Veterans Hospitals and Policies

Veterans and The VA hospitals have been at odds for years,it is just now that more publicity is given to the problem.  Politicians would have you believe that they are working on the problem, and, truth be known they are.  The underlying problem to that is they do not have the direct ability to fix it. They can push and prod and maybe even stick there nose in it (Usually for a photo opportunity) but other than Pushing their weight around they are not able to do much.  The problems we veterans are having actually can be easily fixed by getting the VA Administration to pin point the specific personnel for the specific problem.  After doing this, close monitoring of this situation should assure that the problem is fixed.  Now, I know that this is kind of over simplifying but the examples below should show just how this could work with the correct procedures, and if the procedures are implemented this way...there will be no problems.

Example one :

A veteran is new to the area and registers with the hospital as required.  Upon doing so he/she is assigned a doctor.  At this time the veteran should be sent to the Blood work area for a full work-up and urinalysis.  During this time the input administrator should set the first scheduled appointment with the veterans Doctor or Team( assuring that it is within 2 weeks) Before the veteran leaves he should be given this appointment, know his doctors name or Team, have all contacts w/ numbers and be prepared to show up for his appointment.  The intake should also assure that any medication needs, or immediate health issues are addressed by a physician before the veteran leaves the facility(Using the on-call emergency Doctor if needed)

• Sign in administrator should be able to handle and be responsible for all the actions here so there is no confusion, and the Blood work section should have one team for new intakes so there are no time delays, as well as having a standard work up for "ALL" patients which they do.
• Doctors/Teams should have 2 days every week which is reserved for only new patients. If more are needed then make adjustments.
• Immediate care and Medications are very important at intake.  This is a major concern with veterans because there are many issues in this area.  It should be stressed that this be addressed with urgency.

Example two:

A veteran has seen his Team and his initial appointment is completed.  During this visit the doctor determines a need for a MRI to properly treat the veteran.  At this time (before the veteran is discharged from visit) Veteran should be sent to MRI as a walk-in, and a follow-up appointment to review the MRI should be scheduled by the Doctor/Team. within 2-3 weeks.  Again, any meds or special needs should be addressed and resolved at this time.

• Doctor should have reviewed patients records eliminating wasted time and assuring the veteran gets a quality visit.
• MRI's and x-rays should never be put off.  They are not time consuming and even walk-ins shouldn't take up more than an hour for an MRI.
• Teams should always keep schedules with openings 1 to 2 weeks out for patients who have spinal injuries, loss of limb, or any other major illness which dictates continues care

These are only a couple of examples but, you can see that with proper management even a busy work-load of patients should be able to receive proper and time appropriate care.  Please comment with any cases you may know of or experiences you may have with the VA Hospital and I will evaluate and give a corrective action.  I plan to present some case studies to a VA Director for review.