Have you seen your local Vertern's Administration Hospital? Please go and spend the day their and get a good look at a 100% Federal Government run hospital looks like and what the clients have to say about it.
You will not be happy with what you find.
Depends on what you're in for and where the hospital is located.
The Vet can be a mess and the funding is streaming in from a variety of sources which makes things even more difficult; but more people participating means more attention is paid.
The patients tend to have life long conditions that are expensive and tricky to maintain.
Exactly northbrooklyn, these types of patients are the problem. I have yet to see a VA that was up to private standards of cleanliness or wait time.
I am a veteran with several service connected disablities and I refuse to use the 100% government run system and I chose to purchase BCBS Care First from my school system rathe than subject myself to the horrors of the VA system.
All you have to do to see the standards of operation of this 100% government run system is to google Veteran's Administration Hospital and begin reading. You will find conditions and standards that would close a private hospital and get everyone fired and sued.
NYC Educator-do you want the type of people who run your school system to run your medical care?
I'm glad you have options.
The medical system is a mess and has been since my introdution to advocacy in the early 70's. Those of us who have had to deal with long term conditions whether for ourselves or for those in our family or friends or as an advocate realize it is a nightmare. Living with a medical condition is enough of a trial w/out the inclusion of a medical system that has flatlined.
As for the VA it depends on what your need is and where you are seeking treatment.
While not pretty the V.A. hospital I have experience with was cutting edge in a very specific speciality. Sadly, this speciality was developed in the medical huts of Korea and the surgical tents of Vietnam. But it worked and worked well. It is now a standard in all hospitals and clinics in this country.
One thing I have learned over the years in dealing with the medical establishment in general is to have a very good g.p. or internist. Even if you have to pay out of pocket or haggle, it's worth it. The other thing I have learned is that all patients have to have a b***h on hand to raise hell when necessary or bring chocolates to sooth the harried nurses. The words malpractice and attorney when used sparingly to the right person at the right time is also quite effective.
But, you probably know that already.
Commenting by HaloScan
