Just got back from the new Austin VA Outpatient Clinic.

[hobbit709]

Had to go there for my lab work, last time was at the old facility.
What a change! Large, much more airy and open, no maze to find Prosthetics, Lab moves much faster.
Got out of there before the big Grand Opening ceremony with all the media types.

[Victor_c3]

1. I can't speak for this facility

but overall I've had nothing but good experiences with the VA, the care, and benefits I receive.

I know that there are a lot of horror stories floating around out there and I seem to run into a bunch of disgruntled people, but I personally haven't had a bad thing to say about them.

I heard the VA was atrocious in the 80s and 90s and I'm glad to see that this isn't the case anymore.

[hobbit709]

2. I've always gotten good treatment at the old one, but it was pretty dingy.

It even impressed me more than the facilities in Temple and Dallas.

[bakpakr]

3. I have alway gotten excellent treatment through the VA

I am in PA and go to either the Camp Hill VA clinic or to the Lebanon VA hospital. I use the VA as my primary care provider. I do have health insurance through my employer. I could choose to utilize a non VA provider but choose the VA because of the care I receive.

The Camp Hill clinic is awesome since they dumped a ton of money into it. You are gotten in and out in a reasonable amount of time. My primary care physician is based at the Camp Hill clinic and he is great. Listens to my concerns and spends as much time as I need with me. I never feel rushed when I have an appointment.

The Lebanon Hospital is becoming a jewel. They are in the middle of a major upgrade to the facility. I don't have any clue as to how much money they are spending on the facility but from what I see it must be in the millions of dollars range. The care there is exceptional as well.

I like the fact that appointment times are not set in stone like a non VA provider. If I get to my appointment early they will get me in early. I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes after checking in to see my provider. Blood work or any other diagnostic test depending on the procedure is usually 30 minutes from check-in to walking out the door. Most times it is less.

[denbot]

4. The West Los Angeles facilities are pretty good, and my dad likes the Long Beach V.A.

I'm making my way from Iowa to a G.I clinic appointment this Friday.