Hospital released vet who refused study

I'm retired Navy and use Tricare. I will not use the VA facilities unless I have no other alternative because of just this reason. I have had friends treated by the VA who were nearly killed due to what in the civilian world would be malpractice. This is what nationalized health care will look like if we allow it to happen.

This isn't the first one. There are many, who are told they will participate in the studies. If they do not, the doctors either "commit" them, and they participate anyway or the patient gets turned away without any further treatment. Pretty sad!

Research, publishing papers, recognition is the lifeblood of civilian medicine for many. Unfortunately these "VA" hospitals are primarily civilian physicians looking for a ladder up by working in government funded facilities on veterans. Government funds most grants and research and is the welfare system for doctors. Many, not all, are more concerned with THEIR work then the patients welfare. I've seen it, I've experienced it and with doctors in the family for more than three decades, I've heard and understand the process. That's why as a rule, I prefer active duty military doctors for myself and my family. As a retired Marine that means Naval hospitals. I don't use the VA. There are of course exceptions on both sides, but I have learned that I'm happier with the care I get from those wearing a uniform and answerable to the chain of command than some civilian more concerned about his income level, some study, paper, status, golf game, new Mercedes or research he's involved with. Especially those medical care personnel who have practiced in a combat environment or on those suffering combat related injuries. Good care is more an attitude than a degree. I admit my bias, but I started out with a different opinion and changed it based on experience, objective experience instead of subjective feelings. In general, I'll take a uniformed person over a civilian anytime.

I've been retired from the U.S. Coast Guard several years, and I've been treated by the VA for service-connected conditions the entire time. I've had excellent care, particularly at my local clinic. Caring doctors and physicians assistants have been very helpful.

Let's make one thing perfectly clear. The VA has told us that their primary function is to educate doctors. That means that the "care" you are getting is "training." Let me give you a list of what has happen with VA Care. 1.Carotid blocked 90+% - not diagnosed 2.Coronary Arteries blocked - 2 heart attacks - not diagnosed 3. Rejection drug given by mistake - 6 hours at military emergency room. 4. Ulna surgery on good elbow - not needed. And the hits keep rolling on I'll pay the supplemental Medicare policy to make sure my husband receives prompt and board certified care.

To all, I know a little bit about the VA and a bit more about medicine. This obvioiusly makes me an authority on nothing, but I think I'm still several steps ahead of you. Did you not read the story and the letter? The man died of CJD (the human variant of Mad Cow Disease). It's a terrible disease that mimics Alzheimers in many ways, except for the fact that it is alarmingly quick once it sets in. The VA did not "kill him" or even contribte to this death. So let's at least get the facts straight. According to the stories and the 8/26 letter from Mr. Peake, the medical center in question could not diagnos him immediately b/c it is a very rare disease, generally diagnosed only AFTER a patient dies and his brain is biopsied. They offered him the chance to participate in a observational study (no medical intervention) and his widow said no. That was the end of the research portion of this story. Though in the mind of the widow and the reporter working together; the story goes on and on. What medical center in existence wouldn't do tests? Is it plausible to suggest that the whole hospital staff (nurses, doctors, administrators, etc.) all conspired to kick a needy patient to the curb because he didnt agree to be "watched" in a nationwide observational study?!! I mean, really, how plausible is that? I think it is reasonable to assume that the medical center ran tests, found nothing definitive and sent him home pending further tests. For God's sake, you don't just run off taking random slices of a person's brain when they start showing signs of alzheimers or something. You look for tumors, do xrays, etc and when you find nothing you do more tests. My father had Alzheimers for almost 20 years. It was painful watching him slowly go. But patients with his disorder don't stay in hospitals, they go home or they go to nursing homes. They don't belong in acute care settings where infections, bacteria and viruses of the truly sick are everywhere. Come on now. I use VA healthcare and it's pretty darn good. It's not perfect, but what medicine is? Have you waited in a private hospital emergency room lately? Have you ever heard of a doctor missing a diagnosis? As taxpayers and as veterans we have invested a lot in our VA hospitals. I'm not saying we should give them a free ride, but we shouldn't go tearing them to pieces on the basis of a factually misleading statement, either. It's too easy to get caught up in fear mongering. Let's do something constructive. That's it for me...DaveB.