get treated for a minor injury and be put at risk for something much more serious.

Until the VA is fixed, I'm personally nervous to seek out any treatment from them.

Response by SFC William Hawes made Mar 22 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-03-22T14:41:47-04:00

First, I am amazed you had the patience to wait 2 years! I am retired ARMY and also worked for the VA for awhile. Your care results will rest with the hospital management. Every VA will differ for this reason. I wish you the best and keep watching for news from the new Trump VA Director about the civilian care option.........:)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 4:59 PM

2017-03-22T16:59:25-04:00

so far I haven't had the experience that you did but I do have a friend that did, this wasn't with the pmd it was with the psych doc, reviewing his ptsd, basically it ended up like you said, get over it, that was 2 years ago this same doc has now been arrested and charged with dealing narcotics, while still working at the VA at the time, google it DR chui

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 23 at 2017 12:03 AM

2017-03-23T00:03:57-04:00

I go to the VA for C & P Exams only. Go to private physician for treatment and meds and use the Kitty Hawk Pharmacy WPAFB............

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 12:30 AM

2017-03-23T00:30:37-04:00

Every VA-assigned primary care doctor or PA that I have ever had has been the nicest, most honest, and most cooperative that I could hope to have. That has been the case at four different VAMCs in four different states.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 23 at 2017 1:08 AM

2017-03-23T01:08:50-04:00

I am totally pleased with the VAMC here. I have been going there for over 10 years now and it has worked out well not to mention saving me a ton of money in medical insurance premiums and co-pays. My only complaint, and it is rather a big one, to me at least. When first went to Mental Health at the VA the doctor - MD, PhD, diagnosed PTSD and his solution was a suitcase full of drugs, most of which I stopped taking almost right away. Others I have taken until just about a year ago. The truth of the matter is that I feel 1000% better without all the dope. I have been doing other things in place of drugs. On the other hand, a few years back I in a severe motorcycle accident and I am very pleased with the emergency care at the VA. I had several broken bone, TBI, internal bleeding and I don't know what else. Only complaint there was that the EMT wanted to call Life Flight to transport me but I have heard the warning every time I call the VA "Please be aware the VA may not pay for 911 services." I could just see myself with a $3000 helicopter ride (they used to be free almost every day.) I am on VA disability so my co-pays are all waived. In our area (Sacramento/Roseville) we have to VA facilities, the main VAMC and a satellite facility. The smaller facility has fewer services but MUCH better service as for a getting appts, refills, etc. Plus it is nice and quite and usually not real busy. But, I have been blessed with pretty good health, just have had a lot of injuries from doing crazy stuff but I had fun doing it.

Anyway, that's my story and I'm stickin to it.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 23 at 2017 1:11 AM

2017-03-23T01:11:09-04:00

SGT Aaron Olivas: Brother, I am really distressed to hear that. Hope you have aligned yourself with better care. I must admit, in spite of my earlier comment, that there have been times I have had to fight for what I wanted but in the long run things always seemed to work out.