Has the Choice Program gotten better or worse over time?

SPC Diana D. — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:17:28 -0500

When I started using the Choice Program it was horrible. Then after a while it got better and now it is back to horrible. My doctor put in a Secondary Authorization in August to TriWest. When I called TriWest they told me I had to call Care in the Community, well I called them and they told me they had my paperwork but they didn't have the final approval and that they would call me. When I didn't hear from them I called them back. Well at this point they don't have the paperwork and that I would have to call TriWest. When I called TriWest they told me that they had my paperwork for over a month and wondered why I hadn't called earlier and that I would have to get another Secondary Authorization Request from the doctor because the authorization they had had expired already!! When I spoke to TriWest I asked them what was the difference between them and Care in the Community and she said really nothing we do the same thing.
Is it me or does it seem that the VA just added another layer to getting a doctor appointment outside the VA?

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Nov 6 at 2017 9:45 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:45:50 -0500

Google through the Internet and you will see more of the same. Also, check out previous RP trends. Read the establishment of Veteran's Choice. It was in response to complaints about the VA

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Nov 7 at 2017 7:17 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 07:17:28 -0500

Sounds like a barrier to care.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Nov 19 at 2017 11:27 PM

SPC Diana D. — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 23:27:59 -0500

Just a little update here. I found out the real difference between TriWest and Care in the Community. TriWest schedules appointments if the VA can not get to you in 30 days, and keep in mind the 30 days does not apply to TriWest. Care in the Community schedules appointments for things you can't get done at the VA. And just when I thought I had an appointment to get injections in my back, turns out all they scheduled was a follow up appointment to the injections. It took me 20 minutes to explain to the lady that I had to have the injections first before I could schedule a follow up appointment. So as of today I still don't have an appointment to get the injections and this has been going on since August.