VA Clinics

[Muddpa]

Anyone using the VA for sleep apnea and getting their supplies?

[Tater52403]

Im in the Atlanta VA system and have had no problem. Granted i am still in my first year. I was told at 6 months they would send me replacement supplies. I called on Monday and they said they are on the way.

[USMCVet]

I'm in Buffalo NY VA system and should be getting set up for first time hopefully beginning of next week.

[MaxINTJ]

Anyone using the VA for sleep apnea and getting their supplies?

Equipment and supplies have not been a problem at all with my local VA - they are excellent, even when it's masks they don't stock.

The sleep clinic side of it is wearing very, very thin right now....

For instance, I just was told AGAIN that they won't prescribe any medication for me to stay awake during the day. The doctor hasn't seen me as a patient (I don't even know why my PCP pawned it off to a doctor I've never seen), AND this doctor wants to wait for the report from the last study and if what they recommend works - then I wouldn't need the medication. WTF? It can take MONTHS and MONTHS for the perfect treatment to actually work!

Grrrrrr.....

[chunkyfrog]

Max, if you believe you are being denied effective medication because you
were incorrectly identified as an addict, (this may be common)
you need to fight the VA.
You may have to contact the bureau of veterans affairs and file a formal complaint.
You may even have to go to court or call your congressman.
It is up to YOU.
Good luck, and thank you for your service.

[MaxINTJ]

Max, if you believe you are being denied effective medication because you
were incorrectly identified as an addict, (this may be common)
you need to fight the VA.
You may have to contact the bureau of veterans affairs and file a formal complaint.
You may even have to go to court or call your congressman.
It is up to YOU.
Good luck, and thank you for your service.

I'm sure it's nothing like that, never had a problem before the sleep clinic got involved.

This is just my PCP not wanting to interfere with the sleep clinic and the same thing for the pulmonologist. I have 3 people involved and nobody wants to step on anybody else's toes.

[USMCVet]

The one thing that has always bothered me with the VA is typically how long it takes to ever really get anything done. It's made me very proactive so that way instead of hearing "we'll try this for a month and if things are better make an appointment to come back". Not to mention I rarely ever get calls back or returning of secure messages or my favorite.... I was deemed no show for appointment. I left two messages after trying to call 10 times during normal business hours and not being able to get anyone. I literally gave my name, last four of social and said I will not be making this appointment. End rant lol

[Tater52403]

Anyone using the VA for sleep apnea and getting their supplies?

Equipment and supplies have not been a problem at all with my local VA - they are excellent, even when it's masks they don't stock.

The sleep clinic side of it is wearing very, very thin right now....

For instance, I just was told AGAIN that they won't prescribe any medication for me to stay awake during the day. The doctor hasn't seen me as a patient (I don't even know why my PCP pawned it off to a doctor I've never seen), AND this doctor wants to wait for the report from the last study and if what they recommend works - then I wouldn't need the medication. WTF? It can take MONTHS and MONTHS for the perfect treatment to actually work!

Grrrrrr.....

Mine had no problem Prescribing me Modafinal. It dosn't work as good as i hoped (still leaves me with drowsiness) but does help with the uncontrollable naps.

[Okie bipap]

I am retired military, but I chose to not use the VA system for most items. I did use their hearing aids for several years until I found the models they had available were not sufficient for my loss and I bought my own. I'm old enough that I use Medicare and Tricare for life and chose the doctors, sleep clinic, and DME I want to use.

[chunkyfrog]

Max, this is all the more reason to bring in "management".
The three are not coordinating for YOUR benefit--just covering their hineys.
You need to shake things up to force them to cooperate and help you.
A vet should never sit still and "take" it.
Blind obedience belongs on the field--if ever.

[SewTired]

My BIL's son has had no problems with the VA in MN providing his cpap stuff. My BIL, on the other hand, has had problems with coordination between different specialties and his primary (not sleep related) My sister often has to go to bat for BIL (too passive) to get what he needs because of passing the buck that seems to go on sometimes. His care is excellent, but it's when the doctors/NPs have differing opinions that things fall down beside the road.

[greatunclebill]

I use tricare for life and medicare. there is no fee for using tricare for life as a secondary to medicare. medicare pays 80% under partB and then tricareforlife pays the 20% plus all medicare deductibles. i essentially pay nothing for medical care, supplies and equipment' or generic drugs. the only thing we pay is the monthly medicare part B and $20 for 90 day supply of brand name drugs. All of my doctors are board certified in at least one specialty except my pulmonologist/sleep doctor who is board certified in 4 specialties. I'll take my civilian doctors, clinics and hospitals over VA any day.