Posted on Aug 7, 2015
Going to a VA facility or outsourcing with Veterans Choice?
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Recently, I was told to opt in to the Veterans Choice program. I needed to see some specialists outside of the VA. I was very reluctant because I finally had found a pretty good team at my VA. I had a card but didn't want to use partially because I don't understand the system. Two part question (I have no connection to the VA or VC)
Given the choice in your area, which do feel serves your needs better? Going to a VA facility or outsourcing with Veterans Choice?
Have you had a successful experience with Veterans Choice? Did you understand how it works before you used it?
Lately, my care and speed of referral appointments to professionals at the top of their game is making me feel like a poster child for the VA to say the system is working. I am glad it is working for me, but I was part of the AZ mess before moving to KS. I won't start on that topic because I fear I might never get back down from my soapbox.
Given the choice in your area, which do feel serves your needs better? Going to a VA facility or outsourcing with Veterans Choice?
Have you had a successful experience with Veterans Choice? Did you understand how it works before you used it?
Lately, my care and speed of referral appointments to professionals at the top of their game is making me feel like a poster child for the VA to say the system is working. I am glad it is working for me, but I was part of the AZ mess before moving to KS. I won't start on that topic because I fear I might never get back down from my soapbox.
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Healthcare
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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I'm a retired veteran with a disability rating. I am also a Family Physician who has worked at VA facilities (moonlighting while I built my private medical practice). I don't use the VA for my own personal care. I won't disparage the VA other than to say, in aggregate the care in private practice is better (more timely access, quicker access to specialists when needed and quicker access for testing, etc.). If you have found a good VA team that you are happy with then stick with them until they break up or you become unhappy with the care. For the most part though, capitalism beats socialism.
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The dynamic differences between private care and VA care takes a veterans' involvement that's for sure. The veteran needs to understand what is happening and why and be able to articulate that between the specialists and the VA providers.
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Maj Kim Patterson
I agree regarding the vet being able to articulate the problem and understanding clearly the what and whys.
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LTC Craig Amnott
I wise, diligent and interested patient will always do better than an apathetic, uniterested or uninvolved patient.
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LCpl Dan McTiernan
That becomes more difficult with age and the changing healthcare landscape, and overlay Medicare considerations. I know that my 92 year old father (Navy) has excellent VA care for sight and hearing which is supplemented by private insurance for primary health care. I am in the same situation with private insurance as my primary and I have not signed up for VA care due to the locations of the VA centers which are significantly far away from me in NJ. The appoint process for the VA as previously explained seems overly complex and lacks timeliness. Changes in health care require that everyone understand generalist, specialist and VA care options. Geography can be a determining factor.
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My gut was right. I am still waiting. Yesterday I made a few calls. No codes were sent to request authorization for the surgeries. I hand carried my lab work and asked to speak to the staff person in charge of this on Monday. She was conviently gone to lunch and still has not made contact. I called Triwest and they said they have no record of requests from the doctor and without these, they cannot forward the request for approval to the VA. I contacted the person at the VA who said she'd contact the doctor's office. Does this sound like a game you played as a kid? Tell the first person something and by the time it gets back it is completely different?! I am now at the 2 month point since the radiologist read my CT scan.
There is no telling how much more the infection has infiltrated unless someone orders another CT scan which I don't see happening. I do have an MRI coming up soon that was already in the schedule; perhaps that might give the excellent VA neurologist I have currently something to work with before I completely lose my vision permanently.
In my opinion, Veteran's choice has nothing to do with choice and everything to do with more bureaucratic excrement.
There is no telling how much more the infection has infiltrated unless someone orders another CT scan which I don't see happening. I do have an MRI coming up soon that was already in the schedule; perhaps that might give the excellent VA neurologist I have currently something to work with before I completely lose my vision permanently.
In my opinion, Veteran's choice has nothing to do with choice and everything to do with more bureaucratic excrement.
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SCPO Carl Wayne Boss
It sounds to me like they're playin' you Kim... like they're just using you and your case to line their pockets until they use you up. I hope I'm wrong, In the mean time Lass, I'll continue prayin' for your improvement and healing.
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