VA Clinics & Hospitals

[GrandCanyonWildflowr]

Has anyone compiled a list of VA services close to the trail?

[sliderule]

http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp

[Tuckahoe]

Here is a link to the VA facilities in Virginia. Facilities, clinics, and services in Bristol, Marion, Salem/Roanoke, Wytheville, Saunton, Harrisonburg and Winchester are all close to the trail.

http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=VA&dnum=ALL

[Siarl]

I'm glad someone else is out there with the same question that I wondered about but didn't ask. I was just going to purchase the AT Guide and then look up the VA clinics and facilities close to the trail on my own but hey, if someone has that information that's even better. I was either going to take my meds (just one) for the entire trip or see if there were any Va pharmacies near the trail and pick them up there.

[DocMahns]

I'm a prior service navy corpsman and will be an RN by the time I thruhike, I'll be glad to help anyone that requires assistance :)

[4eyedbuzzard]

The White River Junction VT VAMC can be accessed from Hanover, NH on the free Advance Transit local bus route (orange line).

[hikingshoes]

There a book the VA has that is free with all the VA hospital / clinics for each state. I plan on making a copy and putting it in my first aid kit.

[lemon b]

Using the VA on a hike for anything but the first 90 days of meds is going to be difficult. Just getting an appt around here is difficult. I think Pittsfield has a clinic but I use Leeds.

[Hill Ape]

i'm with lemon on this. are you just trying to be proactive and CYA in case of emergency? or do you need ongoing care? you'll play hell with that. if its just meds, get them sent to someone at home and drop them just like any other mail drop, you don't want to trust the VA if you're on the move, they'll never play along.

[Damn Yankee]

I'm not sure but the one in Harrisonburg may be closed since the CBOC in Staunton opened, likewise the one in Stuarts Draft. The major hospitals would be Salem, Richmond and Martinsburg.

[sliderule]

...you don't want to trust the VA if you're on the move, they'll never play along.

The only thing you trust the VA to do is to is throw bureaucratic roadblocks in front of you every time you try to move.

Where I live, they won't let you make an appointment until you attend an indoctrination class for that particular facility. I took me two months to get the class, two months to get an primary care appointment and six months to get a referral for a simple eye exam. And I am in priority two status.

For emergency care, you may not need to go to a VA facility., depending on your disability status.

[GrandCanyonWildflowr]

Broke my shoulder on the Colorado Trail. Ambulance and ER were $$$. Thanks for the list of Virginia locations. "Just in case."

[lemon b]

Obviously, certain stuff is different. My Daddy had some sharpnal come to the surface outta the knee area. Closest regular ER took it out for zero cost.

[Siarl]

I live in a very remote part of far west Texas and am a veteran and I worked in the medical squadron. I have Crohn's and Peripheral Neuropathy. My dad is a Vet and has Parkinson's. Neither of us have hardly a complaint about the service or their ability to deliver treatment. The only complaint I have in regards to the VA is how far one has to drive in order to see a specialist versus location of the assigned primary care physician. My neurologist is a six hour drive away whereas my primary care is just a two hour drive. They are strapped by politics. I'm sure that when the time comes for our hikes that if we do need VA assistance and it is along the way, they will work for you. I have already discussed my meds and the trail with my physicians and the pharmacy and they have assured me that I will be able to take my meds with me on the trail for the duration. When the time comes for me to go on the trail is when the truth will unfold but for now, I will hold judgement.

[hobbs]

In the Salem to Daleville corridor if you have to go to VA and take the meat wagon you can request them to take you..VA will most liking wave you off depending on what it is...But thats not a bad thing..You may go to Lewis Gale and VA picks up the Tab...Did it to my brother for a heart attack...Like I said depends on what its for...

[perrymk]

A little off topic, but hopefully relevant enough.

For the recently discharged veterans, get in the VA system as soon as you can. You are not eligible indefinitely.

The basic criteria for eligibility are, 1. service related need, 2. personal finances

Had I applied about 5 years earlier than what I did, I would be in the system. There were no restrictions other than an honorable discharge. Because I didn't think about it and have no service related disability AND I have a decent job making more than poverty wages and a savings account, I am currently excluded. The reason this may be unfortunate is that if I were to lose my job and need medical care, I would have to deplete my savings first. I may be wrong, but I believe the VA care satisfies the new Affordable Care Act requirements, thus saving a lot of money on health insurance should I decide to retire before Medicare kicks in (which I hope to do). I am fortunate that I am in good health and rarely need medical services.