Forum Discussion

Dog_Trainer's avatar
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015

VA Facility while snowbirding

I am 100% Disabled American Vet. I get all my health care from the VA. While at home that works well. I also get all my meds from VA. We snowbird for 3 months in Central Florida about 20 miles from Gainesville. I know that while on the road I can go to an emergency clinic and be covered. What I am looking at is if I can be seen by the VA. facility in Gainesville. Can my records be available to that VA facility for a short period of time. I do have some issues that could require me to go and see a doctor while at our winter destination. I would rather not have to go through the VA emergency room. So I am asking other 100% DAV folks what experiences you may have.
Snowbirds
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2015
    Dog Trainer wrote:
    I am 100% Disabled American Vet. I get all my health care from the VA. While at home that works well. I also get all my meds from VA. We snowbird for 3 months in Central Florida about 20 miles from Gainesville. I know that while on the road I can go to an emergency clinic and be covered. What I am looking at is if I can be seen by the VA. facility in Gainesville. Can my records be available to that VA facility for a short period of time. I do have some issues that could require me to go and see a doctor while at our winter destination. I would rather not have to go through the VA emergency room. So I am asking other 100% DAV folks what experiences you may have.


    I would call both your local VA and the one in Gainesville and ask the question.
  • Bowti's avatar
    Bowti
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2015
    The VA has been good about advancing my prescriptions to last the time I am snowbirding. I have also walked into a VA facility on two different occasions and have been treated on the spot. Just make sure you have your VA I.D. card with you.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Nov 30, 2015
    Do a temporary change of primary care address to Gainesville.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2015
    I worked for the VA FOR 30 ears. Your records are at the Gainesville VA as the VA has electronic medical record. While it may take a few hours to get the x-rays themselves the reports are available immediately as are all doctors records, lab results etc.

    After all my time working at the VA my best tip is for you to go to a VA affiliated with a teaching hospital. The teaching hospitals program sort of force the MD's at the VA to stay on their toes and up to date in their practices.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 30, 2015
    GO to the VA Hospital in Gainesville and ask for 'Eligibility Office'
    Show them your VA Medical Card and get entered into their system for care.

    Then you can go to 'sick call' any time you need treatment.
    All records/treatments/doctor notes etc are via computer


    Do not change address.......you will just confuse and cause problems. Leave your primary care where it is.
  • Dog_Trainer's avatar
    Dog_Trainer
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2015
    darsben wrote:
    I worked for the VA FOR 30 ears. Your records are at the Gainesville VA as the VA has electronic medical record. While it may take a few hours to get the x-rays themselves the reports are available immediately as are all doctors records, lab results etc.

    After all my time working at the VA my best tip is for you to go to a VA affiliated with a teaching hospital. The teaching hospitals program sort of force the MD's at the VA to stay on their toes and up to date in their practices.

    Thank you for the advise. I am seen at the VA hospital in detroit which has the affiliation with the detroit medical center. I also am seen by their eye clinic which is staffed by Kresge eye institute Drs. I am very well satisfied by the care that I receive. I think this is the kind of facility that you were referring to. I would like to be able to get my insulin on a monthly basis from Gainsville it is only a short drive from were we stay.

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