Why is Bolen Veterans Advocacy Network (BVAN) different?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:15:54 -0400

Why is Bolen Veterans Advocacy Network (BVAN) different?

A couple of questions have come about Kimberly Bolen and Mike Bolen and why they are different in what they do for veterans.

http://www.bolenveteranadvocacynetwork.com

By Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM

Because each veteran is provided with Personalized external Care Management and they do not get lost in the system. I follow the patient from the date I am notified until they return to health or palliative care. Regardless of the illness or injury.

It has been my experience that as soon as the veteran is provided an appointment with the VA, there is no follow up regarding their care. They are given appointments but are provided no rationale for them, they are receiving care that is not needed or may be dangerous for their overall condition.

I review each and every medical record. Obtain second, third and sometimes fourth MD OP if needed. I Provide the VET with their CHOICE of care, within or without the VA. They receive the right care at the right time in their disease process or I torture the doctors until they get in.

When in the VA I follow their care with their MD and internal care manager, if I need to speed up the process, I do.

My patients and their families are educated on self advocacy instead of saying "Yes Sir" to treatment they might not need, to feeling better about asking what treatment they are getting or perhaps I provide the MD with some treatment plan that they have not even thought about.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 9:17 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:17:41 -0400

Where are they located at? I have never heard of them.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 28 at 2015 9:25 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:25:34 -0400

I've never heard of this Network. Thanks for sharing this.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 28 at 2015 9:32 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:32:20 -0400

I am very thankful my VA primary care doctor fulfills this function for me COL Mikel J. Burroughs. She coordinates with my cardiology, gastroenterology, spinal care, physical therapy, ophthalmology, etc. doctors. My primary care monitors my overall health including being in touch with my dermatologist who was coordinated by the VA Choice Program for me.
The BVAN you describe may be useful for veterans who do not have a "good" primary care doctor who is the appropriate one to help us manage our care and provide good advice.
If there are qualified doctors in the network that could help veterans who have care within and external to the VA medical system.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 11:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:17:33 -0400

"It has been my experience that as soon as the veteran is provided an appointment with the VA, there is no follow up regarding their care. They are given appointments but are provided no rationale for them..." Oh Mylanta this is SO true!! I got a brace in the mail and didn't know where it went. Tried it on my ankle because I was complaining about fluid that was building up in my body. Ended up being a wrist brace, LOL. I know... Kinda ditzy there. I found out that I had cysts in my brain and lungs thru the mail. I didn't find out because they told me. I get meds all the time that I don't know what it is for. I have to think "What did I go and talk to the doc about?" (But I absolutely LOVE my doc. so if I got some meds, there is a good reason why I did.) COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Aug 28 at 2015 12:25 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:25:04 -0400

Im not sure I even know what this is. I guess I should do some research.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 30 at 2015 9:48 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 09:48:06 -0400

This is great. I've got a good VA doc myself, but her staff who are supposed to call me with test results and whatnot, not so much! I usually have to go to the VA and say "Hey, I never got those test results, what gives?" One of these days instead of asking for results I'm going to walk into the VA and say "It burns when I pee!" really loud and hopefully that will fix them! :)

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jun 14 at 2016 9:12 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 21:12:51 -0400

Thank you Colonel, I did not even know or recall this post. WOW! Humbled