The VA is Better Than Most Healthcare Options
In the past I have railed against the VA. Where the Veterans Administration (VA) has a lot of work to do, it is still better than most healthcare options. I work with a lot of veterans who struggle with the VA system. When asked about their experience with other healthcare systems, most veterans had not utilized the broken medical system in the United States and have nothing to compare it to. Struggling with the VA is not new for most veterans, but in my experience, it is still better than the alternative in many instances. I am not sure if you tried to get into your regular doctor lately, but it has been a nightmare for both veterans and civilians. The one thing the VA is good at and has been working on for years is the use of technology in healthcare. Technology is difficult for some of us who are older. The lack of shifting to tele health is problematic for civilian doctors, many did not invest in HIPPA compliant technology, leaving them scrambling to provide the needed services. I even know a lot of mental health professionals who have refused to shift to an online platform. This is detrimental to everyone.
The Choice program, aka, the Community Care Program started by President Obama has been a huge asset for veterans and the community at large. The VA's budget continually increases and has been increasing since the Obama administration. The Trump administration has been following suit to keep the VA well-funded to ensure we are taking care of like we were promised. Where the VA differs from civilian healthcare options is the VA has invested its money in technology. Unlike civilian medical systems the VA is not required to turn a profit. That is why we did not see any issues for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) surrounding the VA during the pandemic. It was the civilian hospitals funded by insurance companies and private owners that suffered the most. I have multiple clients who have outside insurance and the VA, when they need medical attention, they choose the VA in just about every instance.
One of the biggest issues I hear from veterans is how many young doctors the VA has working for them. If you look at it in a positive perspective new doctors have new ideas. They can utilize new technology effectively making the VA system more efficient than their civilian counterparts. The VA has been utilizing telehealth for years and their forward-looking stance is now paying off during this pandemic. Throughout history the military and veterans have been used as Guinea pigs when it comes to medical issues, and telehealth is one of the advancements. In my opinion the VA is on the cutting edge of medical innovations with younger doctors and telehealth.
When dealing with other healthcare systems you can see the differences. Other healthcare systems only answer to one group, their shareholders. That is why there was a shortage of equipment such as respirators and PPE. It appears the VA had a stockpile of equipment and PPE because they were willing to spend the money where private healthcare systems had a limited stock of needed equipment. It appears the for-profit healthcare systems and doctors’ offices did not want to spend the money for something that just sit there. They did not care about our needs; they gave the money needed to have necessary equipment on hand to their shareholders.
If you question a veteran about the VA healthcare system most talk positive about their treatment. The same might not be the same for normal hospital. If you want to see what Socialized medicine looks like, just look at the VA. This pandemic might be showing the weakness of the civilian healthcare system, and NO I do not work for the VA, I am just trying to be realistic.
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