VA Medical Facilities Welcome Women Veterans
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2006 - There was a time when women veterans didn't feel welcome at Veteran Affairs Department medical facilities, but the causes of such feelings have changed dramatically over the last few years, VA's top advocate for women's health said.

"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of women veterans turning to VA for health care," Carole L. Turner, Veterans Affairs' national director for the women veterans health program, said. "And the satisfaction they're expressing about the health care they receive at VA is improving tremendously."

Turner said VA has a full continuum of comprehensive medical services, including health promotion and disease prevention and primary care. There is also women's gender-specific health care, such as hormone replacement therapy, breast and gynecological care, maternity and limited infertility treatments. There is also substance-abuse treatment, mental health, rehabilitation and long-term care.

"If a specialty isn't available in-house, VA will contract out with providers in the community," said Turner, a former Air Force nurse who has more than 20 years of VA experience.

Military sexual trauma treatment also is available, including counseling and treatment for any emotional or physical condition experienced as a result of sexual trauma experienced while on active duty.

Turner said women often seek treatment for "the same kind of health conditions that men experience -- diabetes, heart disease, orthopedics care, dental care." However, she added, women veterans also require certain unique health care services, such as maternity care.

There also are differences in the types of assistance services women seek from the VA. "Women who are homeless generally come with families or children," Turner said. VA has pilot programs for homeless women veterans with and without children at 11 medical facilities around the country.

VA also works to educate women on ways their health issues differ from men's -- for instance, how heart disease manifests itself differently in women than in men. She said VA is working with health care providers to ensure they're aware of and looking for signs and symptoms in women that they wouldn't ordinarily think are attributable to heart disease.

Turner emphasized that "all VA facilities aren't created equal."

"Some are very urban, highly affiliated academic teaching facilities, and some are very rural, kind of like a general-practice arrangement," she said.

But no matter what type of facility women visit, they're going to get quality breast care, either within the VA center or outsourced, she said. Studies indicate that newly diagnosed and treated breast cancer patients often suffer from such quality of life problems as insomnia, weight gain, chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety. "VA is very well equipped to help the social ramifications of disease," Turner said.

"The VA offers one-stop care for the majority of biological, psychological and social health care problems women might be experiencing," Turner said.

VA also has published privacy standards, particularly for treating women. Gone are the days when women didn't feel welcome at VA hospitals and voiced concerns about the lack of privacy, Turner said. "We also have waiting areas that are like subunits so women can wait separate and apart from men," she said. "The environment has been designed so women can bring their children, so they know that they're safe and secure."

Turner attributes much of VA's success in treating women veterans to women program managers who are advocates at every medical center. "They're there to help women veterans navigate the system," she said. "They try to ensure that the types of issues and concerns women might have about the environment or the care they receive are being addressed by staff and facility leaders who are sensitive to those needs."

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I have to say that I have always gotten very good care from the VA Hospital. The closest one to me does have a women's "day" a couple of times a week. A lot of the prevention treatments are done in a civilian hospital with the VA picking up the tab. Which for the size of the area makes good sense.

I have had fairly good treatment when I first went to the VA, mind you I have been to several VA Medical Centers. At first, it seemed the treatment I was given was ok perse but I as time went on it the care has become much less adequate.

I recently had to change VA doctors because of an incident that occurred with me and that VA doctor involving the type of medication I was being given. I have a new VA doctor now and so far so good. I am the type of person who question the medication I am being given. I research all the medication being sent to me via email because these VA doctors have a habit of presribing new medications to you without talking to you about it and it is up to that Veteran to question these medications. This is why that we as Veterans have to be so careful with our medications but in the end no matter what medication you take--there will always be some type of side effect.

I agree with you both, PSFemale and Urotick00; I too have received exceptional medical treatment from the majority of the VA Medical Facilities that I have utilized.

I must also say that it was mostly from the health care providers though; most of the service clerks and lesser staff were NOT so cordial though.

But, it wasn't directed at me alone; they seemed to have a chip on their shoulders in general...and there was more than one occasion that I have spoken up about it to higher ups.

Not just for myself either; there was a few times where I saw some very ill treatment being given to some Veteran's that IMHO, just seemed too sick to stand up for themselves, and these service personnel just didn't seem to acknowledge their fragile state.

Health care is NOT just about the end result of seeing the Drs. and Nurses; it is about the whole process in between. I have seen patients leave due to lack of compassion, long wait times at a check-in window or being ignored by the person at the desk...this is truly sad treatment of our Veterans that served their country so faithfully and honorably.

While I am very happy that the VA is welcoming Women Veterans with more favorable Medical care; I would like to see a more intense standard set for ALL staff to reach in regards to consideration, compassion and respect to ALL Veterans on a consistent basis.

Cyn~

quote:

Originally posted by SgtCyns_New_Beginning:
I agree with you both, PSFemale and Urotick00; I too have received exceptional medical treatment from the majority of the VA Medical Facilities that I have utilized.

I must also say that it was mostly from the health care providers though; most of the service clerks and lesser staff were NOT so cordial though.

But, it wasn't directed at me alone; they seemed to have a chip on their shoulders in general...and there was more than one occasion that I have spoken up about it to higher ups.

Not just for myself either; there was a few times where I saw some very ill treatment being given to some Veteran's that IMHO, just seemed too sick to stand up for themselves, and these service personnel just didn't seem to acknowledge their fragile state.

Health care is NOT just about the end result of seeing the Drs. and Nurses; it is about the whole process in between. I have seen patients leave due to lack of compassion, long wait times at a check-in window or being ignored by the person at the desk...this is truly sad treatment of our Veterans that served their country so faithfully and honorably.

While I am very happy that the VA is welcoming Women Veterans with more favorable Medical care; I would like to see a more intense standard set for ALL staff to reach in regards to consideration, compassion and respect to ALL Veterans on a consistent basis.

Cyn~

You are so right, I have experienced these desk clerks attitudes myself. One day I was waiting so long for an appointment, I had become hungry because I had gone beyond my tme period to eat because as a diabetic I have to eat at certain time periods. It was lunch time and I told the desk clerk that I needed to go and eat and I will be back as soon as possible, she told me that I needed to be hear when my name is called and I told her I need to get something to eat right now and that I will be back, then she told me that I may have to wait longer if they call my name and I am not here. I told her no problem I still need to get something to eat and I left and I came back. Guess what, my name was never called while I was gone, it was called after I came back. Yes, these desk clerk are very impolite and rude. I have complained myself about them.

At the VA that I am going to right now, they had a special day for VA employees to make them aware of how they need to treat veterans when they enter into the VA no matter what position they are in. I was truly surprise that this occurred. I guess they got tired of all the complaints being sent in from Veterans on a regular basis about how they were being treated so rudely by VA employees, VA doctors included.
I must say that these desk clerks attitudes have changed somewhat because now they are wanting to carry on polite conversation while they are waiting on you and I even see a few smiles on their faces.

I had to fight for every inch of proper treatment, they didn't "give" me anything without covering their arse every step of the way! The female doctors, the proper medical care, proper exams, you name it. I came from the old school where we were "baggage," and if you don't say "H..no I don't want that doctor touching me!" they will give you anything! That women's coordinator or whatever she is speaking in Washington is just spouting off the pablum! Most of us women go to VA because our claims are languishing in some outpost of neverland. I got surgery there and they broke a vertebrae in my back. Tell me how that happens while you are asleep?
I finally made enough noise to get a good physician but they watch me because I'm a trouble maker and have turned them in to JACHO once for some of their craziness. Not all health care facilities are the same.
My husband goes to a different one, and they treat him like a king. I can't go there, but because of his serious health problems we don't dare change him to mine. Go figure. They are sadly lacking women's services. Don't believe the party line.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: realfancy,

quote:

Originally posted by realfancy:
I had to fight for every inch of proper treatment, they didn't "give" me anything without covering their arse every step of the way! The female doctors, the proper medical care, proper exams, you name it. I came from the old school where we were "baggage," and if you don't say "H..no I don't want that doctor touching me!" they will give you anything! That women's coordinator or whatever she is speaking in Washington is just spouting off the pablum! Most of us women go to VA because our claims are languishing in some outpost of neverland. I got surgery there and they broke a vertebrae in my back. Tell me how that happens while you are asleep?
I finally made enough noise to get a good physician but they watch me because I'm a trouble maker and have turned them in to JACHO once for some of their craziness. Not all health care facilities are the same.
My husband goes to a different one, and they treat him like a king. I can't go there, but because of his serious health problems we don't dare change him to mine. Go figure. They are sadly lacking women's services. Don't believe the party line.

Realfancy, I must say you have gone through a lot like the rest of us female veterans going through VA for medical services. I wonder how long is it going to take for all of us to receive fair treatment just like our male counterparts but then some of the male veterans aren't always receiving fair medical treatment either.

that's always the answer when a female complains

I'm sure I'm a minority in this opinion, but I have never-repeat-NEVER had a problem with the VA (besides the fact that lately it has taken forever to get an appointment, considering all the Iraq vets coming into the system). Never had a problem with medications, never been treated with disrespect, never had an incredibly long wait.

In case you're wondering, I'm in the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (we boast one of the best VA facilities in the country...)

Guess I'm lucky.

I've never had any problems getting medical care at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio and Bay Pines Medical Center, St. Petersburg Florida.

I can remember when women veterans received limited treatment, but now they receive a broad range of medical care.

quote:

Originally posted by las47032:
I've never had any problems getting medical care at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio and Bay Pines Medical Center, St. Petersburg Florida.

I can remember when women veterans received limited treatment, but now they receive a broad range of medical care.

Bless you, you are definitely one of the few women which I have heard say that. It must depend on what state your VA is located in.

It also depends on what county. I'm in Jeff Miller county who is a congressman who is antiwoman vet and we don't have good services for women in this part of Florida.

quote:

Originally posted by realfancy:
It also depends on what county. I'm in Jeff Miller county who is a congressman who is antiwoman vet and we don't have good services for women in this part of Florida.

Now I know ......... we must be in the same part of Florida, or it is this way statewide. I was very shocked by the VA clinics when I moved here in 2004

I go to the Pensacola, Florida clinic. It sucks a big one. If Jef Miller has his way none of us will be able to get to the clinics. He wants to move them onto the military bases so only retired military can use them which will eliminate many of we abused women who had to get out because of our abuse while our perps went free.

I think the only two clinics for women are Bay Pines and Palo Alto. Outside of that we women take pot luck!

As a veteran AND former VA Medical Facility employee, I have seen both sides. Let me tell you....they talk the talk, but when it actually comes to them walking the walking, they fall incredibly SHORT. As a PTSD sufferer, I have seen and experienced how they throw pills at you and tell you to come back at your next appointment. And many of the employees seem to forget that WOMEN ARE VETERANS TOO!
Carol Casey

You all have valid points. It is a shame that not all VAMC's have the proper personnel and/or mentality to treat the female veterans with better care.

I also get treament at Bay Pines, St. Petersburg and I have excellent doctors.

I would advice one thing that would really help many female veterans. Ask for a doctor in the Women's clinic. Only women get treated there and the wait for an appointment is not as long. This of course would be under the assumption that ALL VAMC's have complied and have a "Women's clinic" in the hospital now.

I would be interested to hear from you all if your VAMC has them in place where you are located?

I will be talking to a reputable Veteran's Service Officer who is updated on the latest in reference to this issue and either the S.O. or myself will get back to you on this ASAP.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <Bettina333>,

God love you and thank you for serving us both ways. How right you are.

That answer was to Carol.

I have to say that I disagree with you.

I am an Army veteran (honorable discharge in 1980) and I recently decided to go to my local VA to reapply.

It seems that there is now a new criteria whereby you are evaluated by a "set" income level for the zip code you live in.

I was told that my income was "too high" to reapply for a VA card. They would keep my application on file and when my income fell into their guidelines I would have to come back and I would then receive care the following year.

Now, I listened to all of this with great interest. I also informed them that I worked for the VA pre service and post service. I also told them that I registered previously and I received a VA card from the same VA hospital I was coming back to! Talk about bureaucratic BS!

I find it interesting that they supposedly "can't find me in their database", however, I received two letters from the VA before I went to register again that my information may have been "compromised" when that jerk took home his or her laptop.

I was given an appeal form which I have to go over again. However, after a quick perusal, it seems that I would have to hire a lawyer to appeal to the VA.

Now, look, I know there is a war going on and service connected veterans and active duty personnel get preference. Look, we've served in the military, we know the drill, we get it.

I'm not pushing ahead of anyone in line but I've got to wonder if there are two classes of veterans coming under consideration: service connected and wounded or those conveniently "bumped off" a database and neglected because we might have somewhat adequate incomes and can also pay for a portion of our care with our outside insurance.

I have to tell you, a lot of the male vets I work with were pretty steamed up when I told them what happened to me when I went to the VA. As one of my friends said "so, that's the way you're thanked for serving your country? You don't qualify for VA treatment"?

I am going to contact my local Women's Area Veteran Network in my Mayor's office and I don't think Mayor Bloomberg in NYC would like to know that women veterans or other veterans who have a higher income or additional insurance are getting the shaft.

So, the next time you write an article, make sure it's fair to all veterans--especially female vets. We've been ignored enough.