VA Medical Care, Research & Development

[SuperScout]

Thanks for posting that great news about how the Clinton administration achieved the termination of discrimination against female veterans!! After all the groping, fondling, harassing, raping, predation he did, he owes them something.

And you're still missing the point, which is not surprising. Had the equivalent amount of tax dollars been applied the private sector for medical and other research, doubtless the same or probably even better results would have been achieved. The salary cap issue is another socialistic mechanism designed to insure that mediocrity prevails. Naturally, the VA has to impose a salary cap, simply because the system doesn't reward good doctors who provide good care. It would probably surprise and revolt most people to discover just how many VA physicians and other staff work there simply because they are too incompetent to be employed in the private sector.

[Gimpy]

Originally posted by SuperScout

And you're still missing the point. Had the equivalent amount of tax dollars been applied the private sector for medical and other research, doubtless the same or probably even better results would have been achieved. The salary cap issue is another socialistic mechanism designed to insure that mediocrity prevails. Naturally, the VA has to impose a salary cap, simply because the system doesn't reward good doctors who provide good care. It would probably surprise and revolt most people to discover just how many VA physicians and other staff work there simply because they are too incompetent to be employed in the private sector.

No.......................I'm NOT "missing" anything my old friend. You ain't even CLOSE to the "point"!

More "tax dollars" HAVE been applied in your "holy grail" of the "private sector"................just check those facts with the AMA if you don't understand what I'm attempting to further your "education" with.

The "salary caps" for physican salarys are somewhat disturbing and need upgrading for sure. However, they ARE NOT a "socialistic mechanism" as you put it. Many private companies and professional organizations use the same "methods" of determining salary requirements for their own particular industry "standards"!They are arrived at by economic conditions in the community and associated localities physician "specialties" in medical practice and what the "market" will bear. The PROBLEM is....................that the Congress has FAILED to adequately FUND the VA system to properly advance those "caps" to accomodate todays market values for salarys! Is that PLAIN & SIMPLE enough for ya to comprehend now??

As for their physicians being to "incompetent to be employed in the private sector."

Once again...............your "arrogance" is only more obvious than your "ignorance" on this subject as well!

The VA manages the largest medical education and health professions training program in the United States. VA facilities are affiliated with 107 medical schools, 55 dental schools and more than 1,200 other schools across the country. Each year, about 81,000 health professionals are trained in VA medical centers.

More than half of the physicians practicing in the United States have had part of their professional education in the VA health care system. The doctors on staff at VA hospitals and clinics as a group are considered some of the best in the world according to the AMA.

More than 4.5 million people received care in the VA health care facilities in 2002 and even more in 2003. The VA is used annually by approximately 75 percent of all disabled and low-income veterans . In 2002, the VA treated 564,700 patients in VA hospitals and contract hospitals, 50,267 in nursing homes and 22,541 in domiciliaries. The VA's outpatient clinics registered approximately 46.5 million visits.

VA has experienced unprecedented growth in the medical system workload over the past few years. The number of patients treated increased by over 9.5 percent from 2001 to 2002 and is expected to show even further increases in 2003.

Since 1979, VA?s Readjustment Counseling Service has operated Vet Centers, which provide psychological counseling for war-related trauma, community outreach, case management and referral activities, plus supportive social services to veterans and family members. There are 206 Vet Centers in this country.

Since the first Vet Center opened, approximately 1.6 million veterans have been helped. Every year, the Vet Centers serve over 126,000 veterans and handle at least 900,000 visits from veterans and family members.

Vet Centers are open to any veteran who served in the military in a combat theater during wartime or anywhere during a period of armed hostilities. Vet Centers also provide trauma counseling to veterans who were sexually assaulted or harassed while on active duty.

There are currently 19,380 full-time equivalent employee (FTEE) staff, contract, and resident physicians employed or on contract at the VA.

In 2002, funding for VA research was $371 million. Another $377 million from VA's medical care account supports research efforts. Funding from the National Institutes of Health and other foundations, combined with supporting funds from pharmaceutical companies, contributed another $624 million to VA research. VA currently conducts more than 15,000 research projects at 115 VA medical centers.

While providing high quality health care to the nation's veterans, VA also conducts an array of research on some of the most difficult challenges facing medical science today. VA has become a world leader in such research areas as aging, women?s health, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. VA research has improved medical care for veterans and the nation.

Seventy-five percent of VA researchers are practicing physicians. Because of their dual roles, VA research often immediately benefits patients. Functional electrical stimulation, a technology using controlled electrical currents to activate paralyzed muscles, is being developed at VA clinical facilities and laboratories throughout the country. Through this technology, paraplegic patients have been able to grasp objects, stand, and even walk short distances.

Special VA ?centers of excellence? throughout the nation conduct research in rehabilitation, health services and medical conditions including AIDS, alcoholism, schizophrenia, stroke and Parkinson?s disease. Multi-center clinical trials investigate the best therapy for various diseases. Current projects include testing aspirin therapy for heart patients, surgical treatment to reduce the risk of stroke and treatment options for prostate cancer.

I could go on and on.....................but, I'm sure you "get the picture".

Like I said before, we have a WORLD CLASS and WORLD RENOWNED health care system in the VA ............the evidence supports all of this. The "private sector" would take DECADES..not just "years" to achieve what the VA has accomplished with regards to veterans care.........AND at at a MUCH HIGHER cost to "taxpayers" than the system we have now!

Now, like I've been telling you............would you PLEASE try and convince your republican buddies to FULLY FUND this system?

Me and a few million other disabled vets and their families would sure as heck appreciate it.

Thanks,

[Gimpy]

It would have only taken less than 1/10th of 1% of the last "tax cut" by Bush & company to fully fund the VA programs mentioned above.

Or, better yet, less than 2% of the $87 billion sent over to Irag???????

Makes no sense, huh??? Or, then again, maybe it does to you? :cd:

[Arrow]

Gimpy,

While I agreewith what you say in regard to the VA and researchI beg to differ with your conclusion that we have a world class system. It may be true in your region but it is not true in all regions of the country.

And if it is true in GA now they have come a long way baby becausetheydidn't give a damn inAugusta in 1967.

Fast forward to this past year when the Milwaukee VA ignored my brothers shortness of breath. What the hellthe cancer is in the bone and is going to take him anyway so how much difference does it make if he breathes a little easier. He's only has five by passes thatare twelve years old so what could be the problem?

Long story short he had to go outside the world class system to get some help and did get it. Oh I forgot to mention the cancer that is in the bone is there because the world class system forgot to inform him of a high count on his PSA and by the time he found out when he went to a civilian doctor for a broken back the cancer had gone into the bone.

And that is just a little overview of some of what I've seen take place in our world class VA system. If I start talking about all the Vets I have seen in chemical restraint for no good reason I'll be breaking all the rules of good behavior on the site.

I realize that what I'm saying does not apply to every region or every VA but that broad brush of a world class system just does not apply brother. I have lived to long and seen to much to be convinced of that.

To bad you didn't get to talk to Frank about how they treated him in Bama when he was concerned about hep C.Until we all sit down and get cross referenced with eachothers experiencethe disparity of treatment in different regions will remain.

By the way just so you know my Republican representatives have heard this rant or one similar to it more than once. It's all I got brother. Words that have been said over and over every which way but loose until I'm sick of hearing them myself. Sis

[Dragon Lady]

Nice Post Sis.

You make the point well. I may not be reading the signs so well, but it appears to me that the VA's located in high retiree areas, Florida, Arizona, California...seem to be better staffed and funded along with the one near DC.

I would think this is due to the fact that the politicians really count on those votes and since there is a higher concentration of Vets...their's is the loudest voice heard.
Unfortunately that is not the case in NY. I've worked as a volunteer at our local VA. I know first hand how understaffed they are and how their budget is always getting cut. Here in Albany NY the VA hospital is staffed by volunteers at a rate of 75%. That means that only 25% are professionally trained personel. There are 4 wings off the main building and it rises up about 12 floors. That is a whole lot of building for that small percentage of professionals to cover. And if you need anything like an MRI they have to send you to a civilian hospital because they don't even have one on site. Simple things like PT are outsourced as well.

Gimpy I don't doubt that there have been some great advances in care over the years. But from what I have witnessed, if this is advancement, then I truly feel sorry for those who were subject to care at the VA even 20 years ago.

And I have yet to see any women patients at our local VA. I have a feeling that if I ever walked in there they would fall apart and not know what to do with me. I'll keep my PPO plan from work thank you.

DL

[Gimpy]

My Dear Dragon Lady,

I don't know where you're located at in New York. But, I've taken the liberty to gather information for you to see if there is a location near you that offers the medical sevices you may need to accomodate womens health care.

The Albany VA Medical Center: Samuel S. Stratton, offers a Women Veterans Health Program that addresses a variety of health care needs specific to women veterans.

A Women's Healthcare Center, with a dedicated mammography unit, exists offering comprehensive medical services to female veterans is located at the Brooklyn Campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System.

The Castle Point Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System in Castle Point , NY has a Women's Health Center and Sexual Trauma Counseling Center.

As does the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System located in Montrose, NY.

In addition to the womems health care centers located at these VA hospitals, the following clinics have Womens Vet Centers at their facilities as well in New York.

Babylon Vet Center
116 West Main Street
Babylon, NY 11702
Tel. (516) 661-3930
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Heather Nardone-Pionski, MSW

Brooklyn Vet Center
25 Chapel Street
Suite 604
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel. (718) 330-2825
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Lisa Mullins, MSW

Bronx Vet Center
226 E. Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10458
Tel. (718) 367-3500

Harlem Vet Center
55 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
Tel. (212) 426-2200
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Marie Ramos-Cortright, MSW

Jersey City Vet Center
115 Christopher Columbus Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Tel. (973) 645-2038

Manhattan Vet Center
120 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Tel. (212) 944-2917
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Sue Keown, MSW

Newark Vet Center
157 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Tel. (973) 645-5954
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Jane Harris, PhD
Tel. (973) 645-5954

Queens Vet Center
75-10B 91st Street
Woodhaven, NY 11421
Tel. (718) 296-2871
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Phyllis Krauser, MSW

Staten Island Vet Center
150 Richmond Terrace
2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10301
Entrance and Parking on Styvesant Place
Tel. (718) 816-4499
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Lisa Mullins, MSW


Trenton Vet Center
171 Jersey Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
Tel. (609) 989-2260


White Plains Vet Center
300 Hamilton Avenue, Apartment 3A
White Plains, NY 10601
Tel. (914) 682-6250
Sexual Trauma Counselor
Kathy McNamee, PhD
Tel. (914) 682-6250


I hope this may provide you with some viable choices to investigate your individual medical care needs and requirements.

Regards,

[Gimpy]

Originally posted by little sparrow Gimpy,

While I agreewith what you say in regard to the VA and researchI beg to differ with your conclusion that we have a world class system. It may be true in your region but it is not true in all regions of the country.

####
It's OK to disagree Lil Sis. I have no problem with that. However, the overwheming evidence to support my claims is evident in the majority of locations around the country. True, there are cases, and will probably always will be where there are "regions" or "individual" locations of inconsistent, incompetent treatment and bureaucratic bungling that need correcting. But, this is NOT the preponderant quantitative rule. These locations are in the minority..........not the majority.

If the GAO and Congressional"oversights" committees findings were properly acted upon and FULLY FUNDED by the Whitehouse & Congress...........these examples of your past frustrations and bad experiences would be even further reduced.

####
And if it is true in GA now they have come a long way baby becausetheydidn't give a damn inAugusta in 1967.

####
Yes they have. the "Augusta, VA is considered one of the best in the nation now.
####
Fast forward to this past year when the Milwaukee VA ignored my brothers shortness of breath. What the hellthe cancer is in the bone and is going to take him anyway so how much difference does it make if he breathes a little easier. He's only has five by passes thatare twelve years old so what could be the problem?

Long story short he had to go outside the world class system to get some help and did get it. Oh I forgot to mention the cancer that is in the bone is there because the world class system forgot to inform him of a high count on his PSA and by the time he found out when he went to a civilian doctor for a broken back the cancer had gone into the bone.

####

I'm sorry he had to go through all this. I sincerely mean that. But, the sarcasm you exhibit towards me to use my statements about "world class system" in the paragraph above implies the intent, and shows a clear attempt to ridicule and inflict bitterness towards me that I feel is unwarranted. I am simply reporting what the American Medical Association and the American Association of Psychiatry have publically stated. If my using this term "World Class" has offended you in any way, that was not my intent.
####

And that is just a little overview of some of what I've seen take place in our world class VA system. If I start talking about all the Vets I have seen in chemical restraint for no good reason I'll be breaking all the rules of good behavior on the site.
#####

Your frustration is obvious and well documented. As is mine.

####


I realize that what I'm saying does not apply to every region or every VA but that broad brush of a world class system just does not apply brother. I have lived to long and seen to much to be convinced of that.

To bad you didn't get to talk to Frank about how they treated him in Bama when he was concerned about hep C.Until we all sit down and get cross referenced with eachothers experiencethe disparity of treatment in different regions will remain.
####

Why should you "assume" I DIDN"T talk to Frank about how he was treated in Bama about his concern regarding Hep. C......or any other problems he was having??? We talked many, many times on various subjects about the VA health care system. And he WAS just as damn angry as I am about the current "brand" of support (or LACK of it) we are experiencing from this Administration and Congress!

I also "have lived to long and seen to much" in the VA health care system (since 1969) to use a "broad brush" to eludicate the complete picture or history of improvments in these past three decades. BUT................WORLD CLASS is the title I would use THESE days............especially compared to THEN..and also according to MOST of the physicians in this country...PRIVATE & PUBLIC!


By the way just so you know my Republican representatives have heard this rant or one similar to it more than once. It's all I got brother. Words that have been said over and over every which way but loose until I'm sick of hearing them myself. Sis
#####

Nope, sorry, but that ain't "all you got"! And anyway........it appears your "Representatives" AIN'T LISTENING!

You've got your V-O-T-E in November that CAN change all this crap. IF............IF............you'll USE it the way it will help?

I love ya Little Sis...............but "fussin" at me won't get the job done either.

[Arrow]

I'm sorry he had to go through all this. I sincerely mean that. But, the sarcasm you exhibit towards me to use my statements about "world class system" in the paragraph above implies the intent, and shows a clear attempt to ridicule and inflict bitterness towards me that I feel is unwarranted. I am simply reporting what the American Medical Association and the American Association of Psychiatry have publically stated. If my using this term "World Class" has offended you in any way, that was not my intent.

Gimpy,

Your read me all wrong Gimpy. Yes I am angry and do not consider the VA you speak of as a World Class Organization and all I was doing was directing my anger at that phrase and the AMA and the American Association of Psychiatry. I have just as much right to call BS on them as you have to believe them.

You're right I did assume you didn't talk to Frank about his hurt and his anger in regard to how he was treated at the VA. That assumption came because you failed to mention the thousands of Veterans thatget piss poor treatment including Frank.

Yes Frank was mad and one of the last conversations we had we both agreed that it's "Tommy this and Tommy that and kick him out the brute. But it's savior of his country when the guns begin to shoot."

He was a friend to both of us Gimpy. I still have his number keyed into my phones because I can't bear the thought he is gone from this world. He told me many times that he and I weren't walkin' on the same path but he also told me he had my slack.And he lived up to that statement more than one time.

He wouldn't like this conversation we are havin' so I'm going to end it and wish you nothing but the best in this world, peace on your path, and good health so that you may enjoy life until the end of your days on this planet.

Arrow>>>>>>

[Dragon Lady]

Gimpy,
The first on your list is the same one I spoke of earlier...Albany, NY Stratton Medical Center.

Even though they list this service as being available, they really don't have the facilities to uphold that offering. They have yet to come up with the funds just to create a private females only area of the hospital. Sorry fellas as much as I love ya, Im not gonna share a room with you.

Aint gonna happen, wouldnt be prudent...to quote the prior Bush.

I know you have had some very good experiences with your VA and I will continue to hope and pray that they keep meeting your personal needs.

I just know that this is not the case in Upstate NY....just ask Seatjerker about his history with this hospital. He will be more than happy to tell you all about it.

I do thank you for thinking enough of me to research this info and send it on. That was very thoughtful. I hope you have a good day today.

DL

[Gimpy]

I miss Frank also. I considered him a true friend and total advocate for the things it appears we BOTH want to see accomplished for all veterans and their families. I think of him fondly and often.

From the "tone" of your response, I don't think I was wrong about your motive(s) for using the "term" of "World Class" when describing the VA health care system. It was MY post you seemed to be so abhorently incensed at.............NOT the AMA nor the AAP, sorry...........that's the way it read to me!

Frank WAS apparently right about that "path" we walk not being the "same"!

Until we CAN "walk that same path"............NOTHING WILL CHANGE.

Sooooooooo, I'll just wish you nothing but the best in this world, peace on your path, and good health so that you may enjoy life until the end of your days on this planet also.

But, I STILL "got your 6"!