Posted on Apr 17, 2015
Has anybody been successfully treated through the VA Choice Progam?
8.24K
121
57
72
72
0
Today, I received a phone call from the VA Medical Center which provides most of my treatment. I had a appointment scheduled for early next month and the doctor is now unavailable with the next available appointment in July. I live roughly 40 miles away from a few VA facilities.
The POC suggested I call VA's Choice Program, after waiting two weeks to allow the system to process the requirement, to coordinate an appointment with a local doctor who would be paid through the VA. Then I need to call the POC back and cancel the July appointment.
Right now I receive all of my medical care free through the VA Medical Center system.
I am curious to see if anybody else has gone through this program and what the results were including out of pocket payments.
The POC suggested I call VA's Choice Program, after waiting two weeks to allow the system to process the requirement, to coordinate an appointment with a local doctor who would be paid through the VA. Then I need to call the POC back and cancel the July appointment.
Right now I receive all of my medical care free through the VA Medical Center system.
I am curious to see if anybody else has gone through this program and what the results were including out of pocket payments.
Posted in these groups: 
Disabled Veterans
Transition
Disabled Veterans Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 21
5
5
0
I was assigned the choice program. Did t have to ask for it. Get my DR at the local hospital Has been a great advantage to me. Just make sure you have approval or referrals as needed
I do not need approvals for blood tests, X-ray, mri. Only when referred to a specialist
I do not need approvals for blood tests, X-ray, mri. Only when referred to a specialist
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
Yesterday morning I went to my 2nd dermatology appointment arranged through the VA Choice Program. The dermatology doctor and staff are pleasant and professional. Today I had about 10 areas of Actinic Keratosis frozen on my legs and neck and then a suspected basal cell carcinoma shaved off with a biopsy taken from my upper left arm. Over the years I have probably had 50 Actinic Keratosis areas frozen off me. The stinging pain is a refreshing change from the drudgery of my more constant back and post-herpetic neuralgia pains. The biopsy results are expected back within 2 weeks. I am tired but thankful. I prayed for wisdom and eyes to see for the doctor and am confident that God answered yes in this case.
On my second appointment, the in-processing worked very well. Hopefully this is positive sign that the VA.
[2015-06-13 edit - Updated 6 to 10 frozen areas based on casual count] Sgt Richard Buckner, SPC (Join to see), SGT Rick Ash, PO2 William Allen Crowder,
On my second appointment, the in-processing worked very well. Hopefully this is positive sign that the VA.
[2015-06-13 edit - Updated 6 to 10 frozen areas based on casual count] Sgt Richard Buckner, SPC (Join to see), SGT Rick Ash, PO2 William Allen Crowder,
(5)
(0)
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
I’m so sorry I really mean this
You’ve been having a rotten year
I’m still dealing with a kidney stone and it really hurts to cough or try to pass gas
You’ve been having a rotten year
I’m still dealing with a kidney stone and it really hurts to cough or try to pass gas
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
The VA system is broke and needs a complete overhaul top down.
The Choice card is an example of the government wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a do nothing program. they claim as correcting VAs backload problems by issuing out "Choice" cards to make sure veterans are seen in a timely manner.
in order to use my card I have to have prior VA approval.
I have used the VA fee based which sends me to the local hospital for specialized treatment
The Choice card is an example of the government wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a do nothing program. they claim as correcting VAs backload problems by issuing out "Choice" cards to make sure veterans are seen in a timely manner.
in order to use my card I have to have prior VA approval.
I have used the VA fee based which sends me to the local hospital for specialized treatment
(5)
(0)
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
I understand David I had the same problems and it continues over and over and over again
(1)
(0)
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
LTC Stephen F. good luck, Colonel
I got refused so many time for that program I just finally gave up
I got refused so many time for that program I just finally gave up
(1)
(0)
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
SP5 Kenneth Roland good for you
My Community Care is trying to do their very best
The Community Care that I go to is so busy they can’t answer your phone call. We have to leave a message and they don’t call you back.
My Community Care is trying to do their very best
The Community Care that I go to is so busy they can’t answer your phone call. We have to leave a message and they don’t call you back.
(1)
(0)
CMSgt Keith Hennek
I live in Florida and have used the program for the past 2 years and haven't had any problems with it at all. What I found out is in order for the program to work well for you to make sure you get the VA Authorization number for the referral, and if you don't have it, call the Community Care hotline to request them to mail it to you. They should be mailing those referrals once they're approved. Do not provide the Community Care provider other insurance information such as your tricare or Medicare if you have that because the provider will bill them if they don't have the VA Authorization number. I 've recently had back surgery, an epideral through pain management, and kidney stones removed through Community Care and the VA took care of 100% of it with no trouble. I have also received physical therapy for over a year and a half for my shoulder and back and have gotten the approvals renewed several times once the authorization is ready to expire. It's a great program, and it has worked well for me.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
