Devil's Advocate question regarding VA healthcare ...

[ColbertWatcher]

... didn't the VA run Walter Reed? Do we want the horrors of Walter Reed throughout our healthcare system?

I know this crap is coming and can't think of a sufficient counter argument.

Help me DU!

[Ron Green]

1. Walter Reed is an Army Hospital. The VA runs other hospitals. I've always had outstanding care in

both Army and VA hospitals, since 1966.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. Walter Reed was partially contracted out to a private company.

"Critics say part of the problem may be an Army decision last year to contract out maintenance and support at Walter Reed to a private company, even though government workers argued they could do it better, and for less. "


The contract went to a company — International American Products, or IAP — that played a major role in the ice fiasco during Hurricane Katrina, when trucks roamed the country, delivering little and running up costs to taxpayers.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17489352/

[ColbertWatcher]

3. Well, there it is! Thank you! n/t

[HowHasItComeToThis]

4. PRIVATIZE IS THE REPUB MANTRA International American Products

The contract went to a company — International American Products, or IAP — that played a major role in the ice fiasco during Hurricane Katrina, when trucks roamed the country, delivering little and running up costs to taxpayers.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. No that was the Department of Defense, to be specific the Department of the Army

the VA is separate from the DoD

[ControlledDemolition]

6. 'Privatize' in reality is racketering! The flood gates were opened on 11/22/63! n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. We all know that and the question is what are we gonna do about it?

[ControlledDemolition]

9. The best question ever asked! To me, it's spreading awareness.

I'm starting to think that those who don't know now never will. To be really realistic, too many don't want to know.

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. there is so much of US history that is supressed, that it is not even funny

what can I say? I try... but that is all I can do any more

[ControlledDemolition]

12. Take every opportunity to educate people within your expanded circle. n/t

[Lasher]

8. I have employer provided health insurance and VA coverage as well.

The VA is superior. But if you really want some ammo to use in a debate on the subject, hit this link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6173791

Video here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x345010

[ProudDad]

11. No, the ARMY and Private Contractors ran Walter Reed...

Easy... :hi:

[ColbertWatcher]

13. Thank you! n/t

[madokie]

14. I don't know about Walter Reed

but I use Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee Ok and I love it. I wish everyone in America could get the same healthcare as I get there. I had heard all the stories about the VA and how bad it was and stayed away until my 54th birthday when I finally checked in because of what was diagnosed as a DVT in my left leg. I spent a week there and was treated like what I would suspect royality would be, yes that good. If you're a veteran and you're reading this and haven't checked in yet I advise you to do so, you will be pleasantly surprised, I promise. Yes the VA is a good thing for us old Vets.

[newfie11]

15. I have ChampVa through my husband

I have used the VA (Hot Springs SD) for wellness care for 3 years since I retired. At one point I had to be seen due to a possible retinal detachment. They got me in immediately, I saw the ophthalmologist, all the test were ran that I had done the year before with BCBS and a private ophthalmologist. The out of pocket cost for the BCBS was over $300.00, the VA cost was free.My husband is 100%. I have no complaints as far as my care for that.

The combination with Champ VA and medicare means I have a better drug insurance than Medicare part D. In fact if the drug any doctor prescribes for me is on the VA formulary I pay nothing. If it is not I get it at a reduced rate.

The problems I see with the VA health care in todays world is the lack of doctors. Would I have surgery at one , no. There are the horror stories out there. Some VA center have always been notorious for bad care but some are run very well. Just like private hospitals. My husband can get 100% free care from the VA and any drugs prescribed are free. However he uses VA and a non VA doctor alternating. One to double check the other.

Back in the early 70's my husband was the director of the Radiation Therapy Department at Walter Reed (He was not military at the time). In those days the hospital was very up to date. They had the latest, newest equipment. The two doctors that were there were military. One went on to be in charge of the Radiation Therapy departments at George Washington University Hospital (Washington DC) and the other went on head the breast cancer program at MD Anderson (Texas). At that time the hospital was first rate. They still had many soldiers from Viet Nam being treated. What happened after 1973 when my husband left I do not know.

[ColbertWatcher]

16. Glad to hear everything worked out well for you. Thank you for your post. n/t