Name:   muddauber - Subject:   Shinseki Date:   5/24/2014 2:06:36 PM

Speaking as a Vet who uses the VA system.  I strongly disagree with the gross over characterization given to all VA employees in this thread.  I have a number of specialist doctors, hence have moved all of my medical to Birmingham VA from Tuskeegee/Montgomery campuses.  The tie in with UAB has a lot to do with it, but Id rank B'ham VA with any institution in this country, not just VA's. I've gotten extraordinary care.

Couple of examples.  I was scheduled for a CAT scan, but wound up having to go to the ER instead.  The CAT tech saw my name as an ER patient, stole me and got both the scans the ER people would need as well as the one the surgeon had ordered.  Saved me a lot of wasted time and in hospital transport.

Another incident. Scheduled for stomach surgery in two days.  The Neuropathy tech realized that and came in at 6 am rather then 8 am the morning prior to surgery to get my neruo test done.  Otherwise, it'd be some months before I would have been recovered enough to get it done.

I have never been turned away seeing my primary doctor as a walk in. I am an on time patient, and rarely wait the 20-30 minutes unless something has happened.  At that, am informed I can wait, reschedule  or get worked into another doctor. Or they call to let me know what is wrong.

Now then, that is Birmingham.  Tuskeegee and Montgomery campuses are just so overwhelmed they cannot give that level of service. And indeed, do things to make themselves look better than they are.  I had a 1030 am appt with pulmonary, the Night before the appt was changed to 0830.  No phone call, message, nothing.  Not even the doctor knew. When I showed up, they had to call him to cover the appt. He stated this is a tactic Montgomery has used to make the Vet look like he missed the appointment and take the blame.  Pissed off was he.  Yes, I filed grievence with the patient advocate per the doctors request.  That is when I moved everything out of Gumontery to B'ham.

All of the above said, Dental is The Major exception. Got a toothache, shcedule is full for the next 2 or 3 months.  Go see a private dentist and no, the VA will not cover it.  I've tried.