John Drake

Review of Phoenix VA Healthcare System

I am a 100 percent disabled veteran from Vietnam a...

I am a 100 percent disabled veteran from Vietnam and have severe pulmonary condition and I am on strong medications that have to be monitored closely because of danger to kidneys and liver. Have been managed and cared for wonderfully by a Pulmonary Specialist in my home state. Unfortunately, had to move to Arizona (ironically for my lung condition). When seen by my new primary care doctor in Surprise VA Clinic, I asked to have a referral to a Pulmonary Specialist in Phoenix. I was told to come back in 3 months and she would then consider a referral. I now have acute pneumonia and the doctor in Surprise prescribed an anti-biotic by phone but will not see me nor refer me to the Pulmonary Specialist. Although I was suppose to be covered 100 percent by the VA related to my service, I now had to buy private insurance to be seen by a medical doctor on the outside. Waiting 3 months to be seen is appalling and refusing medical treatment is beyond words; I would have been dead. Is this what national healthcare will look like; just postponing until the older folks die?