I've used the VA as my medical system for a few years now. Don't go often, or regularly, but it's my source of medicine. I take a blood pressure med twice a day, not an expensive me, but they do provide it for me, give me three 90 refills at a burst before having to see the doctor for a refill visit.
I visited this doctor 1 time - he quit a month back, I still had a scheduled visit Jan 28th. He was not there. They cancelled all his appointments, but failed to notify any of the patients. Further, when I called they said - next available will be March 28th. So I said, I'm out of my meds, have been for near 60 days now, they said, we show no meds since you've not been in to see us? I said I would have been there in time, you cancelled me without notice. They said I'd have to see a doctor. SO its a catch "22" if they cancel you with no notice its your problem you have no prescription, since you have not seen their doctor that is no longer there. I've been in this Army before. I also noted I'd requested some hearing aids and never got the requested appointment notice. They said, "you missed your appointment in 2008!" What, I missed my 2008 appointment so I can't get one in 2010?
Seems the VA has lost its marbels.. and control. From the impression I got from the guy on the phone, don't like it, don't use it, if you can get it. I also asked how many other Vets were left in the same boat with the doctor quiting, he said about 200, that the cancellation letters had been written about 8 times, but they had failed to ever mail them. Nice to know why no letter ever arrived. Glad I don't have to really depend on the meds that I take for a more serious condition. I think this system, like the federal government is broke, out of funds and on the brink.
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