How many people have lost faith in or no longer care for the health care that active duty military receives?

SSG James Elmore — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:27:24 -0400

I have not, my current PCM is awesome, very helpful, truly listens and explains things so that people can understand.
This is just a general question because it seems to me a lot of people have....

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Apr 1 at 2016 2:37 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:37:19 -0400

The AMEDD is an outstanding organization that has problems like any other. There are some systemic issues such as unions to deal with, plus the quality of the personnel can leave much to be desired. Overall though, you will receive a quality product through the MEDCENs and MEDDACs. Answering the associated surveys will go a long way to improvement as well.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 1 at 2016 3:06 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 15:06:28 -0400

It depends on time, circumstance, location, and resources for whatever you're having to deal with. The "only can be treated at" cases do tend to create SM family stress issues especially when there is an better outside solution 5 miles from the house. But that should be a rare occurrence. I always found it amazing how good the direct care can be and all the medical brains are eliminated when they are assigned to medical boards where it's easy to diagnose with a 3000 mile screwdriver. That's where I usually heard the local docs pondering WTH are they thinking back there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 3:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 15:12:40 -0400

So I get this a lot. It's almost a expect measure for our health care system to just be abysmal. I can tell you from being a patient of and a provider of our health care that it is the best in the world. Literally the top in the word with greatest advances.

Hell.... Think about it. Your an active duty service member you get to use and abuse a health care treatment facility if you so choose. ER visits for upset stomachs mild coughs... It's absolutely outrageous. I was once moving out a PT room to get more blood during a severe bleed out in the ER. It was 1 of 3 bleed outs going on. I got stopped (literally stopped) by a CWO4 to bitch an moan about how long it was taking for him to be seen (for an issue as serious as the sniffles) After a choice of tactless words he left without being seen, filed an ICE complaint on me/ER, and was also kind enough to inform my command leaving out the important details.

Nothing came of that but unfortunately the attitude, lack of patience, he probably went to bitch and cry to five ears how bad our health care system is, who in turn do the same

Biggest problem for people complaining I run into as a employee of a hospital is that SMs forget to check their ego and rank at the door. When they walk into a MTF you're a human, a patient, and your triaged. Thing about triage is it doesn't recognize rank.

After that it's honesty people not being able to disassociate us (army med) from the VA... Who do have serious problems. And see our organizations as one of the same.

Anyway.. That's just how I see it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 7:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 19:46:15 -0400

People have been "losing faith" with military health care since I was on active duty (1960-1975) They have also been "losing faith" with civilian care a most hospitals.

However, as one who has worked in a suppodt capacity (maintenance and housekeeping) for hospitals, nursing homes I can honestly say most people are served well.

As for me I was using the military facility for my healthcare since moving near a base. I left because I am now further than before. The only problem I had was revolving primary care drs. The care itself was excellent and I have significant health problems.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 11:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 11:40:52 -0400

So, about a year ago, I went to the TMC. With some serious pain. I explained the symptoms to the doc, and the length I been struggling with it. Basically I was told to drink water and change my socks. I went home, dealt with the pain some more for about a week. Went to the ER, and the wait was so long, that both times I made the attempt to be seen I ended up going home in pain and frustrated after 5 hours plus of waiting and no sign of being seen. Finally one night the pain was so intense I couldn't take it anymore. I went to the ER and after waiting again (less the 5 hours this time) when the actual Doctor actually see me she informed me I needed emergency surgery time now. Because the problem had been going so long, now they could save my organ, and the stuff was spreading... I explained to the doctor my ordeal... She said they should have caugh it from the get go... Now, that most deff make anyone lose hope in the system... Honestly I am afraid to get sick and get "take ibuprofen, drink water, change your socks" and end up really sick...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 11:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 11:43:27 -0400

Oh yeah, or like the time I took my 12 year old daughter to the ER for pain, and they said it was menstrual cramps, but it was actually and appendicitis that requires emergency surgery as well...

Response by SGT Frances Richardson made May 3 at 2016 10:49 AM

SGT Frances Richardson — Tue, 03 May 2016 10:49:40 -0400

It's worthless and not even worth the effort. My last three units have all had medics and physically, I'd rather get medical advice from my chiweenie.