Getting copy of prescription from VA

[sleepdeprivedemt]

Has anyone here had experience with this? I would love to be able to get a copy of my script but don't know where to start.

[DaveMunson]

Call the doctor?

[Mary Z]

I agree with Dave, start with the doc- the doc is the person to write the prescription.

[LSAT]

You start by ASKING for it.

[GumbyCT]

You start by ASKING for it.

He wants to know "who" to ask. Navigating the VA system is just not easy, period. And definitely not for the meek.

I think I explained this in another post but this is worth repeating again. Any of your records can be requested via a form at the office called "Release of Information". If you don't know where to find them or need more assistance you are best off to ask your "Patient Advocate" who should know the in & outs of it all.

That said some of the ROI clerks don't know where to find the part for "Prescription". Also of note that prescription is only good within the VA system. So if what you want is a prescription for use outside of the VA you will have to ask your sleep doc at the Pulmonary clinic. Have the PA contact them if you don't want to wait for another appointment.

Even after that they will ask why you want a prescription so have an answer like when you travel you don't want any problems like "is that machine really yours"? Or you want to buy a spare machine just for travel. IF you say you want a backup machine they will just say "Oh you don't need that cuz if anything happens you can get another machine". What they don't know is that can take a week or more. How can they deny spare machine for travel? Just say you don't want to risk damaging the VA "issued machine".

My doc had to find out where the "Prescription pads" where kept cuz the VA just doesn't use them any more. They are kept in a safe that no one knows about and not everyone has access to.

So 3 places -
Release of Information = ROI
Patient Advocate = PA
Pulmonary Clinic - see the receptionist who can contact your doc if you don't want an appt.

Then "Just Ask" - how can I get a copy of my prescription because ________.

HTH and do keep us posted as to how you make out. Maybe some here could learn from the obstacles you encounter.

Any other questions "Just Ask"

[archangle]

As to "why" you need a prescription.

"I had a buddy who was traveling and he broke a part for his CPAP machine. He found a DME with the part, but he wouldn't sell the part without a prescription. They couldn't get hold of the doctor before closing time and he had to go without CPAP for the 3 day weekend."

I'm sure you have a buddy here on cpaptalk.com who this happened to.

[GumbyCT]

As to "why" you need a prescription.

"I had a buddy who was traveling and he broke a part for his CPAP machine. He found a DME with the part, but he wouldn't sell the part without a prescription. They couldn't get hold of the doctor before closing time and he had to go without CPAP for the 3 day weekend."

I'm sure you have a buddy here on cpaptalk.com who this happened to.

They would tell him he MUST go thru the VA for any and all repairs, parts, and supplies. Once again, a spare machine is really the best response cuz they don't/won't give up another machine.

But hey feel free to try whatever you want. I got mine - you get yours

[sleepdeprivedemt]

I'll call Montgomery VA Hospital on Tuesday. The Pulm. Tech told me that if I wanted some supplies outside of VA care to let her know and she will get me the script. I had totally forgot about this when I asked the question. She is a fellow hoser and knows how hard it is for us to get supplies. Thanks ya'll