12. Are there restrictions on getting care in private facilities at VA expense?

Yes. Care in private facilities at VA expense is provided only under certain circumstances, namely, when VA has a contract agreement for certain services or when a service disabled veterans lives too far from a VA facility to receive care

In addition, the VA must be notified within a fairly short timeframe. I.E. Emergency care was needed on an immediate basis, and the VA must be notified within (I believe) 72 hours at the longest. Who gets notified at the VA? and what phone number? I have no idea. I have seen forms for this sort of thing, but have no idea where to get them.

Another way would be under the fee basis program. A veteran can request a fee basis card for a specific medical problem when the VA medical center cannot treat the veteran due to lack of physicans, or if the veteran might have to wait a long time for treatment. Fee basis is not always approved. In my case it was offered to me once years ago.

How far away do you have to be to qualify?

For emergancy care it needs to be the closest hospital. They may stabalize you and transfer you to a VA hospital. Also Several VA's are associated with University Hospitals where procedures the VA cannot perform are usually performed there. If you are 50 percent higher and you do not have private health insurance it should pay for all conditions. If you are treated for a SC disability they should pay. If you have private insurance, then they usually dont pay.

It wouold be best to call your nearest VA and speak to the Fee Basis people to inquire about the distance and health care. They may refer you to a Va CLINIC. ( a Clinic set up in a remote town for Veterans care and also they have a home based care where the doctor comes to you)


J

Hello ,
I am 100% for advanced prostate cancer my private doctor just gave me added prescriptions for my hormone treatment, avodart, casodex, ursodiol, fosamax plus a script for a QCT scan to rule out Osteoporosis. Can I get these filled by a VA clinic or hospital we have a clinic but the hospital is 120 miles away.
Thanks,
Cuchi

[ Cuchi
[/quote]


HI- with outside prescriptions-I usually get 10 day prescriptions from my outside doctors and then turn in copys of my reciepts to FEE BASIS TO GET REFUNDED---Then inform my VA doctor of the new MEDS... (you may also be able to collect "TRAVEL PAY also"}
My last bill of of around $25,000 dollars ,I spent in the hospital across town from my VA HOSPITAL for HEART PROBLEMS++++ The only problem was getting the answer machine --instead of a PERSON THEY WERE INFORMED ) alls well -.
BUT MY CARD SAYS ___ NO LIMITATIONS----
--- Steve---