Deaf Panel?

20 May 2014 | NonValueAdded

[NonValueAdded]

Here is a classic example showing just how dysfunctional is the Veterans Administration system of healthcare. My dad is a WWII veteran in his early nineties. This is the story of his latest encounter with the VA healthcare system.

He brought his broken hearing aid to the VA clinic for repair. This he had done two times before. It is a 10 minute repair. So let's guess at the response he received when presenting the broken unit for repair. Was it:

A) Sure, have a seat in the waiting room, the tech is a little backed up but we can get you out of here within the hour.

B) We'll need to keep the unit over night but you can pick it up tomorrow.

C) Hmmm, this is your third repair ... let's get you scheduled for a replacement fitting. Can you be here at 2 PM tomorrow?

D) We'll have it fixed in 5 weeks.

Remember, this is the VA we're talking about. Yep, the "deaf panel" has spoken and it is a 5 week wait for a 10 minute repair. Nope, now that you ask, the dude right over there can't do the 10 minute fix for you. "So what am I supposed to do, say 'what?' for 5 weeks?" asks Dad. A shoulder shrug is the response.

Now remember, this is a 90-something veteran and the clock is winding down. 5 weeks is not an insignificant length of time. But you dare not talk quality of life with the bureaucracy lest that other panel Sarah metioned take note and decide that further "investment" is not warranted.

The thing is ... this is an archetypical example of the best the gubermint can do. It is socialized medicine operating at its peak level. It is EXACTLY what we predict will become of Obamacare. It is the inevitable outcome. It is the slow-moving train heading for the populace of these United States stuck on the grade crossing.

[NonValueAdded]

There was a FReeper who responded to an earlier post of mine, taking issue with my bashing of the VA. I'll search for that post and ping him or her over to this thread, now that I have a perfect example.

I am sure most of the people working within the system are skilled and dedicated folk, doing the best they can. Dad thinks the repair tech falls into that category.

I am also sure there is a good percentage of them who are the dregs of their profession, finding home in one of the two systems that will tolerate their ineptitude: union or government employment. Dad would surely place "Mr. 5 Weeks" in this category.

But maybe it isn't the fault of that gatekeeper. Maybe the products dispensed by the VA are what we'd expect from the lowest bidder. Maybe the tech is overwhelmed with repair work and there are 5 weeks worth of veterans running around Florida saying "what?" who are in the line ahead of Dad.

Either way, it is a broken system and Nancy Pelosi and her ilk have deemed it "just what the doctor ordered' for the rest of us.

[Celtic Conservative]

What?

CC

[NonValueAdded]

grin. You mean his complaint is falling on deaf ears?

[Servant of the Cross]

When your VA (or HMO) is run like the DMV, you’re SOL.

[NonValueAdded]

re your response to me on the Veterans Affairs officials purged 1.5 million unfinished medical orders thread.

I am glad you are receiving excellent care through the VA system. Your experience should be the rule and not the exception. But I wasn't being fashionable as I am now able to demonstrate to you with this thread.

You can populate a bureaucratic system with the best people there are but the system will still be a boat anchor to progress, certainly in its present state. I wish you well with your treatment and hope you continue to experience the same level of care.

[NonValueAdded]

Make that last "experience the best level of care."

[Gay State Conservative]

But let us rejoice in the fact that Osama Obama,who served bravely and selflessly in the streets of NYC and Cambridge,will never be denied *anything* and will never have to wait for *2 minutes* to get it.

[PGalt]

Now remember, this is a 90-something veteran and the clock is winding down. 5 weeks is not an insignificant length of time. But you dare not talk quality of life with the bureaucracy lest that other panel Sarah metioned take note and decide that further "investment" is not warranted.

A 90-something veteran has outlived his usefulness long ago for totalitarian depopulation bureaucrats who are taking over.

Thanks to youcare, and thanks to your dad.

[Chewbarkah]

I haven’t posted this before, but for anyone who thinks VA care is dandy:

Over the past year, my sister-in law, an Army vet, developed symptoms similar to MS, first in her legs, then her arms, then her torso. MS has varying manifestations, but this progressed at a rapid and terrifying pace, much faster than most cases. Her father had a history of tumors on his spine. She finally got an appointment with a VA neurologist; a friend had to drive her the 60 or so miles each way. The VA’s Chinese neurologist was barely able to communicate in English, but conveyed that his own wife had MS, and my S-I-L likely did too. She should come back IN A YEAR, at which time he would order an MRI and make a definite diagnosis. This to a woman who was nearly paralyzed.

Soon thereafter, family paid for a real neurologist and MRI. Results: a massive 8” long tumor was crushing her spinal cord/brain stem. After an emergency trip to a real hospital, A+ neurosurgeons removed it successfully, relieving 95% of her symptoms, with hope for full recovery. They said if she had arrived even hours later, she would have died. Does the VA know or care? You bet...

I am sure “budget constraints” will be an excuse for VA performance. Obama squandered billions on ObamaCare websites and PR to give health insurance to dead beats. But veterans can come back in a year, after they are dead veterans.