Posted on Nov 7, 2014
If/When you retire, would you use the VA as your primary source? Why or why not?
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With all of the negative news on the Veterans Administration Health Care System, Would you use it as your primary? Give specific reasons as to why or why not? Is it because of the stigma attached to using it or what?
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 52
Posted 10 y ago
I primarily use the San Diego VA as my primary medical provider, and have since I first qualified for care in 2001. The only time I've ever had bad experiences at the VA were because of how other patients treated me.
I have Tricare Standard and Medicare as well -- I'm one of Sen. Colbern's "evil" tripple-dippers. I have, and still do, access these for additional mental health therapy beyond what the VA is able to provide me.
I wouldn't look at your healthcare provider as an either/or situation, but as a multiple choice-choose all answers that apply situation. I'd consider using any and every medial resource you have to meet your medical needs met -- the VA will be better at some things and Tricare will be better at other things. So, access both as necessary to get the best care you need.
I have Tricare Standard and Medicare as well -- I'm one of Sen. Colbern's "evil" tripple-dippers. I have, and still do, access these for additional mental health therapy beyond what the VA is able to provide me.
I wouldn't look at your healthcare provider as an either/or situation, but as a multiple choice-choose all answers that apply situation. I'd consider using any and every medial resource you have to meet your medical needs met -- the VA will be better at some things and Tricare will be better at other things. So, access both as necessary to get the best care you need.
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SFC A.M. Drake
10 y
PO1 Sandeen,
Good response indeed, as far as both healthcare scenerios, it mirrors PO1 Medley in that you use one or the other depending on the circumstance.
Good response indeed, as far as both healthcare scenerios, it mirrors PO1 Medley in that you use one or the other depending on the circumstance.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
2 y
SFC A.M. Drake - ... I Just Posted My Experiences... You''ll Both Be Surprised At Those...The SOB'S Damn Near KILLED Me..
..Literally, Not Figuratively..
..Literally, Not Figuratively..
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SGM(P) (Join to see)
1 mo
I too am a “triple dipper”, and use all three of my medical options. After spending 30 years in the Infantry, the minute I retired, my wheels started falling off.
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Posted 10 y ago
No not at the present. As long as I can get private insurance I use it for 99% of care. The only VA times is to stay within the rules of my disability and when they tell me they want to see me.
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Posted 10 y ago
Because I have insurance and a private doctor, I will go to him first. They are not constrained like a government health agency, thus the potential exists for bureaucratic entropy. In health care, bureaucracy is counterproductive.
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PFC Sammie Collins
2 mo
Every time I go to the VA or VA related medical services, I am SO reminded that Obama was a lawyer, not a doctor!!! Maybe if we had a doctor at our VA clinic it would be alittle different but I have my serious doubts. Everything has changed.
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