VA Veteran's Choice program

DanR217

DanR217

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I don't know how many veterans we have here that use the VA, but there is a new, little known, program called Veteran's Choice. Under the program, if you live more than 40 miles form your VA medical center, or have an appointment scheduled more than 30 days out, you can choose a local provider.

I just got my card in the mail and called to enroll in the program. Not really sure if I qualify since there is a VA within 40 miles, guess I'll see. My "local" VA is more of a clinic, there is a primary care doctor, a nurse and a social worker who runs PTSD classes, but that's it. The place is literally the size of a small post office and doesn't have many of the services I use like neurology and physical therapy. The closest VA with those two services is 100 miles away, straight through SF bay area traffic (last time I went I had to stay overnight to keep my morning appointment and it took more than 6 hours to get back). I also recently was told I'd have to wait 4-6 months to get a kidney stone blasted...

I'll stop complaining now ;) just wanted to let any fellow veterans, who have trouble getting their care, know about the new program.
 
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Nice to know. I have a 60 mile trek into New Orleans for treatment. This will certainly save me some headache and time.
 
I'm not a Vet, but I have a few in the family, and I'm glad to hear they are doing something for our Veterans. I would like to see them do more.
 
Not a Vet. but I do know a few. I will pass the information on to them. Thanks
 
Yea 62 miles to Anchorage for me so I found a Doc office out here that will and has worked with the VA before. 124 miles round trip is for the birds:rolleyes:
 
Citadel said:
Are any of you guys 30% and above or is the travel pay not worth it?
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I'm not really sure I understand the question. I'm 70% and the travel pay is worth it, it's better than nothing. I'd much rather be able to see a doctor in my area, not have to fight horrible traffic and stay overnight at a VA hotel than get $.44 a mile to go to the VA.
 
DanR217 said:
I'm not really sure I understand the question. I'm 70% and the travel pay is worth it, it's better than nothing. I'd much rather be able to see a doctor in my area, not have to fight horrible traffic and stay overnight at a VA hotel than get $.44 a mile to go to the VA.
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Understood, and there is a definite benefit not having to walk into a VA run facility. When I injured my foot at work, the Postal Service sent me to their local Workman's Comp. physician. I was stunned that he was able to be see me, take and review my x-rays within an hour. Here nurses (you NEVER see the doctor) order x-rays and the vet has to drive 80 miles to Shreveport to take them.
 
The Vets Choice program is a really good way to be able to get seen in a timely manner. Any of you vets should also check into your local VFW they offer a lot of support and services as well. Talk to the Service Officer and they can hook you up with all sorts of programs, including scholarship programs for any kids. As well as support classes, all sorts of activities and cheap booze in the canteen.
 
cricketdave said:
The Vets Choice program is a really good way to be able to get seen in a timely manner. Any of you vets should also check into your local VFW they offer a lot of support and services as well. Talk to the Service Officer and they can hook you up with all sorts of programs, including scholarship programs for any kids. As well as support classes, all sorts of activities and cheap booze in the canteen.
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Being seen in a timely manner would be a step in the right direction for the VA. I had a kidney stone that was tickling me a bit, so I called the VA and they told me there was a 4-6 month wait to get it blasted... I was told this Veteran's Choice program was spurred on by the fiasco in Phoenix.

I'll look into the VFW. There's one in the next town over, but I haven't been. I thought it was like a club or something, I didn't realize they offered services. I also haven't been because I figured it would be Vietnam aged guys and I'd feel out of place, but if they can help me out, I'm all for it.
 
There are Vets of all ages at ours, from a very few WW2 guys to Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mostly its just a bunch of people with similar experiences hanging out playing pool, having dinners, drinking, dancing and just relaxing. We have Ptsd counseling, all sorts of support groups and people who know their way through the various bureaucracies.

You can take a look at our local website if you like to give you an idea of what goes on. I also have some very useful links for vets at the bottom of the home page. Not all Vfw's are exactly the same but the guiding thought behind them is. Supporting and helping our Vets.

http://vfwgranbury.com

Your welcome to PM me if you have any questions.
 
CricketDave is spot on! :thumbup: Each VFW has its own "character" as a Veterans' Organization, but their mission is to help fellow veterans. As far as acceptance by older veterans, I think you will find that most VietNam veterans like myself are much quicker to welcome veterans of newer wars; the WWII vets often considered the VietNam guys as not being in a "real war". I guess they felt that since we didn't have something like the Normandy landings or The Battle of the Bulge it didn't "measure up". But anyone who has been in actual combat should appreciate ANY veteran of ANY action, regardless of time or place.;)
 
Gravelface said:
.44 cents a mile for New Orleans traffic is NOT worth the headache.
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I hear ya brother, major metropolitan area traffic is for the birds. Last time I drove in it I got involved in a road rage incident with four guys that had stolen a BMW SUV earlier that day and committed a bunch of burglaries. One kept pulling his shirt up to show me the pistol tucked in his waist band...

Aside from almost getting shot, I really hate SF bay area traffic; bumper to bumper, takes hours to get 50 miles, it's for the birds. Up here in the gold country, heavy traffic is you get behind a tourist towing something and going 5-10 miles under the speed limit.
 
I got one of those in the mail too. Probably gonna throw it the safe with all the credit cards I'm not using. I live a 5 minute drive from a full service VA hospital.
 
Just stopped by the VFW, it's a bar :confused: It seems like it's just a club? I asked the lady about veteran services, she didn't say anything about that, but she gave me a membership form and said it was $35 a month. I'm thoroughly confused.
 
$35.00 a month??? VFW membership is paid yearly or a life membership can be purchased...if qualified. I never heard of a monthly fee at a VFW; you might ask to speak with one of the Post's officers first.;)
 
Tom Kanik said:
$35.00 a month??? VFW membership is paid yearly or a life membership can be purchased...if qualified. I never heard of a monthly fee at a VFW; you might ask to speak with one of the Post's officers first.;)
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I agree with Tom. I'm not a member of the VFW (never served overseas) but am a member of the American Legion and have been since the 60s. Both organizations have YEARLY memberships and Life memberships. My brother-in-law is a member of the local VFW, and he most certainly is NOT paying a monthly membership fee!!! Thirty Five a YEAR is much more likely. Check with one of the Post Officers.
 
DanR217 the membership is 35 a year, the lady had no idea what she was talking about. Look at their website if they have one and contact one of the post officers. Not all VFW's are the same, most do have a bar as well as meeting area's and other amenities depending on the post. As I said earlier your welcome to contact me or browse our website for any info you need. www.vfwgranbury.com while we aren't your local post we would be glad to help in any way we can.
 
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