Does the choice card program apply for those that are within 40 miles? I've read both, that you have to be over 40 miles away and over 30 days and I've read that either one makes you eligible. Almost all of my appointments are over 30 days, but I'm within 40 miles. Also, does this apply for those that are eligible for VA dental services?
I just relocated to a "First Choice Area".
The nearest VA clinic is 30 miles from me, the closest VA Medical Center is 120 miles from me.
When I asked about "First Choice" at the Clinic, I was told it kicks in if you are over 40 miles from the nearest VA treatment facility that has the capability to treat you for that specific issue - AND - if the nearest VA facility that CAN treat you for that specific issue CANNOT see you (get you an appointment) within 30 days of consult request.
So in my case, I am having to travel SIX HOURS on the road for every single appointment that requires me to go to the VA Medical Center 120 miles from my home that falls within the 30-day consult request. I live in a very rural area, so the driving is slooooow on winding, two lane roads until I can connect to the Interstate. This means every single appointment at the VA Medical Center is an ALL DAY EVENT.
Meanwhile, I pass many cities and towns along my 120 mile route to the VA Medical Facility where probably 75% of ALL my "specialty" Doctors, like podiatrists, shrinks, optometrists - those regular type of specialists that could be found to provide me treatment - those Doctors that CAN do colonoscopies and bone density scans and eyes and feet and mental health are located all along the way to the VA Medical Facility.
OH. That means for me that ALL my specialty doctors and appointments at the VA can be found practicing WAY closer to me than at the VA 120 miles from me. So I guess these other cities and towns can cover 100% of ALL my care I've needed so far.
But I am required to drive 240 miles to the nearest VA facility for ALL these things because the VA can get me scheduled within 30 days of consult.
First Choice is a JOKE!
The only one that benefits from First Choice is the VA Facility. I, as the Veteran, have to drive 240 miles for a round trip for ONE appointment, spend (waste) an entire day for an 30-60 minute appointment, and then burn up my car and wear out my tires with 240 totally unnecessary miles.
So whoopie ding-dong! I get 41.5 cents per mile. What a waste of time and money - especially if you're not feeling well and are sick and don't have a spouse to help you.
All this -
Just because the VA can see me within 30 days of consult?
Why doesn't the VA give First Choice to the Veteran to use FIRST? And then, if the Veteran can't be seen LOCALLY within 60 miles, OR, if the Veteran cannot be seen LOCALLY within 30 days of consult, THEN have the VA make the Vetean do the 240 mile, ALL DAY drive to the VA Medical Center for these SIMPLE and COMMON "SPECIALTY" EXAMS.
FIRST CHOICE IS "CODE" FOR LAST CHOICE.
What a joke!
nwlivewire
