Posted on Aug 28, 2015
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Why is Bolen Veterans Advocacy Network (BVAN) different?

A couple of questions have come about Kimberly Bolen and Mike Bolen and why they are different in what they do for veterans.

http://www.bolenveteranadvocacynetwork.com

By Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM

Because each veteran is provided with Personalized external Care Management and they do not get lost in the system. I follow the patient from the date I am notified until they return to health or palliative care. Regardless of the illness or injury.

It has been my experience that as soon as the veteran is provided an appointment with the VA, there is no follow up regarding their care. They are given appointments but are provided no rationale for them, they are receiving care that is not needed or may be dangerous for their overall condition.

I review each and every medical record. Obtain second, third and sometimes fourth MD OP if needed. I Provide the VET with their CHOICE of care, within or without the VA. They receive the right care at the right time in their disease process or I torture the doctors until they get in.

When in the VA I follow their care with their MD and internal care manager, if I need to speed up the process, I do.

My patients and their families are educated on self advocacy instead of saying "Yes Sir" to treatment they might not need, to feeling better about asking what treatment they are getting or perhaps I provide the MD with some treatment plan that they have not even thought about.
Edited >1 y ago
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
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"It has been my experience that as soon as the veteran is provided an appointment with the VA, there is no follow up regarding their care. They are given appointments but are provided no rationale for them..." Oh Mylanta this is SO true!! I got a brace in the mail and didn't know where it went. Tried it on my ankle because I was complaining about fluid that was building up in my body. Ended up being a wrist brace, LOL. I know... Kinda ditzy there. I found out that I had cysts in my brain and lungs thru the mail. I didn't find out because they told me. I get meds all the time that I don't know what it is for. I have to think "What did I go and talk to the doc about?" (But I absolutely LOVE my doc. so if I got some meds, there is a good reason why I did.) COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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SGT (Join to see) You always have the best posts and they put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing and thanks for putting humor into your responses. LOL!
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LTC Stephen F.
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Edited >1 y ago
I am very thankful my VA primary care doctor fulfills this function for me COL Mikel J. Burroughs. She coordinates with my cardiology, gastroenterology, spinal care, physical therapy, ophthalmology, etc. doctors. My primary care monitors my overall health including being in touch with my dermatologist who was coordinated by the VA Choice Program for me.
The BVAN you describe may be useful for veterans who do not have a "good" primary care doctor who is the appropriate one to help us manage our care and provide good advice.
If there are qualified doctors in the network that could help veterans who have care within and external to the VA medical system.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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LTC Stephen F. You are one of the very fortunate ones that have a great VA Primary Doctor and there are others out there as well throughout the country. Unfortunately, not all of our veterans are as blessed.
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SCPO David Lockwood
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I've never heard of this Network. Thanks for sharing this.
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