This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I just wanted to add my voice to those supporting the Salt Lake VA Center. As a service-connected disabled veteran, I've been going to the SLVAC for about 30 years.
Any frustrations? You bet. Any serious frustrations? Maybe none.
When I opted for VA care over Medicare, my expectations were pretty clear. I'd been involved with military health care since I was 18. I pretty much knew what to expect: Excessive wait times, long lines, frequent turnover of staff, and yes, even some second guessing of diagnoses. But I knew that. That's what I signed up for, and I'm glad that I did. The last time that I visited my primary care doctor, she spent about an hour and a half with me.
When was the last time your doctor did the same? This very week, I had to go to emergency, and although I counted only one resident and one attending doctor and it took six hours, I finally got an appropriate prescription, and I'm already feeling much better. Same day. No bitching from me.
Mike Smith
Salt Lake City