VA Appointment and meds

db7512 · 12-24-2016, 07:38 AM

I am a 100% SC and was staying at Gulfport. I needed a expidited dental service so I contacted the local VA hospital in Biloxi. I was referred to eligibility office which gave me a temp address and my medical records were transferred. The dental office then provided same day service. This also allowed my meds to be mailed directly to me. I thought this might help our traveling DAV'S get medical treatment.

tdiller · 12-27-2016, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db7512

I am a 100% SC and was staying at Gulfport. I needed a expidited dental service so I contacted the local VA hospital in Biloxi. I was referred to eligibility office which gave me a temp address and my medical records were transferred. The dental office then provided same day service. This also allowed my meds to be mailed directly to me. I thought this might help our traveling DAV'S get medical treatment.

I imagine this would work for those of us less than 100% SC. I often wondered how getting healthcare while on the road would work within the VA system.

mzbrandi · 12-28-2016, 07:45 PM

I'm not service connected and when I hurt my back, I went to the local VA (Reno, NV) ER and was taken care of. No issue.

Brandi

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tdiller · 12-28-2016, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzbrandi

I'm not service connected and when I hurt my back, I went to the local VA (Reno, NV) ER and was taken care of. No issue.

Brandi

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

You know I often associate VA health care with disability. I know the two are not related. Been using the VA for health care for about two years now. No one told me I was eligible until my son got out of the Army. He dragged my but in and told me to get signed up.

JimFitz · 12-29-2016, 02:14 PM

VAs are getting better. I was a vso for several years, and worked at the VA in Oregon. I was talking to the Portland director the other day, and Portland is trying to go to same-day access for all of the primary care appointments. I think it is getting better. Good to see that it works when you're on the road, because I'm hoping to go full-time starting this spring.

checkmate99 · 12-29-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdiller

You know I often associate VA health care with disability. I know the two are not related. Been using the VA for health care for about two years now. No one told me I was eligible until my son got out of the Army. He dragged my but in and told me to get signed up.

I recently started using my VA health benefits (Vietnam Vet) also, and have found the service outstanding. I guess it depends on your location in regard to accessibility of your own benefits. I'm in NE Ohio...it does take some time to see a specialist, but if it's not urgent, I can wait. If you are eligible for benefits, and not using them, go sign up soon...you deserve these benefits!

dahagen · 12-29-2016, 02:34 PM

Last spring I was traveling in my motorhome through Texas and got sick in San Antonio. Went to the Audie Murphy VA hospital there and was hospitalized for 2 days. Great care. And no trouble on the road.

Witch Doctor · 12-29-2016, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db7512

I am a 100% SC and was staying at Gulfport. I needed a expidited dental service so I contacted the local VA hospital in Biloxi. I was referred to eligibility office which gave me a temp address and my medical records were transferred. The dental office then provided same day service. This also allowed my meds to be mailed directly to me. I thought this might help our traveling DAV'S get medical treatment.

I had a very hard time getting my Meds mailed to me last winter when I was in Florida and my VA is Durham NC. I only got them mailed because the CG office excepted UPS. I asked if I could just go to the Miami VA and get my meds there they said NO. The Pharmacist in Durham had to approve it. It Took 3 mos to get that approval. Had to give them the start date and return date. I can go to any VA if I need medical attention anybody can as long as you have a VA ID card, but getting meds are different. I'm a 100% SC rated and still had a hard time. As far as getting better not that I have seen and been going to them since 1972....

PS: now that they have computerized your records through the DOD it might be easier. But I still think traveling around monthly you can run into a problem unless you can pick them up at a VA in person. As far as I know they will not allow that. At least not out of Durham NC VA....

pmsherman · 12-29-2016, 03:56 PM

I'm a Vietnam vet who just started using the VA medical system a couple of years ago. I require ongoing blood work and, later this year, expect to have significantly increased needs for drug supplies. I discovered that the VA is a regionally organized system and that, for ongoing care, I needed to register with each VA region where I expect to receive services.

I'm currently registered with VA systems in Ohio, New Mexico, and California; areas where I tend to spend extended periods of time. All of my required tests are ordered by the Ohio area where I get most of my care. When I'm traveling, all I need to do is to notify the local clinic that I'm coming in for blood work and they pull the orders from Ohio and perform the blood draw.

The only down side of this process is that the Ohio physician needs to know where I had the blood drawn so he can retrieve the results from that VA's system.

Phil

CaptnJohn · 12-29-2016, 04:38 PM

Only rated 40% but very pleased with my prior VA docs in Warren OH ~ Cleveland VA. Now Supply NC clinic and Fayetteville VA have been good also. With the new Super Clinic in Wilmington NC rarely need to go to Fayetteville. So far, specialists have been provided by local private providers.
I received a notice through MyHeatheVet stating if going away again provide them with an address and dates.

NorSnrub · 12-29-2016, 04:38 PM

I have good sams mail service, and use it as my address. They forewarned it in 2 days after I sign in and set an address to mail it to. If the park takes mail. Check first. You can select track on the mail and you know where it is.

atemplesr · 12-29-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by checkmate99

I recently started using my VA health benefits (Vietnam Vet) also, and have found the service outstanding. I guess it depends on your location in regard to accessibility of your own benefits. I'm in NE Ohio...it does take some time to see a specialist, but if it's not urgent, I can wait. If you are eligible for benefits, and not using them, go sign up soon...you deserve these benefits!

Amen Brother, Too many Vets think they are asking for "Freebies". It is not Freebies, it is EARNED ENTITLEMENTS.

atemplesr · 12-29-2016, 04:53 PM

Amen Brother, Too many Vets think they are asking for Freebies. They are not Freebies, they are EARNED ENTITLEMENTS. (I think I'm finally getting use to using this forum)

Vince and Charlette · 12-29-2016, 04:59 PM

Whether going to the VA or military treatment facility, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that those of us in our 60s and 70s are more tolerant and forgiving. We recognize poor service, but are grateful for the benefits we do have. It's sure different from the younger ones who pound their fist on the table and demand their rights. Being polite, patient and respectful normally results in a lot better service wherever you are.
LtCol USAF ((Ret)

KMANUEL74 · 12-29-2016, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince and Charlette

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that those of us in our 60s and 70s are more tolerant and forgiving. We recognize poor service, but are grateful for the benefits we do have. It's sure different from the younger ones who pound their fist on the table and demand their rights. Being polite, patient and respectful normally results in a lot better service wherever you are.

Funny, that's not what I've seen. Most the old timers sit there and think they own the VA and the new guys have not put their time in. All veterans have earned their place.

The only problem I've seen with the VA is, it's not set up for PTSD. Alot of friends have come home with problems and have sought help through the VA and their response is strictly medication. Most hate taking meds and stop. Too many suicides from all wars. It's time they looked at treatment as opposed to strictly meds.

Sorry to go there, just hate to see what's happening.

rvfriendly · 12-29-2016, 05:54 PM

As a Vietnam veteran with service connected disabilities, that has traveled this whole country in rv's, I'm extremely satisfied with the care I receive no matter the VA facility. Those who want to privatize it don't want government in the healthcare business.

FordHauler · 12-29-2016, 06:27 PM

Thank you, to all of you on this forum who have served.
You have earned the right to have the VA medical care and I am glad to see that the services are good and getting better.
Again,
THANK YOU

Witch Doctor · 12-29-2016, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvfriendly

As a Vietnam veteran with service connected disabilities, that has traveled this whole country in rv's, I'm extremely satisfied with the care I receive no matter the VA facility. Those who want to privatize it don't want government in the healthcare business.

I think it is a little late, they started to privatize already, It is called the Veterans Choice Card Program. If you don't know about it, If you live more the 40 miles from a VA or have a hardship, I guess this might work with people who move around but you still have to be registered at a VA. Such as the Vet was talking about in Ohio. If you need information and see if you qualify please call 1-866-608-8198. I use this being I live over 40 miles from my VA, so I use a private Dr. that the VA will pay for. They have Drs. all over the USA that belong to the program. They can write you a prescription also that you can get filled at the VA. So If you don't know of the program then give them a call, It might help some who are traveling and not close to a VA clinic or Hospital....

atemplesr · 12-29-2016, 08:13 PM

I think I did not say what I really wanted to. A lot of my fellow Veteran friends think that only those with severe mental and physical problems should go sign up with the VA. I encourage EVERY Vet who deserves or needs care to go and get it. I am very happy with the way that the VA takes care of any of my problems. I am a member of the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service, VAVS, through my Veterans Service Organization that I belong to. A lot of satisfaction when I leave the Ward after playing bingo or just talking to the residents of the VA hospital. On another thought. I am going to Florida from Mass on Monday. Any special routs to avoid the Mountains? I have a couple but always looking for other advice. I will be driving a Class C and towing the wife's car. Take care my fellow/sister Campers.

frogsandhogs · 12-29-2016, 09:24 PM

We have found that in the northern states the VA care is far superior to the care where we winter. The McAllen, TX VA is sadly understaffed and most of the employees just don't seem to care. My husband transferred his main care from here to Green Bay, WI and it was like night and day. He has an ongoing issue, and in Texas he can not get a return phone call or get a message thru to the psychologist. He has to go to the clinic and sit there until someone can talk to him and answer his question. In Green Bay he can contact a doctor or nurse and get an answer within an hour. Green Bay is great with mailing out his meds, and will do a temporary double fill while we are on the road.

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