Is your Medical Care in any way similar

I discovered only a few days ago after attempting to get an appointment for physical rehab that even with the mandatory 1st referral from whatever physician you have, you then have to schedule yourself. To do that I tried calling but found that the person answering is not able to even forward a request without a referral and the dept having read and approving that request. After a week and a half I went to the VA in person but the computer system was down however they promised they would schedule when possible and I left my info for them. I waited a few more days and called but was told that the dept hadn't yet read the initial referral so they couldn't pass my appt request on. I asked for a number to the dept but they said all calls to any dept wind up rerouted back to them? Wondering if anyone else is having similar experiences?FYI; This is the LaJolla VA hospital