Why does medical and dental seem slow or hesitant?

SSG Michael Hathaway — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:55:56 -0400

I am reluctant to post my experience on here due to so many potential eyes that can see it. But overall, I'm wondering why it is taking a year and a half to get a front tooth replaced that was broken in the field. And then having two screenings for knee pain being told to deal with it or get MEB. Is this seriously how its done? Not that I have seen for most other soldiers.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 4:59 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:59:47 -0400

Maybe things are changing, but my experience was - and still is - that I get medical care relatively quickly at the MTF on Fort Meade (Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center). And when I need a referral (even as a retiree), I get one to Bethesda or to a civilian doctor.

My dental experience is dated, as I retired in January 2006. That's probably too old to be relevant, but I had similar experiences with dental throughout my career. It wasn't immediate, but I got an appointment relatively quickly when I needed dental care. One bug-a-boo was that they were death on "cosmetic procedures." I wouldn't think a broken tooth, broken on duty, would be cosmetic.

Seems to me that you are getting a run-around, SSG Michael Hathaway.