Now how about this!?!?!?!?!

I went to my local VA today to get copies of my two sleep study tests so I could compare them with the data my Encore Pro program is providing. The records section only had results from one study, the first one I took. No one has even seen, much less evaluated or set a prescription based on the second one! I insisted they contact the people who did the sleep study (not on-site with the VA) and get a copy of the results.........and then send them through the proper channels so I can have an accurate RX. Now isn't that stupid? See why so many of us dependent on the VA become frustrated sometimes?

The saddest thing about VA services is the way they vary so much from region to region and hospital to hospital. I use the Albany NY VAMC and their service to local vets is above average.

I'm 100% SC and I have never wanted for anything, they are timely and proactive. Alas after 20 years as a veterans service representative with a popular veterans organization I know only too well how some facilities just won't get with the program. All you can do in this situation is stay on their back...They WILL respond if you are tenatious enough.

Scout

Oh, they always come through when "cornered" and brought to bear the responsibility. I'm sure I'll get exactly what I asked for. What upsets me is why in the world did it happen in the first place? They gave me a machine and a prescription based on the first test...........and didn't even take into consideration the follow-up test. It's a shame. They claim to offer "the heros of our nation" (their quote) with nothing but the best.

Sadly enough the somber truth is as it always has been, just as the main problem remains. "No One Really Cares... But Those Of Us Who Have Served"! The covenant spoken to by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address ceased to ring true many many years ago. If it were not for the Veterans themselves Govt would have done away with VA Long ago.

I agree wholeheartedly. Our government mouths "our heroes": the military, police and firemen - BUT - WHERE do they cut first??? Certainly NOT their paychecks and benefits - nope, the military, police and firemen.

I also wholeheartedly agree.

They are another inefficient arm of our government that is not monitored.

Too bad that it is not operated under the same umbrella BY the combined heads of our military services!

THEY would certainly run it more efficiently, have better contracts, and above all, have the care of their own as the priority!

I know MANY who do not even bother with the VA.

Politics and bureaucracy play too large a role!

It's a shame too! Because it's not really the mission goal to provide poor service...........in fact, it's exactly the opposite. My family physician gave up his GP Practice to become a surgeon many years ago. And then, after many years with a knife, (long before I became a VA patient) he announced he was going to the VA to serve there. I was dumbfounded and asked why he'd do that. He told me it was an honor for a doctor to be invited to work there. Said it was a real "feather in his cap" sort of thing because the VA would only hire the best and offer the best of everything to the Vets. Unfortunately, the "real" problem is with the general employee population. Many, if not most, couldn't get a job in the real world and are mostly incompetent! (that's just my opinion, so don't jump on me if you or anyone you know works there) The mission goal is extremely high, just the quality of the general work force that is low.

Sleepy-eyes:

I commend your surgeon. I hope that he is still getting that satisfaction; but he may by 'insulated' from those problems we've mentioned.

Speaking of ineptness...I worked in the "Private Sector" for 9 years before entering Civil Service. That God I had that "real world" experience! I was truly amazed at the waste, inefficienty, etc. But by that time, I had too many years invested, so stuck it out until I could no longer 'handle it', and took a form of 'early out' - insanity!!!!!!

At my high school reunion, I got a really big chuckle from classmates when it was my turn to 'talk' - I told of my having been a "Civil Servant", and that everything they'd heard and read WAS TRUE!

Such a waste, and knowing what I did, I decided not to be part of "management", because it would have been that much more frustrating, to butt heads with those who were just too comfortable with the "status quo".

One major problem I found was that they never learned how to write contracts! Still don't. So many projects fail due to that alone.

*off soap box now*