Has anybody been successfully treated through the VA Choice Progam?

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:35:51 -0400

Today, I received a phone call from the VA Medical Center which provides most of my treatment. I had a appointment scheduled for early next month and the doctor is now unavailable with the next available appointment in July. I live roughly 40 miles away from a few VA facilities.
The POC suggested I call VA's Choice Program, after waiting two weeks to allow the system to process the requirement, to coordinate an appointment with a local doctor who would be paid through the VA. Then I need to call the POC back and cancel the July appointment.
Right now I receive all of my medical care free through the VA Medical Center system.
I am curious to see if anybody else has gone through this program and what the results were including out of pocket payments.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Apr 17 at 2015 7:32 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:32:46 -0400

The VA system is broke and needs a complete overhaul top down.
The Choice card is an example of the government wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a do nothing program. they claim as correcting VAs backload problems by issuing out "Choice" cards to make sure veterans are seen in a timely manner.

in order to use my card I have to have prior VA approval.

I have used the VA fee based which sends me to the local hospital for specialized treatment

Response by SPC Bill Smith made Apr 19 at 2015 1:21 PM

SPC Bill Smith — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:21:53 -0400

I called the program and they told me that I live within the 40 mile limit by way of the crows flight. I actually live more than 50 miles from the nearest VA med center. Talk about a load of crap! I have been asking for the right care for over 5 years now and was so happy to see this choice card come along but once I get my hopes squashed! So as far as I'm concerned, until they get their crap figured out, I don't want anything to do with them! I have to go and pay for care out of my own pocket just to get the right care! How fair is that to anyone that put their life on the line. I know that I'm just one person that gets treated like this and it breaks my heart to see those that are much worse then me to get the same treatment!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 28 at 2015 9:50 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:50:01 -0400

Update, VA formal communication process can be demoralizing. On April 23 I received a card informing me that my dermatology appointment was scheduled for May 1 per original schedule. I checked the MyHealtheVet website and the appointment was listed. I figured the doctors schedule was rearranged and I wouldn't need to go through the VA Choice Program. I started making plans to drive to the appointment this Friday, etc. On a hunch, I checked the MyHealtheVet website this morning and learned that my appointment had been cancelled and rescheduled for July IAW my phone conversation 11 days ago.
To put it mildly, I was frustrated at the update process which took weeks to post an appointment [after it had been cancelled] and then cancel it several days later. I am thankful for the VA POC who called me and informed me to wait 10 working days before contacting the VA Choice Program. I now realize that 10 working days is probably the standard administrative lead time between data entry and system ready to accept updates. I don't know what that full lead time will be for me to see a doctor; but, I expect it will be more than 10 days.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 30 at 2015 4:31 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:31:11 -0400

4/30/15 Sit Rep: Per instructions, this afternoon I called the VA Choice Program and was registered into the system. I provided verifying info and then went through the registration process - I was interested that the Choice program had my old address [AKO, MilConnect, VA, etc had already been updated last year. I was told it would take 14 days to get my new card - appointments require VA confirmation.
After confirming that I had appointment well beyond 30 days which justified use of the Choice Program, dermatology was confirmed and I gave a basic description of issues. After selecting a doctor who is in their network and explaining what time of day was best for me, I was told it would take 5 days for the information to be processed. After that I would be called by a Choice Program rep to coordinate an appointment.
I am hopeful that this process will provide quality care, copies of my records, and prescriptions through the VAMC network - my usual source.
Sgt Richard Buckner, PO2 William Allen Crowder, SPC Bill Smith, SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 19 at 2015 6:09 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:09:36 -0400

5/19/15 Sit Rep: This afternoon I called the VA Choice Program and learned that today [20 days after it was submitted by VA Choice Program to VA] the VA Choice Program had received approval for my case to go forward to schedule an appointment. I hoped I could do it then. I was told that an inter office email would be sent to whomever was required to schedule an appointment. I was told that if I did not hear from them within a week to call back.
Good news is that I did receive the promised temporary VA Choice Program card within the 14 days.
I hope I will be able to schedule an appointment within the next couple of weeks.
Sgt Richard Buckner, PO2 William Allen Crowder, SPC Bill Smith, SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 27 at 2015 2:31 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 27 May 2015 14:31:46 -0400

05-27-2015 Sit Rep. Today I called the VA Choice Program and now have a my first scheduled dermatology appointment next Wednesday June 3. It has taken since April 30 for the VA Choice Program process to fully engage for me. I was told that I am authorized up to six appointments and that biopsy and results are included in covered services. The contracted doctors interact with VA Choice Program not with the VA Medical services side. Therefore I will need to coordinate with the dermatologist to get copies of the diagnosis, biopsy results, etc over to the VA. I plan on testing the MyHealtheVet system to add the Dermatologist to the network for sharing information to my VA doctors. I plan on updating this question thread with the results of my system tests as they occur.
Sgt Richard Buckner, PO2 William Allen Crowder, SPC Bill Smith, SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 3 at 2015 9:24 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:24:23 -0400

06-03-2015 Sit Rep. Today I went to the dermatology appointment approved by VA and coordinated by the VA Choice Program. When I checked in I learned that my paperwork had not been sent over yet -despite being approved weeks ago. The Dr office called VA Choice and I spoke with the VA Choice Program POC and made sure they understood I expected them to meet the requirement - they gave a phone approval. I learned that another vet came 1 month earlier and had to pay the full cost because VA Choice did not approve it.
My appointment went well, I got prescriptions for a year for my dermatology meds. I also got another appointment for a whole body exam - expect includes burning off problem areas, biopsy if necessary.
The Doctors office is required to send my diagnosis results, etc to VA Choice program. I provided the fax number to my VA primary care physician so that she has copies of the doctors results.
Sgt Richard Buckner, PO2 William Allen Crowder, SPC Bill Smith, SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 11 at 2015 3:29 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:29:19 -0400

Yesterday morning I went to my 2nd dermatology appointment arranged through the VA Choice Program. The dermatology doctor and staff are pleasant and professional. Today I had about 10 areas of Actinic Keratosis frozen on my legs and neck and then a suspected basal cell carcinoma shaved off with a biopsy taken from my upper left arm. Over the years I have probably had 50 Actinic Keratosis areas frozen off me. The stinging pain is a refreshing change from the drudgery of my more constant back and post-herpetic neuralgia pains. The biopsy results are expected back within 2 weeks. I am tired but thankful. I prayed for wisdom and eyes to see for the doctor and am confident that God answered yes in this case.
On my second appointment, the in-processing worked very well. Hopefully this is positive sign that the VA.
[2015-06-13 edit - Updated 6 to 10 frozen areas based on casual count] Sgt Richard Buckner, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Rick Ash, PO2 William Allen Crowder,

Response by AN Ron Wright made Jan 9 at 2025 10:09 AM

AN Ron Wright — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:09:37 -0500

I was assigned the choice program. Did t have to ask for it. Get my DR at the local hospital Has been a great advantage to me. Just make sure you have approval or referrals as needed
I do not need approvals for blood tests, X-ray, mri. Only when referred to a specialist

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Jan 9 at 2025 1:20 PM

SFC Jo Ann Klawitter — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 13:20:34 -0500

I was told I was not qualified

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Jan 9 at 2025 6:05 PM

SSG Gordon Holmes — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:05:32 -0500

Was able to get chiropractic care outside of the VA. Closer to me than driving the the VA facility.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Feb 18 at 2025 11:01 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:01:34 -0500

When the CHOICE program first started I had to get farmed out. We did not have a competent specialists at my facility. Things went well except that scheduling kept refusing it. Come to find out that nobody informed them of the CHOICE program. That's the VA. Once they got on board, I had no other problems with the CHOICE consults. I live near a VA & used to work there. The problem has been lack of specialists. When I put under claims under the PACT act, I was sent to outside specialists for my claims. I was given ratings in 2 weeks.

Response by SSgt Gerald Morris made Feb 19 at 2025 3:50 AM

SSgt Gerald Morris — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:50:22 -0500

I live literally a block from my local VA clinic. I have always been treated with respect and in a timely fashion.
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I have needed to go to the local hospital for emergency care a number of times ( I am a Cancer patient ) and with one phone call, it was approved 100 % no cost to me.
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The VA has it's issues, I will give you that, however, without exception since my involvement with VA medical care, I only see ONE.
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My only issue is Dental Care . .. I just can't wrap my head around how a person can ELECT to get a Gender Transition and be approved for a cost of $ MILLIONS $ of dollars over their lifetime, and I can't get Dental Care !!!!!!
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SEMPER FI BROTHERS

Response by SP5 Kenneth Roland made Feb 20 at 2025 10:35 AM

SP5 Kenneth Roland — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:35:38 -0500

SP5 Kenneth Roland
1 m
I have received excellent care through the Veterans Community Care program. I seldom have to go more than 70 miles to the VA out patient clinic, and community dermatology. Cardiology is only 15 miles away for office visits. Your PCP or your teams nurse need only make the referral to the community doctor's office. Their staff can then get approval through Tri-West for your care. I never get billed for any of these visits.

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Feb 23 at 2025 9:43 AM

SFC Jo Ann Klawitter — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 09:43:29 -0500

No. They told me I didn’t qualify

Response by SPC Kenneth Schaub made Mar 20 at 2025 1:51 PM

SPC Kenneth Schaub — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:51:32 -0400

Many times, for macular degeneration, COPD, dental work etc etc. I’ve always received the best of care

Response by 1stLt David Meyers made Mar 21 at 2025 8:36 AM

1stLt David Meyers — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 08:36:51 -0400

Oh yes, nicely.
Fortunately, too!
David/USMC

Response by Cpl Van Blakeman made Mar 21 at 2025 6:39 PM

Cpl Van Blakeman — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:39:15 -0400

The VA system in New England is excellent!

Response by SFC Ronald Miller made Mar 22 at 2025 10:05 PM

SFC Ronald Miller — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:05:53 -0400

Live in Florida and have used the program several times without a problem?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2025 8:49 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:49:00 -0400

I was offered the choice program for my upcoming cataract surgery but chose not to use it. I have been using VA services (here's a hint: if you happen to live near a large city which has a seasonal population, try seeking if they have more available capacity off season ... works for me!) I had a cataract consult in November '24 and the surgeon said she could do the removal in February '25. But, I don't live in that area during winter. So she offered to set me up with a civilian nearer to my home to see if I could be worked in before leaving the area for the season. However, I've had great experiences with several departments at this VAMC and made the choice to wait until returning in April '25.

Response by A1C Robert Underwood made Mar 25 at 2025 10:47 AM

A1C Robert Underwood — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:47:40 -0400

I have been treated by the choice program four or five times. When the VA wait time is over 30 days, they will get a doctor from outside the VA at no cost or copay. My wait time was about a week before I got an appointment.

Response by SFC Jo Ann Klawitter made Jun 14 at 2025 9:26 PM

SFC Jo Ann Klawitter — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 21:26:34 -0400

When the choice program first started, I try to get involved in that and I was denied because of the way the crow flies is what they told me from Tammy Baldwin
Rules must’ve changed I work very hard to try to get in that program again and succeeded because I live over an hour away from the VA clinic
My first Provider got burnt out after a couple years and left. Now I just was notified. that my current provider is moving away and I like this one

Response by Sgt Michael Baselice made Aug 18 at 2025 1:50 PM

Sgt Michael Baselice — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:50:42 -0400

There are no Out of Pocket payments. It is the same as going to your regular VA doctors without the delays and headaches of the VA facilities. I have used it for multiple DR appointments with great success across the board.

Response by CPL Nicholas Lotze made Aug 19 at 2025 9:17 AM

CPL Nicholas Lotze — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:17:57 -0400

Why is this 10-year-old post come back to haunt us to push to privatization of the VA even further?

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made Aug 21 at 2025 5:50 PM

FN Steve Heglmeier — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:50:17 -0400

Yes, once I moved out to the country after my heart attack and subsequent CABG surgery at the Dallas VA they started referring me for community care. My urologist has a system that is integrated with the VA so I don't have to fill out a small phone book when I go for my visits.
My eye Dr treated me like a cash register. First I had to fill out a DFW phone book sized information packet, like I remember what surgery I had in the 60's. But then they said, "this machine does a better job of examining you eyes and you won't need to have them dilated, it will be $75 extra", I said no, then they diagnosed me with dry eye syndrome and said they had eye drops that would fix it for just $25 extra, again they said the VA won't pay for it. I said no, sent my Dr the information and she sent me some that has worked great.

So with the CC system you may run into bad actors such as this situation.

I think it's Collum group in Texarkana that is excellent. They can tap into all of my records as well as order my drugs from the VA. But two of the drugs they tried to order me were not in the VA formulary. One wasa generic which I was able to get from Mark Cuban cost plus drugs. With a 90 day supply at $9.50 plus shipping, it cost me the same as a 90 day supply from the VA $15 is ny copay for generic 90 day supply. $8 for a one month supply, $11 for a name brand drug. My sister is on the same drug as I am and her copay is $90 for this drug, so I can't be unhappy with $11

Response by CMSgt Keith Hennek made Aug 21 at 2025 6:15 PM

CMSgt Keith Hennek — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:15:52 -0400

LTC Stephen, I've used Community Care through the VA for at least 6 years, most recently for two back operations, a kidney stone removal, chiropractic care, Urology to monitor for kidney stones, pain management for lower back pain in which I received an epideral to relieve the pain (this was between my two back operations), anual dental check-ups. Initially I was approved to have 6 crowns replaced. And now I have an upcoming colonoscopy through Community Care. All of these appointments were 100% paid for by the VA. As long as you have a copy of the VA Authorization letter you should be good to go. This letter is usually sent to the Dr of your choice as well. All you need to do is call Community Care to let them know what date you have the appointment. I've also had to go to the emergency room on three or four differant occasions and the only requirement if you do that is to call the community care 72-hour hotline to report that you went to the emergency room, the date and time, and the reason for the visit. If you tell the emergency room the VA will cover the bill, they will bill the VA. If you have any issues with them not paying, call the community care and ask for a VA Authorization number for that visit and provide that number to the billing agency and they'll take care of it. The Community Care system is a great service to veterans, as you are able to get care more quickly in a lot of cases than if you wait for a VA specialist. If you have any questions or if I can be of further assitance, feel free to e-mail me at [login to see] . Sincerely Keith Hennek, retired CMSgt USAF

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Aug 22 at 2025 6:56 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:56:39 -0400

I Hurd about it it has come from Washington DC I got a call from the VA about the same thing not sure if it’s a good thing or not.