As a physician (sort of working in the VA system), guidance has come down essentially to call the patients and inform them that if they are feeling well or have no urgent medical issues to offer them a follow up appt in 2 or more months but we are not outright cancelling in most cases. In my clinic, I am also asking if they do not want to come in, do you have any concerns that could be handled over the phone so that you do not have to expose yourself. I would recommend not going in if you are doing well and it is for routine follow up. That said, if you do have questions or issues, please just inform the secretary/caller that you have one or two questions for the physician and that if you could get a call back that would be helpful. This would be things like a medication refills, test results, etc.
Additionally, if you have heart/lung/active immunocompromising conditions, really be careful exposing yourself to hospitals for obvious reasons.
Please take this virus seriously. It is a unique virus that as of now is quite unpredictable given our minimal exposure history. Let me know if you have any questions.
That’s great. The VA by and large has dedicated doctors and nurses who really do care for their patients. Most of the problems you hear about in the VA are due the bureaucracy and the unions but I do believe that you can get good or great care at most VAs. I wish you the best in your recovery.
As a Veteran I appreciate this post. Need to get on the horn and call them tomorrow. Got my yearly check up on my aneurysm in 2 weeks down in Gainesville.
My dad worked for the VA for 40 years and I volunteered at the VA hospital when I was in college. Thank you for your service in helping veterans get the care they need. We all salute you.
I've got to get my husband's set up. I have a phone appointment with caregiver services tomorrow, I really hope they can get the ball rolling. I appreciate this post! I didn't realize tele appts were a possibility.
Is there something we can do to get some deliveries locally. I’m healthy and already paid my China flu tax. I can go out and get some stuff. I’m in the pnw and I’ll do my part.
We’ve been stocked up for months. Spent the last two weeks stocking vets and elderly peeps. Some might not get through, but I’m doing all I can. PPE and wiping down products from the store with wipes. Ensure, eggs, whole milk, hamburger chubs, and bread seem to be most in demand. One neighbor is an 80 yo vet who lost a leg and is blind from diabetes. Another is Korean war vet with copd.
Exercise is also important in open spaces ( short walks). Stay safe and step up.
The VA has been wonderful to me since I left the military last year. 13ish years in. The system in place now is better than it's ever been, and it'll only get better. Waits are also not long.
Thank you so much for posting this. My mother would still be waiting by the phone for a return call. One video chat later she is at the VA ER. Hopefully she recovers and wasn't infected. Currently has a rough cough and fever.
How about a sticky where any senior citizen pede can post their location, and need (pharmacy/grocery drop off), to connect with younger volunteers in their location ? We can work together like Americans always have. Keep America Great.
Yes, just a way for people to get in touch with others in their area with private message, email, facebook, etc. Folks will still have to make their own decisions. There will always be scammers, but I think overall we have a good group here.
Excellent post Pede - good job.
As a veteran I appreciate this post. Fortunately, I'm squared away on this. KAG
Same sentiment here! We are all in this together.
I would suspect all non critical will be cancelled. My VA just put up a huge triage tent. I'm staying the heck away if at all possible.
As a physician (sort of working in the VA system), guidance has come down essentially to call the patients and inform them that if they are feeling well or have no urgent medical issues to offer them a follow up appt in 2 or more months but we are not outright cancelling in most cases. In my clinic, I am also asking if they do not want to come in, do you have any concerns that could be handled over the phone so that you do not have to expose yourself. I would recommend not going in if you are doing well and it is for routine follow up. That said, if you do have questions or issues, please just inform the secretary/caller that you have one or two questions for the physician and that if you could get a call back that would be helpful. This would be things like a medication refills, test results, etc. Additionally, if you have heart/lung/active immunocompromising conditions, really be careful exposing yourself to hospitals for obvious reasons. Please take this virus seriously. It is a unique virus that as of now is quite unpredictable given our minimal exposure history. Let me know if you have any questions.
That’s great. The VA by and large has dedicated doctors and nurses who really do care for their patients. Most of the problems you hear about in the VA are due the bureaucracy and the unions but I do believe that you can get good or great care at most VAs. I wish you the best in your recovery.
Thank you for what you do!!
You are awesome pede...
As a Veteran I appreciate this post. Need to get on the horn and call them tomorrow. Got my yearly check up on my aneurysm in 2 weeks down in Gainesville.
Doing God's work.
We have the best people, don't we folks? :)
Thank you. Will pass this along to some vets I know, most of them over 60.
GOD BLESS THE USA!
We have the best veterans. Absolutely the best. Terrific veterans folks, believe ME.
Thanks for doing this. My husband is a vet with a laundry list of medical issues he's living with chronically. I'll share this with him.
My dad worked for the VA for 40 years and I volunteered at the VA hospital when I was in college. Thank you for your service in helping veterans get the care they need. We all salute you.
I've got to get my husband's set up. I have a phone appointment with caregiver services tomorrow, I really hope they can get the ball rolling. I appreciate this post! I didn't realize tele appts were a possibility.
Is there something we can do to get some deliveries locally. I’m healthy and already paid my China flu tax. I can go out and get some stuff. I’m in the pnw and I’ll do my part.
Thank you so much. I just sent this info to my brother and husband. May be back begging for help!
I really appreciate your offer ... you're awesome!
You are doing God's work.
You rock Pede!
I love this site. Way to be useful you sexy pede.
Literally free pass to heaven for you pede
You're an angel! Thank you for helping our Vets. <3
Well done, Pede. Well done.
👌
We’ve been stocked up for months. Spent the last two weeks stocking vets and elderly peeps. Some might not get through, but I’m doing all I can. PPE and wiping down products from the store with wipes. Ensure, eggs, whole milk, hamburger chubs, and bread seem to be most in demand. One neighbor is an 80 yo vet who lost a leg and is blind from diabetes. Another is Korean war vet with copd.
Exercise is also important in open spaces ( short walks). Stay safe and step up.
Nice job man! Wonder if they are temporarily allowing controlled substances to be called in.
<3 Great Post! Thank you so much <3
Great work, Pede
The VA has been wonderful to me since I left the military last year. 13ish years in. The system in place now is better than it's ever been, and it'll only get better. Waits are also not long.
Good work 🖒
This is an amazing idea...
Thanks for helping. And obviously don't give out private information folks.
Bless you sir.
Thank you, pede!!
You're a good pede, Charlie Brown!
Thank you so much for posting this. My mother would still be waiting by the phone for a return call. One video chat later she is at the VA ER. Hopefully she recovers and wasn't infected. Currently has a rough cough and fever.
maybe they will contact with my friend. She's one of the on-call nurses and works out of the Denver VA
Are there apps we can register docs with in other countries too? To provide healthcare remotely to their own populations?
I didnt know about this, thank you for spreading the word
How about a sticky where any senior citizen pede can post their location, and need (pharmacy/grocery drop off), to connect with younger volunteers in their location ? We can work together like Americans always have. Keep America Great.
Yes, just a way for people to get in touch with others in their area with private message, email, facebook, etc. Folks will still have to make their own decisions. There will always be scammers, but I think overall we have a good group here.