SFC Terry Murphy 1318689 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Does anyone that uses Tricare also use the VA for medical treatment? If so, is there a upside or downside to using the VA for medical care over using Tricare and private doctors? 2016-02-21T10:35:30-05:00 SFC Terry Murphy 1318689

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Does anyone that uses Tricare also use the VA for medical treatment? If so, is there a upside or downside to using the VA for medical care over using Tricare and private doctors?

2016-02-21T10:35:30-05:00 2016-02-21T10:35:30-05:00 CAPT Kevin B. 1318771

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If the VA has a service that is better tailored to your need, then it's worth it. They see a bunch of amputation and other cases that military bring in vs. the general population. They charge Tricare for the service. I know a few Tricare types that also use VA because there's no Copay and are closer vs. a military hospital.

2016-02-21T11:17:26-05:00 2016-02-21T11:17:26-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1319066

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The upside is that the government picks up the tab. The downside is that absolutely nothing you say to anyone inside the VA is confidential. Private doctors most likely require insurance as payment or they'll take a kidney or your first born child. You are not paying for care when you see a private doctor, the care is relatively the same at the VA. You are paying for confidentiality. The government and the American taxpayer lay claim to you as a veteran even after you leave service.<br /><br />This is just my feeling on the subject.

2016-02-21T13:38:09-05:00 2016-02-21T13:38:09-05:00 SGT Christopher Premore 1319365

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would say the easier part it getting drugs from the VA since tricare sucks now and will only allow 2 refills at a local pharmacy before charging full retail price.

2016-02-21T15:51:46-05:00 2016-02-21T15:51:46-05:00 MAJ Raúl Rovira 1319479

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It will depend on what you need, cost, time and value to you.

2016-02-21T16:45:33-05:00 2016-02-21T16:45:33-05:00 MSgt John McGowan 1320703

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am retired and have never applied for any VA benefits. Most people when they retire goes back to work and a large amount of them have insurance with the company they work with. For most people the VA isn't cutting it. While it's true Tricare now appears to raise drug prices every few months it still a pretty good deal. Also the VA charges my son-in-laws insurance company for each visit. It's a decision one has to make depending on their situation. Plus the priority of a service member with no disability is pretty low.

2016-02-22T09:16:27-05:00 2016-02-22T09:16:27-05:00 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member 1322176

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have used each to my financial and health benefit by working both towards the middle.

2016-02-22T17:58:16-05:00 2016-02-22T17:58:16-05:00 SGT(P) Jessica Brennan 1323155

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It depends on your location of your VA, how good the doctors are inside of the VA, if you need specialty doctors or not etc. With Tricare there is a copay with each visit minus yearly check ups and you also have to pay out of pocket for your prescriptions, there's the difference between standard and prime etc. I have recently started to use my Tricare doctors more than the VA due to issues with the current VA I'm at, and their waiting list to see my specialty doctors. Both have their negative and positives to them. For the most part my experience with the VA that I'm located by, has been positive minus a hiccup here and there.

2016-02-23T05:25:27-05:00 2016-02-23T05:25:27-05:00 CPT Tom Monahan 1323218

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I only use the local outpatient clinic for primary care. Having a service connected disability of 40%, it supposedly gives me a higher preference for nursing home care. Also, I take a former schedule 4 now schedule 2 med and actually found it easier to get through a VA Doc and pharmacy. Lastly, their record keeping is great.

2016-02-23T06:33:23-05:00 2016-02-23T06:33:23-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 1323379

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One thing that was mentioned in the Transition Assistance Program class is that going with the VA keeps your records up to date for potential rating changes later on. They won't have to import records to change your rating.

2016-02-23T08:15:12-05:00 2016-02-23T08:15:12-05:00 SGM Robin Johnson 1323459

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think it might depend on your location, and access to care. How close are you to a military base so your TRICARE would be a blend of military care (so your copays would be lower - you can enroll in a clinic there or get all your labs, radiology, testing, etc. done on base even if you don't see doctors there, and may be able to see some specialty docs there instead of going off-base, if call central appointments and tell them you have a referral from a TRICARE civilian primary care physician for a certain specialty and ask if there is availability)? How backlogged is your VA (how easy is it to get an appointment to be seen for routine, urgent, or specialty care)? I am retired and have VA disability but was using just my TRICARE, because there are so many Vets here without TRICARE or ability to pay copays that I would rather leave the limited availability in our VA to them. But I just ran into an old mentor and she (also retired with a VA disability, but she is able to still work as well) told me she uses the VA and just goes to her primary care manager annually to get her maintenance med prescriptions renewed then gets her meds at the VA - where they are FREE. Yeah, HUGE savings if you are like me and on 15 medications. So I'm going to do that now.

2016-02-23T08:42:20-05:00 2016-02-23T08:42:20-05:00 SFC Donald Dosch 1323476

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Terry, I am a retired SFC and VA employee. I use the VA all the time because it is obviously close so that is convenient. I have only used Tricare once since retiring three years ago and that was because I needed to be seen quickly and the VA usually has a fairly long wait time. The VA does have a program called the Veterans Choice Program that allows you to see a non VA provider if you live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or your VA appt. is more than 30 days out but, and this is a ginormous but, this program is deeply flawed due to the contractor the VA hired to run the program. My advise would be to stay away from it unless it is your last resort. I only recommend it to veterans who don't have other insurance. Bottom line is Tricare works great. My wife uses it all the time. If your in Tricare Prime it's $12.00 per episode of care and if your on Tricare Standard it's 20% of the bill I believe. Hope that helps. Be well.

2016-02-23T08:48:44-05:00 2016-02-23T08:48:44-05:00 MSgt Arthur Sanchez 1323492

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use both, I use the VA mainly for routine checkups or specific things that they may specialize in. On the other hand, I use tricare for second opinions and areas that I would consider critical and life threatening. The VA sometime doesn't have the best option. The upside to using the VA is it is free, especially if you are a disabled vet. This may not be so if you are not disabled and you will likely be asked to provide an income statement and be charged a copay. With Tricare, it's just like a regular medical insurance policy only more bureaucratic, (not surprising). You can choose between Tricare Standard or Tricare Prime. In Tricare Standard you need to pay the annual copay of $150 to $300 based on your family size and you have a structure of what is covered which is normally 75% depending on if the doctor is part of the network. To cover the remaining 25% some people will have a supplement insurance which will also have a deductible. In this case, the veteran could use the VA to minimize the costs from the payouts in Tricare or supplemental insurance. That is what I do. My wife is not a Vet so she has only Tricare and a Tricare supplement. On the other hand, the Tricare Prime option which may be better if you live close to military medical facilities. I understand it is very inexpensive, however there are some downsides. The Tricare Prime option costs 277.92/individual $555.84/family per year with minimal co-payments. The downside to that is that you need to get anything that is non-routine approved by a Tricare coordinator. Either the VA or Tricare is exempt from the National health care requirements or tax.<br /><br />When you turn 65, medicare will help pick up the deference not covered by Tricare. If you are receiving Social Security Benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in TRICARE for Life. However, you must remain enrolled in Medicare Part B to stay eligible for TRICARE for Life. To avoid penalties, you must sign up for Medicare Part A and B during the open enrollment period, which begins three months prior to your 65th birthday and extends for four months afterward, for a total of seven months.<br />If you are enrolled in TRICARE for Life and Medicare, Medicare pays first, followed by TRICARE for Life. If you are also enrolled in a workplace plan or other health care plan, the private plan pays first, up to the plan limits. Then Medicare pays. TRICARE for Life is again last in line, to pick up what’s left, up to the limits of plan eligibility.

2016-02-23T08:54:20-05:00 2016-02-23T08:54:20-05:00 SFC Donald Dosch 1323503

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Terry, I am a retired SFC and current VA employee. I use the VA for most of my medical needs since I am already hear and it's convenient for me. However the wait times are usually pretty long. I did use Tricare recently for the first time since I retired 3 years ago and it worked great. You have to choose a primary care provider when you enroll so all you have to do is schedule with them directly and they bill Tricare. If you're in Tricare Prime it's $12.00 per episode of care and you pay a monthly premium. I think it's in the 70-80 $ range. Not sure though. If you are in Tricare Standard no monthly premium but you pay 20% of every bill. Not good if their is ever a major illness. The VA does have a program called The Veterans Choice Program for Veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA or have to wait more than 30 days for an apt or if you need to see a specialist that the VA does not have but, to put it lightly this program is deeply flawed. I recommend it only for Veterans who have no other health insurance. Believe me it is my job in the VA to deal with it. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

2016-02-23T08:57:20-05:00 2016-02-23T08:57:20-05:00 SFC Luis Rodriguez 1323562

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>ARE KITTING OR YOU NOT RETIRED

2016-02-23T09:10:20-05:00 2016-02-23T09:10:20-05:00 PO1 Orlando Rivera 1323586

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm retired and I find the VA here on dallas a big joke, constantly changing appointments always over 2 hrs late when you do have one, and they treat you like they are doing you a favor. I use my tricare doctor more because she knows how the VA is here. Even she has said lots of vets go to her more over VA. Oh and I work for the VA in St.Petersburg FL and it was way better service

2016-02-23T09:17:32-05:00 2016-02-23T09:17:32-05:00 LTC James Bozeman 1323725

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use both - it really depends on where you are and what support you have in the form of disabilities. I am both a disabled Retiree and a Family Member. I routinely used TRICARE in Hawaii and Alaska - because those were flagship facilities. Whereas the VA hospital in NYC has some of the best doctors as they have training programs that use NYU and Bellevue doctors and staff (a sharing agreement) - so you are literally seeing a Physician with superb credentials. My recommendation is to see the quality of doctor you are getting through either resource and pick the best. Remember the VA has also instituted CHOICE so you may even get an upgrade to a private physician.

2016-02-23T09:47:49-05:00 2016-02-23T09:47:49-05:00 PFC Claude Cooper 1323730

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Transition councilors recommended me have both when i was transitioning out the military, i get care from the VA for my military related issues and anything else is taken care of by Tricare, which is not a bad deal comparing to health care coverage offered by civilian sector.

2016-02-23T09:48:37-05:00 2016-02-23T09:48:37-05:00 CSM Patrick Durr 1323928

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't consider it Up or Down. I use both...I pay Tricare Prime (cheap $42 every other month) so that I and my family have continuity of care with the military medical facility we were accustomed to and I use VA for glasses and my last two dental appointments. My future Dental is through my wives work insurance. Just personal preference. It's really all about your local VA facilities, they've come a long way in the last few years. Check them out.

2016-02-23T10:30:21-05:00 2016-02-23T10:30:21-05:00 MSgt James Compton 1324044

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>he Commander-in-Chief Obama, ALL Sentors, Representatives and the Veterans Administration have Willfully and Knowingly allowed Veterans to die for years from lack of PROMPT medical care... REMEMBER, they were aware of the VA problems for years... I hope the FBI is looking into filing murder charges against them with the EMPHASIS on INDIFFERENCE to Human life... Abraham Lincoln would be ashamed of our Government's disgraceful treatment of Veterans... God Bless our Veterans and America...

2016-02-23T11:00:53-05:00 2016-02-23T11:00:53-05:00 SSG Ray Cherry 1324197

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It really depends on a multitude of factors. One of them being income. Despite the "free healthcare" mantra advertised by the VA, it really isn't. Unless you're dirt-poor or have a high disability rating. I received a 10% disability rating and tried using the VA for my medical care for a few years, but found that I was paying more in co-pays for diagnostic testing and prescriptions than going through my civilian doctor, pharmacy and insurance (I don't have Tri-Care as I am a retired reservist under 60). <br /><br />Now that said, I did receive decent service from my local VA clinic, except that if I was sick and needed immediate care, I had to go to the VA hospital across the river in Kentucky (I live in Indiana) to the Emergency Room, which seems counterproductive because having a sinus infection is pretty much going to get you seen last there as they prioritize and re-prioritize as each patient comes in.

2016-02-23T11:35:26-05:00 2016-02-23T11:35:26-05:00 SGT William Shelton 1324261

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use the va for somethings but I mainly use my tricare as its faster and easier 99% of the time to see a doctor. The va is mainly a headache, I had knee surgery 2 years ago and the va just started my post op therapy

2016-02-23T11:46:33-05:00 2016-02-23T11:46:33-05:00 SGT G Raymond Raulerson 1324342

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have a very unique perspective on this one! Having worked in side the Department of Veterans Affairs as a National Service Officer for a National Veterans Service Organization (VSO) at both the Regional Office Level and Board of Veterans Appeals Office Level I have found that there are some very good doctors, nurses and health care professionals at the VA Medical centers and some very inadequate (and I hate to use the term doctor here but I shall) doctors and others as well working for the VA. quite a few doctors as well as other health care workers go to work for the VA because 1) they do not need to be licensed or board certified in the state they are working in to work for the VA and 2) they do not need to carry liability insurance to work for the VA; also, many "doctors" on staff at the VA are foreign trained doctors and have a problem communicating in English (both understanding and talking or explaining), do not under stand the VA rules, do not care to understand the VA rules and, now this is the BIG ONE here, have LESS medical knowledge than the Registered Nurse on staff and yet are granted the privileges of DOCTOR over her because in Burma, Kosovo, Iran (yes Iran), Pakistan, Turkey or what other country they are from they met the level of DOCTOR in that country and because of the agreement for entry into this country and/or hiring arrangement there was they are the superior individual yet they are doing more harm because of less knowledge! The VA must hire ONLY Board certified Doctors and health professionals and demand that those doctors and health professionals maintain a license in the state where they work; hell you must have your air conditioning in your car and home worked on by a state certified and licensed A/C mechanic so why can the VA let you get worked on by a doctor that tis not certified and licensed.....I guess we know where Congress' priorities are.

2016-02-23T12:05:01-05:00 2016-02-23T12:05:01-05:00 CPO Bryan B. 1324563

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I really don't know if you could say there is an upside or a downside. I use Tricare and have a private physician, but because of the way things are trending (ACA, etc.) I figured I better get my foot in the door at the VA just for some CYA. I have found that the VA is super a pain just to set a simple appointment and God forbid if you have to cancel and reschedule. The bureaucracy is insane. I go to a little clinic that is a satellite and the main office is in Gainesville, just getting them to answer the phone is a chore.

2016-02-23T12:49:38-05:00 2016-02-23T12:49:38-05:00 Sgt Diane Nicoloff 1324565

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have service related disability on my knees and I see the VA for this, everything else I see through Tricare. A few years ago, the VA wanted me to do all my medical through the VA, but the problem I ran into was getting appointments, at my VA facility in Oklahoma City it takes weeks and months to get an appointment. With Tricare it can take weeks to get an appointment as well, but if you have an urgent need to be seen they care refer you the same day to an urgent care appointment or emergency room. The other issue I had was medicine, at the VA you pay a copay on all your medicines even at the VA facility. With Tricare if they are filled on base, you do not pay a copay. I have adrenal issues that cause me to be on multiple meds, so it is definitely cheaper to get my meds filled out at Tinker AFB. I cannot remember if I paid a copay at the VA for doctor appointments, I do not think I did, but the medicine copays were costing me like $80.00 a month verses free at TAFB. I remember also being frustrated with the administrative side of things, the people that would be at the front desks to check you in or talk to you on the phone, were not friendly or helpful, my doctors and nurses were professional and friendly, but they are not the ones that make appointments are answer questions about your bills. The other issue I had for me, being seen at Tinker AFB is easier access to the clinic and parking, but that may not be the same for your location. My brother and sister in law on the other hand live in Lincoln, Nebraska and do not have a military base near them and they get all their care through the VA and they love it, the VA facility in Lincoln is top notch. I hope that was helpful for you.

2016-02-23T12:49:47-05:00 2016-02-23T12:49:47-05:00 SSG James B 1324582

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use the VA as much as possible. It can be a longer process, and not every treatment is available, but the service is decent, with few caveats. Where I am, (Boise, ID) the providers are top notch, way ahead of the locals, but they don't have the latest technology or techniques. <br /><br />TRICARE is tricky. Depending on where you are, there may not be providers available, or those that are available are of poor quality. <br />Tricare also doesn't even cover the full bill sometimes for 'covered' treatments. They have a 'standard of treatment' that is lower then what most providers offer. For example, dentists provide only porcelain fillings, while Tricare(or the dental program) only pays for metal. So, metal being cheaper then the porcelain, you get a bill for the difference. This is not mentioned ahead of time, so it was a huge surprise to me. At least with the VA, availability and costs are more straight forward.<br /><br />Bottom line: use both. The VA is excellent for more routine procedures, and good for prescriptions etc. Tricare allows you to hit the local market for alternative or specialty care. The VA prescribed me pain killers, for my knee/back/neck, and showed me the door. After several visits to a Chiropractor, I felt my issue was resolved.

2016-02-23T12:53:58-05:00 2016-02-23T12:53:58-05:00 PO1 Sharon Powell 1324777

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have 50% disability and use the VA most often. The plus is that I don't have a co-pay, however, it does take time to get appointments. For emergencies I find it easier to go to a urgent care clinic.

2016-02-23T13:38:16-05:00 2016-02-23T13:38:16-05:00 MSgt Michael K. 1325124

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Both my wife and I are eligible to use the VA and both are retired Military. That said we use Tricare for all of our healthcare needs. The way we see it is there are a lot of vets that need the VA and since we have heath care that we can afford we chose to leave the benefits there for those that need them. The VA contacts my wife every couple of months wanting her to switch her health care to the VA, seems there is a mandate from congress to increase women's health care in the VA. She is an easy target for them as she has registered.

2016-02-23T15:05:50-05:00 2016-02-23T15:05:50-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1325175

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm retired and over 65 so I go to the VA for my medical issues; however, ir there is not a VA facility in the area one should use TRICARE. The VA in my area is a good facility, just not enough doctors. I've never waited more than 30 days for an appointment.

2016-02-23T15:20:46-05:00 2016-02-23T15:20:46-05:00 A1C Ronald McKenzie 1325225

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm relatively healthy for 73 and have no service connected injuries. I use the VA here in Nebraska for all my care and have no complaints. I get in when I need to and question the doctor if something doesn't seem right. For me, the VA is all it's supposed to be.

2016-02-23T15:29:40-05:00 2016-02-23T15:29:40-05:00 PO1 Ronald Hajny 1325339

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have saved a ton of money using the VA over the years since 89 when I became service connected due to back injury...I was able to complete my 20 in the reserves and get my tri care coverage...I just wish they would discontinue the concurrent receipt, that would be a big help...

2016-02-23T16:01:14-05:00 2016-02-23T16:01:14-05:00 SPC Byron Skinner 1325744

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp4 Byron Skinner. Well SFC Murphy you have a problem. Being an amputee I had no choice but for treatment of my combat and bombay related injuries most Civilian Medical facilities won't treat you. Even something as mundane as removing shrapnel that is coming through the skin civilian doctors won't touch it. At the VA when you can find the right clinic to deal with your problem you will go through the three day surgical jerk off. You most likely will just end up waiting till it gets easier to get at, then take an X-Acto knife and do the deed. Not recommended but that's what it has come to. Yes I have done this to myself and more then once.

2016-02-23T18:07:44-05:00 2016-02-23T18:07:44-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 1325890

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I get my eye glasses and hearing aids from VA. Anything else, I use civilian Dr's under Ticare for life

2016-02-23T18:44:16-05:00 2016-02-23T18:44:16-05:00 CPT Pedro Meza 1326013

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am service connected and have chosen to stick to the VA, but what ever one chooses always make sure that your doctors are fully aware of your conditions and all medications and over the counter meds and vitamins you take.

2016-02-23T19:19:16-05:00 2016-02-23T19:19:16-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 1326017

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm sorry I did't keep some of the "join the army and get free medical for life" brochuers when I was a recruiter in the 70's.

2016-02-23T19:20:33-05:00 2016-02-23T19:20:33-05:00 Cpl Jeff Ruffing 1326166

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My experience is mixed. Private doctors aren't overwhelmed by thousands of patients of various ages and conditions. So a private doctor has less patients. Therefore in my humble opinion, are able to give my personalized care. Less communications break down. Faster response. Diagnosis/ treatment and specialized care happens faster. But, I do receive good care in general, just not as fast as I had received it in the private sector

2016-02-23T20:28:29-05:00 2016-02-23T20:28:29-05:00 SGT Stanley Bass 1326362

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my personal experience, I was medically retired in 2005. Since then al my care, unless I got non VA care, or had to go to a doc int he box for a fever or flu symptoms. Everything has been VA. For me it makes it easier, if the DR asks me if I have seen a DR outside the Va I can say nope all in my VA files and easy for them to get. Plust since I am service connected for all my ailments its much easier for me

2016-02-23T21:33:21-05:00 2016-02-23T21:33:21-05:00 SFC Cameron Cranston 1326593

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my experience the VA's driving principal is delay, delay, delay. Call for a non-critical appointment and it will be a month to six weeks. Call for a critical appointment and you can get the wait time down to a couple of weeks. If I call my civilian PCM I'm in in a day. It's worth the $12 copay.

2016-02-23T22:52:58-05:00 2016-02-23T22:52:58-05:00 CMDCM Gene Treants 1326616

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Since I am not close to a Military Medical Facility I use Tricare for Life and also utilize the VA when needed since I have Disability in both Knees. I use Express Scripts for my Civilian Meds and it is GREAT! No charge for most and low for the ones I have to pay for! MY VA Meds are Expensive by comparison and my primary doctor, civilian outside the VA, has taken over my diabetes care and is wonderful and very responsive.<br /><br />VCA care is good and has been upgraded in the last few years, but you still have to wait to get seen. With my Primary Care Doctor I can be seen the same day or next day at most. Urgent Care is also available if needed.<br /><br />BTW - since turning 62 and medicare kicking in - at $82.00 a month that is an expensive policy! But it works in conjunction WITH Tricare for Life to really cut down on out of pocket expenses.

2016-02-23T23:04:05-05:00 2016-02-23T23:04:05-05:00 SGT Chrystal Swope 1326701

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I only use private doctors. My husband has gone to the VA and instead of trying to help fix his problem they gave him a prescription of vico din which just created more problems. <br />I think there is a conflict of interest using a doctor paid by people who have it in their best interest to deny my claims.

2016-02-23T23:45:46-05:00 2016-02-23T23:45:46-05:00 SCPO Bob Stevens 1326931

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use both. I was medically retired for kidney disease. I have a tricare primary doc that I can call with a problem and be seen that day or the next day. I have a tricare specialist that I see for my kidney disease every 2 months and I used tricare to get on the transplant list. I was seeing the VA primary every 6 months but she recently changed it to once a year since I've been sending her my lab results every 2 months before I go and see the kidney doc. I do have to pay a copay for the tricare docs but even when I have to have a surgery I can usually get that done before I'd even be able to see my primary VA doc to get a speclists consult done. I had no problems with the VA, but it does take longer to see a doc. After I retired and moved to my current location I had a tricare primary, speclists, and had been seen by the transplant center and placed on the kidney transplant list before I was able to have my first appointment with the VA primary doc.

2016-02-24T03:25:23-05:00 2016-02-24T03:25:23-05:00 SSG Donald Mceuen 1327133

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I found the private docs here where i live in south texas did not want to talk about my time<br />in the gulf war. But at the same time had no clue what was wrong with me. At least the va is<br />working on the problems i have.

2016-02-24T07:57:58-05:00 2016-02-24T07:57:58-05:00 CPO Anthony Picciano 1327486

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I use the VA and my Tricare. One is free as I am 90% service connected. Tricare cost a little but only up to 3000usd a year. If you just stay Tricare standard you have the flexibility to receive treatment as you want meaning you do not need a prior authorization. Anyway the VA will fill prescriptions so you will not have the out pocket expense. Use both and get the most out of each service provider. You earned it!

2016-02-24T10:05:39-05:00 2016-02-24T10:05:39-05:00 PO3 John Priest 1327577

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The only thing I can say mainly is "With the VA never have a medical emergency..." They are ok for routine "Maintenance Care" of medical and dental things...Though at the moment I'm also questioning why I'm paying $24 for a 90 day supply bottle of Vitamin D pills I could have off the shelf'd for $5.

2016-02-24T10:33:47-05:00 2016-02-24T10:33:47-05:00 Sgt Mike Clark 1327833

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Two TOTALLY different things, the VA care you have just for having served honorably, the Tri-Care was earned after 20 plus years or medical retirement. As a DAV member and VA patient I also drive Disabled Vets to and from the local VAMC and clinics. For the most part the VA is their medical insurance. Having both VA and Tri-Care gives you a choice. Usually, I have found the VA system has a longer wait for appointments, but Tri-Care has co--pay. So, you just need to weigh urgency of care needed verses expenses if you get treatment locally.

2016-02-24T11:51:49-05:00 2016-02-24T11:51:49-05:00 SFC Tom Brizendine 1329668

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My wife and I use ALL of them, and so far there is no out of pocket expense.

2016-02-24T23:09:03-05:00 2016-02-24T23:09:03-05:00 SSG Mike Angelo 1332975

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I am a client to both VA and Tricare. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. My glasses from the VA came in really quick, less than a week. Private eye doctor on the TriCare list provided the examination and prescription. I turned the prescription in to the VA. My family practioner doctor is not online yet, she is getting there but its a slow process. The VAs computers cannot process MRI and CTT and retinal, cataract CD scans from the outside. I have to do it on my PC or do it at the library for print. VA primarily does service connected disabilities, however eye glasses are for all veterans. I currently have home health care at the house due to a recent hospitalization. This is also a service connection injury that was VA rated. I am in the process for the VA and the medical support on that end, so I wait my turn to get in. Its a process.

2016-02-26T01:45:46-05:00 2016-02-26T01:45:46-05:00 PV2 David Minnicks 1333267

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am going to try to answer your question based off my observation of a large group of Veterans from all branches of the military whose common factor is that they have all been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome which is the most painful disease known to man based on the McGill Pain Index and a disease that there is no known cure for. I am not only a member of several support groups for CRPS I also have been or currently am an administrator or co-administrator for these groups and realizing that there is no single lab or test that can positively identify the disease and most diagnosed have gone years either being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and the disease symptoms being as different at times as the individuals who have it it is probably not going to surprise most that the VA Health care for the most part has not received much positive press in these groups whereas Tricare and private doctors are the preference based on what I have seen. With most having gone a year or longer without receiving a diagnosis or a correct diagnosis the chance of pushing CRPS to remission dramatically reduces and then it is common for opioids to be prescribed to allow the patient some ability to function and to have any quality of life. With the chances of getting timely monthly appointments and for a large number of these folks having to use controlled substances so that they can have any quality of life again the VA Health care has not been favored from my observations. Finally the VA does not recognize this disease and there is not a code for CRPS to my knowledge whereas Servicemembers or Veterans can get a disability rating instead they have to be rated on some of the symptoms of the disease instead of the disease itself with the most common being nerve pain/injury.

2016-02-26T08:45:10-05:00 2016-02-26T08:45:10-05:00 PO1 Jeff Doan 1334734

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have continued to use Tricare for any condition not covered by my VA Disabilities. I recently sought treatment for herniated disc in by back outside of the VA, although it would be covered. My VA Primary Care Doc was hesitant to order even an MRI, let alone order treatment. I am unwilling to wait 6 months or more to be seen by a specialist, so I used the Tricare option. If I didn't have the Tricare option, I would have demanded treatment, using my congressman if necessary!

2016-02-26T16:11:49-05:00 2016-02-26T16:11:49-05:00 PO1 John Meyer, CPC 1336865

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let me give you another unique perspective on this one as I work on the financial side of medicine as a medical biller/coder. I currently work for an orthopedic surgeon.<br /><br />There are upsides and downsides to both insurances from my vantage point.<br /><br />One upside for the VA has to do with medical bills.<br /><br />No medical provider may bill a veteran for any service that has been authorized by the VA, unlike Tricare (co-pays for Tricare Prime and 20% of allowed charge amounts for Tricare Standard). But be careful.... if you're seen by a non-VA facility provider without authorization from the VA, that provider can charge you for 100% of all services provided.<br /><br />Authorizations can be a downside for the VA; patients must have patience.<br /><br />We had several VA patients in 2015 that we had to cancel their joint replacement surgery simply because the VA didn't give us an authorization for surgery in a timely manner. Even getting authorization for something as simple as a MRI is a generally longer process with the VA. It's much easier and faster to get authorizations for medical care from Tricare.<br /><br />Also, keep in mind that you simply can't see just any provider. The VA keeps a list of approved providers who have to be screened by the VA in order to see VA patients, just like my providers had to do. It's like the in-network, out-of-network with Tricare, only there is no out-of-network coverage with the VA.<br /><br />I don't use my VA insurance simply because I don't require all that much medical care, so I leave the appointments that I would take up for those who really need low cost healthcare. That and I don't have the necessary patience for the authorization process in case I would need it. I had Tricare Prime when I retired, but got off that because of the need for authorizations for specialty care.

2016-02-27T18:15:43-05:00 2016-02-27T18:15:43-05:00 SSG Jesse Cheadle 1337908

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1 important side to VA healthcare, documentation is readily available in the event of a rating increase request. Also, regular screening by the VA may be beneficial on the BH side of the house. For instance, you are service connected for your knees. You see them regularly. Through their PTZD and depression screenings the identify you may have PTSD. They will refer you inside the VA for evaluation and if diagnosed then you will recieve a rating increase. True story from my best friend. He went from 20% to 80% being followed by the VA. Also there is secure messenger with all the providers you see. This tool has helped me more than I can tell you. Thats about all I can add.

2016-02-28T10:05:02-05:00 2016-02-28T10:05:02-05:00 CW4 Robert Goldsmith 1342342

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I use both. In particular, I use VA for free, service-connected disability care at a specialty clinic that TriCare charges co-pays for. I use TriCare for the rest of my care so that access to VA Healthcare is more readily available to other veterans who have no other healthcare options.

2016-02-29T22:36:51-05:00 2016-02-29T22:36:51-05:00 2016-02-21T10:35:30-05:00