The Problem With The VA Isn’t Just The Agency — It’s Us

[longknife]

I wasn’t going to read but am glad I did. I fall into the same category as so many of us veterans. I get my health care at the AFB hospital and only use the new VA facility for my dental care. But, l every time I’ve gone out there, the staff and volunteers have been top notch. So, let’s stop being so damned negative and do what we can to pitch in and make things better.

Many of the people who work there deeply care about veterans and do everything in their power to help real veterans that seek the help they need.

Much more @ The Problem With The VA Isn’t Just The Agency — It’s Us

 

[whitehall]

Everything is political. It seems that non-Veterans are the first to criticize the VA when they don't know shit about it. Most health care professionals are top notch no matter what health care facility you use.

 

[gipper]

The problem is an interventionist warmongering ruling class. Without them, we wouldn’t have so many veterans with health problems.

 

[regent]

The problem is an interventionist warmongering ruling class. Without them, we wouldn’t have so many veterans with health problems.

Is the VA supposed to take care of all veteran's health problems, or those with service incurred disabilities?

 

[Care4all]

My husband is a disabled, service connected, veteran. And even with Health Insurance, he uses the VA facilities up here instead of a doctor outside of the VA system. He likes using them... don't ask me exactly why, he just does. Though if he ever needed a surgery or something major, he would use his private healthcare insurance and go outside of the VA system, due to the actual VA Hospital being miles away. He uses a Veteran's Clinic in the city near us, right now.

The VA charges his insurance company for their services. If he did not have insurance through where he works, he would get the same services for free, because he is a disabled vet. I believe, it used to be something like 30% Disabled Vet and higher could use the VA system for free... but all of that changed and I think they brought it lower or with no service connected disability at all needed, when Obama care started, or something like that...?

 

[gipper]

The problem is an interventionist warmongering ruling class. Without them, we wouldn’t have so many veterans with health problems.

Is the VA supposed to take care of all veteran's health problems, or those with service incurred disabilities?

Are there more veterans seeking HC when the state is interventionist or non-interventionist?

 

[AZGAL]

this is not political this is medical

 

[Sunni Man]

I have been using the VA for the last several years, and have found the staff and medical personal to be dedicated professionals.

Every time I hear people bitching about the VA it makes me wonder if they have ever been to a VA facility? Or are they just political hacks with an ax to grind? .....

 

[Hiryuu]

I wasn’t going to read but am glad I did. I fall into the same category as so many of us veterans. I get my health care at the AFB hospital and only use the new VA facility for my dental care. But, l every time I’ve gone out there, the staff and volunteers have been top notch. So, let’s stop being so damned negative and do what we can to pitch in and make things better.

Many of the people who work there deeply care about veterans and do everything in their power to help real veterans that seek the help they need.

Much more @ The Problem With The VA Isn’t Just The Agency — It’s Us

The VA Hospital here is outstanding, and the quality of care is remarkable. The waiting room for routine check-ups can be a little "hurry up and wait", but soldiers know that drill. Emergency care is prompt, and thorough. Patient monitoring is better than most hospitals in our region, and the nurses are more engaged with the patients, instead of just going through the motions, and making it through a shift. There is always respect for the patients, even difficult patients.

Other systemic matters are also handled better than some private hospitals in this region. SOP's are clearly posted in most locations, and followed with diligence. Infectious areas are segregated, marked, and include reminders to both staff and visitors. You never see a staff member (at any level) that does not engage you in conversation, either pleasant conversation, or inquiring about your needs and care, you are not "invisible" to them. That all influences the community at the hospital, especially when everyone is aware they are getting what is required in care.

The VA hospital also partners with local specialists when their services may be better suited for particular problems. They have state of the art facilities and equipment. Your bill is never a concern. Follow-up, including quality calls after you leave the hospital is both thorough and responsive. I cannot speak for all installations, but the staff, management and command at the VA hospital here are top notch all the time.

Oh, the food in the cafeteria is pretty damn good too.