Should we, Veterans, trust our VA-Supplied Medicos?

PFC Edgar Mosier — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:16:31 -0500

I'm learning not to trust civilian VA Clinicians.
Alright, you'll need a touch of backstory...
This year, when I had to recertify for Oxygen Therapy, the Bonsai regulator failed, dumping oxygen, unregulated into my body, before I was subjected to the "ambient air" test, thus meaning that as I exerted myself and before, I was unknowingly hyper-oxygenated.
The technician recorded the numbers, without knowing this.
I found the error latter in the day, when my B-type tanks were lasting about two hours on the three lpm setting.
Once I reported the failure to this learned person, they refused to recert me.
Now, at the date I was given oxygen therapy, I scored low enough (at-rest, ambient air) to be issued a battery-powered unit, much like the Inogen III, per the VA's own policies.
But, this fluff has attempted to deride my understanding that emphysema & COPD don't improve like that.
Even my wife's ChampVA-approved physician backs my understandings of the situation.
So, how well do you trust VA Medicos?

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 8 at 2023 5:26 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:26:45 -0500

I trust most VA providers about as far as I could throw a B52 airframe. If you believe the tests were inaccurate due to equipment failure, have the repair statements for said piece of equipment in hand and request your physician order new tests to be completed. IF the secondary tests reveal similar results, there's probably not much you can do to change their minds.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Feb 8 at 2023 7:45 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:45:04 -0500

I have had 4 different docs certify me for oxygen, when re certifying at va, didn't quite meet the gal's numbers so they took it away.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 9 at 2023 9:50 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:50:30 -0500

I've not had any issues with VA that I didn't have with Civilian Doctors. The biggest difference is the Civilian side can be driven by profit, while the VA has to be concerned about cost. Now I carry a Medicare Advantage Plan still, but I've not had any more hassle out of VA than I did dealing with Insurance Companies.
I have a friend that is Malpractice Lawyer. A half hour conversation with him and you wouldn't trust ANY doctor.
If you think they have gotten your testing wrong, have you seen the Patient Advocate about the issue?