Not breaking. News released yesterday. 57k is the number they gave nationwide, not in TN.
It was breaking news on this mornings TV news. I could not get the Fox 13 link to go up, but it was not as detailed as this article.
That sounds more reasonable. I go to the clinic in Knoxville. I signed up IIRC about 4 years ago so I could get Audiology services. IIRC there was a several month delay getting to see the primary doctor first for the needed referral. It took considerably longer to get to see the audiologist. That said I am on about the lowest priority level because I am not service disabled, wounded, etc. and I have my own primary care doctor I see regularly. I use VA for services I need Medicare/Tenncare does not cover like hearing aids, glasses, and corrective insoles.
Several things I did notice. The clinic in Knoxville is a large clinic located across from Target in west Knoxville. The parking lot has been full each time meaning they are likely seeing patients at capacity. The doctors, nurses, specialist etc have all been caring & professional once they saw me & then got things moving ASAP.
The Audiology Dept is in far upper corner of the old downtown west shopping center a few blocks away. To get repairs it is walk in first come first serve. To get adjustments etc. it takes an appointment you can make directly with the department after your initial visit. They too seem to be running at capacity. I've been to the repair clinic several times same waiting room as ones seeing the Audiologist and they too always seem to be at capacity.
One thing they could do to help ease waits is to contract places like UT Audiology clinic in Neyland Stadium to take patients. They are good also. A little hard to find because the clinic is inside the stadium itself.
Mountain Home {Johnson City} is the next closest facility and where some specialist are located. That's a considerable drive for some. But it is also the VA HQ for this region. Knoxville clinic is actually a satellite facility from Mountain Home. If you call for an appointment chances are Mountain Home schedules your Knoxville appointment.