Posted on Mar 29, 2018
Opinion | David J. Shulkin: Privatizing the V.A. Will Hurt Veterans
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Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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IMHO the VA Medical System shouldn't be privatized but they need to be more flexible in letting vets get local care. I'm expected to drive 3 hours for specialty care and dental care (I'm 100%). That shit is going to happen. I'm not wasting an entire day driving for a 15 minute appointment.
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SSG Carlos Madden
Thats messed up. I'm shocked they don't have more local facilities in your neck of the woods. There are so many veterans there.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
SSG Carlos Madden - They have a local CBOC. The only specialty care I get here is Optometry. They expect me to drive 3 hours, one way, for dental. I tried to get them to let me see someone local but they said no. I am lucky that I am an Army Retiree and get to go to the Ft. Stewart Hospital. I also have the retiree dental insurance but it doesn't save much money if you have to get anything more than a filling done. I guess I can't really complain. I have it pretty good compared to others. The dental thing just really ticks me off though.
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CPT Adam P.
I agree with you. There needs to be more flexibility in the system. The thing I fear is the lack of communication between the private doctor and the VA. There will need to be some system in place where the VA can make sure the private doctor is not overcharging for their services like they do with Medicare and Medicaid.
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I have said on numerous occasions that until we get the politicians fingers out of the pot, no one can be successful. When I hear that the VA being privatized would be terrible, I would like to hear the basis for that conclusion. As a Cat 3 disabled retiree after 21 years, my primary care has been in the private industry, at times my own expense. Years later, given the Obamacare fiasco and curiosity, I went through the timely complicated process to sigh up with the VA, who assigned my PCP and found that specialty Docs had long waits. I now stick to the private industry, using TRICARE FOR LIFE as a second payor to Medicare. My choice of Doctors and specialists.
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