Anyone with VA healthcare ever been sent outside the system?

[HereSince1628]

Mental Health here is saying that they haven't the resources to adequately help me, so they are recommending I be served by a clinic outside the system.

I'm not sure what to think, if you have something you think I should know before agreeing please PM me.

[mopinko]

1. friend, i am glad they are finding something for you.

since you stated previously that there were no good resources for you, i am glad they are letting you go outside to find appropriate help. take care and get well.

[elleng]

2. Very good indications, imo. I agree with mopinko.

Good Luck.

[EFerrari]

3. This could be great if they help you with some referrals.

You know who would know more? unhappycamper maybe. Seems to know his way around the VA pretty well.

[HereSince1628]

4. Thanks to all of you above, computer virus had me off-line

I'm still a bit concerned about having 2 systems of providers with 2 sets of rules,regs, limitations and such. But I've agreed to go out and talk someone at the clinic the VA has found. I'm not being presented with multiple options, there's no way to know how it will go.

[EFerrari]

5. Is there someone at the VA tasked with helping you navigate

the two systems? Like a patient's advocate in the civilian system? It seems unreasonable to put that on you, HS1628.

[HereSince1628]

6. There is a patients' advocate, maybe that person could be of help

I've seen them involved in putting out all manner of patient vs VA issues.

My concern is maintaining some umbilical to the VA. Not simply so that I don't get lost in the shuffle but also because I'd like my patient records to be all together so that the PCP and the Cardiologist and the Endocrinologist all can read what the Psychiatrist is prescribing at the other clinic, and what the therapists are encountering.

And also so that if/when I get into a bad way and end up in emergency detention they'll have those records to review so that I can continue meds, etc. while I listen to Shep do Kum-bi-ya, and other affect raising renditions of 60's folk music, while the TV puts down counter-fire enfilade by blasting out The Military Channel. Without sedatives,the comnination is too much like Grant Park in 68.