[gwscott]

Hi Moving down in Sept. Does anyone have an idea how long it takes to get appointment at VA Hospital. New appointment to be assigned PC? Thanks in advance Gerry

[ladydoc]

Originally Posted by gwscott

Hi Moving down in Sept. Does anyone have an idea how long it takes to get appointment at VA Hospital. New appointment to be assigned PC? Thanks in advance Gerry

Hubby called them yesterday. They are sending him some paperwork and then he can make an appointment. 2-3 month wait for initial intake appointment. They will see you right way if it is an emergency.

[bluedog103]

The facility by Mulberry isn't a hospital, its a large VA clinic.
Last time I checked they were having trouble getting it staffed. For some specialties you have to go to Gainesville.

[pklein9747]

We arrived on April 21 and went on April 22 to complete the paperwork. Hubby had first appointment on June 29 with the doctor. And yes, they don't have all departments manned yet. Hubby has to go to Gainesville to see a vascular doctor and couldn't get an appointment to get his eyes examined here in TV until mid-October.

[Bryan]

Once you get "in" to the VA Clinic in TV, time to get appointments varies vastly depending on what you need. Annual physicals seem to get scheduled pretty much regularly - maybe every 13 months. I needed a hearing exam. Asked for an appointment in March, got an appointment and had the test done this week (7/22) and sure enough, I do need new hearing aids. They took impressions, etc., and now I can go back to pick them up probably in NOVEMBER!!!!! I'm not sure exactly when because they are supposed to mail me the appointment date/time but they estimated it would be up in November because they are so backed up. On my eye exams, when I ask for an exam it is typically 45-60 days out that I get it scheduled. If I order new glasses from the vendor that the VA allows in the building, typically 30 days before new glasses are ready and you have to show up personally to get them. For now, eye exams are given at the VA in TV but the vendor is not there yet so you have to go to Ocala or Gainesville to get them (or get a copy of your prescription and go to Walmart and pick them up in three or four days). Walmart does not do the "one free pair of glasses" that the VA will pay for though. I use them for my prescription sun glasses and, if I decide to spring for a fancy tinted set, for those. I get the "plain Jane" free set from whomever the VA allows and keep them in my car as a spare.

[kb8tpw]

The phrase still being staffed is key. I have had similar experiences. I have had one eye appointment and was very well satisfied. The staff that is on the job are all superior. I had appointment last week and saw my first permanent MD. Received a followup call following day. I am looking forward to a great medical care relationship, after a rocky start which took several months to get in.