When I got out of the Army over four years ago, I was assigned a doctor at the location closest to me. As time has passed, I have grown more and more frustrated at the level of care I am receiving and I knew that I needed some change. I recently found out that I had the right to change doctors, or go to a different office or region all together. My reason for making the change is that my doctors have basically given up on trying to fix my disabilities, and they are resorting to pain management. I am not ready to give up, so I thought it was time to get a fresh set of eyes on my case.
You don't need to have an excuse to change primary care physicians, it is your right. I have heard about a good doctor in northern New Hampshire, so I am switching. I have requested to have her as my primary care, and the only reason I will be denied this request is if she has too many patients to begin with. I have not yet seen the new doctor, but I am already impressed with their office. When I call, they answer the phone right away without putting me on hold, which never happened with my old office, and they actually seemed friendly. I am sure that my decision to change doctors will be a good one. If you are unhappy with your doctor, or feel that your doctor isn't looking out for your best interests, make a change! It is your right!
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You don't need to have an excuse to change primary care physicians, it is your right. I have heard about a good doctor in northern New Hampshire, so I am switching. I have requested to have her as my primary care, and the only reason I will be denied this request is if she has too many patients to begin with. I have not yet seen the new doctor, but I am already impressed with their office. When I call, they answer the phone right away without putting me on hold, which never happened with my old office, and they actually seemed friendly. I am sure that my decision to change doctors will be a good one. If you are unhappy with your doctor, or feel that your doctor isn't looking out for your best interests, make a change! It is your right!
As it should be your right! Too many people are use to settling for things even if theyre not happy with the service they've gotten.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! I had somebody put it to me this way a few months back...We were all trained to say "yes sir" when we were in the military. We're out now and that whole mentality needs to go right out the door if you want to get anything done. They know we still have that frame of mind, and they aren't about to tell us what our rights are. Most of the benefits I know about are from talking with other veterans or sites like this.
ReplyDeleteHow do you go about changing drs, and still remain in the VA system in order to utilize the benefits? My Dad is a VN Vet, in his 70s, and has multiple health issues.
ReplyDeleteIf your dad is unhappy with his current doctor he can elect to switch his primary care to another doctor in the VA system, whether it is in his region or not. When I wrote this article I felt that I needed a change in primary care, so I found another doctor in a different region to see.
ReplyDeleteIf you are unfamilliar with my use of the term region, I am referring to VA regions. In my case I switched my primary care from the Manchester, NH region to the White River Jct, VT region. The hospital is the same distance from my home, but I have to drive a lit longer for primary care. It will be worth it though.
I want to change my PC, he talks to me for 5 minutes and does not let me get in a word..How/who do I see to change my Prm.Care Dr.??? Also I just found out my Pain Mang. dr.'s contract was not renewed? so with no P.M.dr and an inconsiderate Primary who can fillout a Continuation of Disability from my Long term Disability Insurance??? Please hel this old Vietnam Vet...
ReplyDeleteI was told in order to change my physician I would have to fill out a request, mail in the request, answer some questions over the phone, wait for a review board to make a decision BUT even before all that, my VA hospital has a back log, A back log to change your physician, are you kidding me!?
ReplyDeleteIs this for real? A board gets to decide? My Dr. abandoned me. He must have gotten tired of me bi***ing about how he doesn't know how to handle a pregnant vet on pain meds. He transferred me to a PA without any warning. She quickly said she will not take care of my pain issues while pregnant. Can I see a doctor that has had recent training and not someone who studied medicine 30 years ago and just settled into a VA doctor position. Ugh. This system frustrates me. I will be complaining all the way to the top but who knows if that'll even do anything.
DeleteWell it is 2015 and not much has changed. I'm trying to change my PC Doctor because I have never been comfortable with how he has treated me. Now after 4 yrs I have had enough. Now I have to talk to a Patient Rep who is very busy. Waiting for her to call 2 days now and nothing. Called again today, still sent to the VM. Idiling here in Clarksburg, WV.
ReplyDeleteCall your congressman and explain your situation to him or her.
ReplyDeleteCall your congressman and explain your situation to him or her.
ReplyDeleteThat don't tell me how to go about it!!!
ReplyDeleteFirst medical visit at the VA 5/2017 was horrible. Dr. was hours late, didn't do exam completely, was rude and did gave many wrong answers to simple questions. I called the Patient Advocate. Was told there was nothing they could do because the Chief of Medical there had suspended all transfers due to Dr. shortage. The service was so bad I considered filing a complaint but didn't want my name on it, fear of retaliation. Today, since there seems no other solution, called the Trump established VA Complaint Hotline: 855-948-2311. They took my complaint, I had to wait on hold for about 5 minutes to reach someone but they were friendly and helpful. They helped document the complaint and my requested resolution. Now, the wait to see if someone calls to resolve it, begins.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2018 and VA doctor is clueless. Had one appt. with him so far and wasn't impressed at all. His 2 nurses are not professional to say the least. I recieved a survey after my only visit and didn't check the box where they say they are going to contact the doctor about my misgivings and i think i'm paying for it now. He makes appointments for me for procedures without checking my schedule. Hoping for the best while trying to change him out. Contacted three republicans---congress--state senate--- and senator from Pa. and 2 said they don't handle VA issues and the third never called me back.
ReplyDelete