Newbie here - anyone using VA for benefits

[sierra21]

I just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. Have an appointment in two weeks to get my cpap. I am currently going to the va medical center. I was wondering if there is anyone on here that is using the VA for their medical benefits. I was wondering if they give good cpaps. Plus wondering if anyone could give me some helpful hint and what I have to look forward to when I do get my cpap. Once I do get me cpap I will post the information.

[GumbyCT]

I just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. Have an appointment in two weeks to get my cpap. I am currently going to the va medical center. I was wondering if there is anyone on here that is using the VA for their medical benefits. I was wondering if they give good cpaps. Plus wondering if anyone could give me some helpful hint and what I have to look forward to when I do get my cpap. Once I do get me cpap I will post the information.

Yes many. With the VA it seems to depend where you are getting serviced at that will determine the exact plan. Overall I think they are good for socialized medicine but you have to know their system. But better than most private Ins. plans.

Do yourself a favor - learn to search. Use the "Advanced Search" option located on the top of each forum page directly under the "Home" icon.

search.php
Search for VA then use "Search these results:" to search just those terms to narrow down more what it is you are looking for.

But by all means if you have a question post again.

Welcome to THE BEST forum on the internet.

[sierra21]

Thanks cumby i have found aloy of good info on the search. I am going to the lexinton ky va so far they have treated me pretty well, just the long waiting period sux.

[Slinky]

You might want to also check the apneasupport.com forum. They have an ongoing sticky for military and OSA and VA. There's not the "freedom" there is in this forum but some good info there despite that.

[GumbyCT]

Thanks cumby i have found aloy of good info on the search. I am going to the lexinton ky va so far they have treated me pretty well, just the long waiting period sux.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about the KY area. The wait is terrible even in private Ins. I waited one month after having my sleep study and having private Ins. and had NO Choices at all.

Back in 2007, I remember hearing there was 2yr wait to have a sleep study (PSG) at the VA. But they also get alot of cancellations too. Knowing this if I were waiting, I would ask to be put on the cancellations list to rush things up.

I've had 2 PSG's at the VA and 2 at a local money mill. It was faster getting the results from the money mill. The VA is very, very slow at that. And the beds were like camping out - no showers, etc. But they were very professional.

Many of the sleep docs I met at my local VA were "In Training". I was able to find one out of the whole bunch who was experienced and certified in sleep but she was contracted to handle the excess and no longer a VA employee.

Read and read this forum then read some more. Lots of good info here.

I love Slinky dearly but that link she pointed you to is heavily monitored and that suppresses info you will prob want.

[Kevin G.]

A relative has gotten a cpap machine from the VA. Apparently they hand out Remstar mchines directly and do not involve a DME as the middleman.

[Wulfman]

I just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. Have an appointment in two weeks to get my cpap. I am currently going to the va medical center. I was wondering if there is anyone on here that is using the VA for their medical benefits. I was wondering if they give good cpaps. Plus wondering if anyone could give me some helpful hint and what I have to look forward to when I do get my cpap. Once I do get me cpap I will post the information.

From my years of reading of the experiences with the VA on the forum, they were handing out good, data-capable machines......mostly Respironics (now Philips/Respironics).
Just be sure to do your homework and be as knowledgeable about this condition as possible


Den

[GumbyCT]

A relative has gotten a cpap machine from the VA. Apparently they hand out Remstar mchines directly and do not involve a DME as the middleman.

I've read here that may be true. Mine comes right to the house.

The first RT I got was right out of school, you know before they teach them to lie. When I asked when in her program did she learn about OSA she told not until she got the job. I can understand that and can deal better with the truth. At least she was honest with me.

It seems like the whole Co. is run by high school kids. Remember Junior Achievement? YMMMV.