VA health care

[The Wizard]

So for the past few days I've been getting a recurrent fever. When I call for an appointment I get a message that the line is busy and to try later. The trick is to call as near 8:00 in the morning when the staff arrives. So I call back at 8:10 and they tell me I can have an appointment for 11:30 the following day. This is unacceptable as any appointment after 9:40 is an exercise in futility as you sit in the waiting room until the 4:30 closing time when they tell you to reschedule. I asked to make an appointment for the following day but they only make appointments 24 hours in advance.
In essence, veterans health care is a hoax. The other alternatives are going to the emergency room where they send you to the non-emergent clinic where everyone is treated with ibuprofen and sent on their way; going to a VA outpatient clinic at a remote location; or going to a private physician.
I'd like to thank the Bush Administration for degrading the veterans health care system that was beginning to make great strides toward treating veterans with some degree of dignity during the Clinton Administration.
Why do Bush and Cheney hate America's veterans?

[hobbit709]

1. At least here in Austin

my VA care is better than that. So far it seems about equal to what I was getting on my wife's healthcare from her work, but I imagine in some places it's worse.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. I'm also dealing with the VA bureaucratic swamp.

In New York. Helping a disabled relative.

It's murder, literally , since a lot of people die while waiting for treatment and/or benefits.

Why? My guess is that since they ( Bush, Cheney, et al) are not veterans and... since they are incapable of empathizing with anyone who is not exactly like themselves... the quality of the VA system is not on their radar screen.

[benddem]

3. mine is better too

where are you?

[The Wizard]

4. East Orange

New Jersey

[alfredo]

5. I just got back from the VA in Lexington Ky. It was my first visit

to see a doctor. I did my paper work, got a tetanus shot, blood work, saw my doctor, and picked up my scripts. I was in and out in 1 3/4 hours.

I came home and had a bowl of pinto beans and ham hocks. I will spend the evening downwind from my wife.

[The Wizard]

6. I am pleased to report

The VA hospital in East Orange took down the pictures of Bush, Cheney, and Nicholson because of construction in the lobby.
As for me, I've decided to see a private doctor and use Medicare.
Did you voluntarily go downwind of your wife or was it a demand? I have no such problem as my wife has the ability to get the ceiling fan turning with her passages. It's a good thing she doesn't read my posts on DU, otherwise I'd be wearing a cast iron frying pan on my face.

[alfredo]

8. Been married 26 years. I am house broken.

I know to retire to the den. It's worth it though. My pintos and ham hocks can restore eyesight, reanimate the dead, and bring world peace. Just kidding about world peace. Nothing can do that.

when I walked past bush's picture, I gave it the finger.

[pwb]

7. What category are you?