I just used an urgent care center. I had to call the VA nurse advice line first, explain my condition to her and she made the recommendation for urgent care. She then gave me the phone number to see if a "civilian" urgent care would be covered. I am 100% P&T, so I was covered. When I took the scripts I was given into the pharmacy the VA nurse told me to, I had to pay for them. This video seems misleading.
You can NOT get urgent care from Billings VA! You have to go through community care. If you walk into the Billings VA without an appointment, you will be waiting for hours before you can be seen by a doctor. All vets with appointments are seen first and if you’re lucky they will squeeze you in somewhere in between appointments. So, no you can Not get urgent care at the VA clinic!
The one designated local "in network" urgent care facility in my county was a terrible experience. I first called the VA with my symptoms and was assured that it would be covered. At the facility they were not even competent to verify that they still had a relationship with the VA and refused to see me without my credit card information. The only competent person was the nurse that I eventually saw for a few moments. They took blood and urine samples, but clearly that was only to enhance billing, because immediately afterward without having processed anything they advised me to go to the local hospital ER. I don't intend to return to either.
I agree sir. I posted a negative experience, but acknowledge that the system is getting better. Also that they continue to strive to improve our experience and have some wonderful people. VACC in particular.
Every time I have went to ine these places, all they want to do is send me to a hospital because they dont have the equipment or care to help. But they so fast sending the bills for doing nothing.
Every pharmacy I have been to that are supposed to be in the community care network REQUIRE full payment from me and do not know how to bill the V.A. for prescriptions issued by urgent cares…
It would be AMAZZZING IF Biloxi MS VA actualy ANSWERED THE PHONE TO MAKE AN APPT.....I gave up trying3 years ago. The ER there is great..(veteran employees). Also, i live that I have NO INCIME yet im being chsrged for a inhaler all the while ILLEGALS ARE BEING SEEN FREE, ETC ETC ETC....
“Skin infections, eww, don’t come near me” “muscle strain, yeah I’ll deal with that” stigmatizing seeking care for medical conditions causes people to avoid seeking care and is harmful. Very unprofessional and not funny at all.
