I just got a VA Veterans Choice Card. What are main reasons why people WOULDN'T use this?

2016-06-21T11:36:50-04:00

I've been reading the included materials that came with the card. The program sounds pretty good. But is it worth going through all the hoops to be able to use it? Are there risks in using it?

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jun 21 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-06-21T11:40:41-04:00

Probably just making sure you dot all the i's and cross all the t's. You know, standard in-triplicate stuff. Otherwise you get some obscenely huge bill in your mailbox.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 21 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-06-21T11:45:12-04:00

I don't use mine because so far I have been getting excellent medical care at the VA in West Roxbury MA., for surgery at Jamaica Plain MA that was not available at West Roxbury ...However I am not sure about the costs if I use the Veterans Choice Card & need to chat with my Care Provider about it. But hey thanx for bringing up this subject.

Response by PO3 William Garner made Jun 21 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-06-21T11:51:04-04:00

Because it can be a colossal waste of time and money that can be better spent elsewhere. Had personal experience with this. I'd started Acupuncture at the VA when the lone provider quit. Hooked me up with the Choice program. After 5 calls ,lots of misinformation and 3 months I finally got an appointment. There are at least 5 providers within 15 miles of my house and I requested one ( I was told that's how it works) It doesn't work that way.. My appointment was for a 6 hour round trip to another state for a one hour appointment. I called to tell them I wouldn't be keeping that appointment. Then the VA called me and a veteran that works in the VA told me how much the Choice program prevents them from giving us real help . She got me an appointment a week later 8 miles from my house. Because of the way it seems to be set up, it had to go to the Choice Program before the VA could try and find an alternative. it was aggravating just trying to get correct info from the Choice people. Maybe it'll get better or is in other places but I want nothing more to do with it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 21 at 2016 11:57 AM

2016-06-21T11:57:28-04:00

I was instructed to use mine in late spring of last year because the VAMC facility did not have any capability to get me an appointment within the required 60 days CPT Aaron Kletzing.
The process was not very efficient. Hopefully that has gotten better.
At first even after I received the card it took over a week to activate it and get an appointment.
When I went to my appointment, which was weeks after it had been coordinated, I learned that the Choice Program had not sent the required paperwork. The doctors office called and was getting pushback. I asked to talk to VA choice POC and respectfully but forcefully explained the situation to them and they agreed to fax the paperwork. I learned that I was the second VA choice program veteran to visit that clinic. The first one traveled two hours to get there and was so frustrated with the "process" he just paid for his appointment in total.
I expect it has improved; but, make sure the Choice Program has done their part for the doctor's office sake as well as your own.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-06-21T12:08:18-04:00

I still call it "Bad" Choice...it is improving, but still glitches in the system.

You may get to a provider quicker for some things. Say your primary doc orders an MRI and the facility can schedule you in a timely manner, they will then submit it through Choice.
If you are referred to a specialist in the VA, but they cannot schedule you for 31 days. You can then call the number on the card to find your options

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-06-21T12:23:12-04:00

CPT Aaron Kletzing , you should talk with Col Val Finnell, MD.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-06-21T14:04:13-04:00

The only risk I have heard of besides the below comments are that the VA in its usual "lets screw with people" activity's take 3 times as long to pay the bill. So Vets are being sent past due and collections notices because the VA will take up to 6 and 9 months to process the paperwork. My Personal opinion is its intentional just as with PO3 Garner below where they sent them 6 hours away, kind of a "screw you for not taking the crap care we provide at huge expense" Let us know how you fair with an update in a few months.

Response by MSG Timothy Anklam made Jun 21 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-06-21T14:34:21-04:00

No hoops, no risks. If your local VA can't see you within a timely manner (30 days) use the choice. Your VA will have you sign a form to opt-in to the program, the local insurance provider calls to verify available days and coordinates with the facility for an appointment date. Pretty straight forward.

Response by CW2 Shawn Stevenson made Jun 21 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-06-21T15:23:50-04:00

I think it was a mistake to send out those cards. Many people are not aware that it does not work like an insurance card. If the episode of care is not preauthorized by the VA the claim will be denied.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Jul 20 at 2017 1:20 AM

2017-07-20T01:20:21-04:00

Very happy to have mine.