VA ALS Clinic/System

For those of you with experience with both the VA ALS system and Civilian ALS clinic which one would you use and why?

Thanks
Mike

Most civilian clinics schedule all of your appointment in one day (maybe two but the next day). The VA here may have appointments scattered over a week or more. The VA Medical is a good thing (unlike the Department of Veteran Affairs) and they have sincere interns from the college who consult with the clinic neurologist or specialist. Again, VA Medical is good thing but if one can afford (or has insurance) to go to a renown civilian clinic... which would you prefer?

We have used both. The VA clinic in Tampa, Florida scheduled appointments together as much as possible- since
Clearwater had a different experience, guess it depends on where you are. We LOVED the VA clinic because anything you needed, or they anticipated you would need was immediately ordered and sent to your home. They treated us so well, with a philosophy that if you had ALS, you were top priority. Our civilian clinic was good too, but did not order any supplies for us. Given a choice, we would chose the VA hands down. Can't say enough positive things about the VA. They even supply all my husband's food (boost plus, as he can't eat regular food now!). All prescriptions are filled at no cost, even those not relating to his ALS. They are a Godsend for people with this disease. Donna

Good to know Donna since that is the VA clinic we will use.

Agree with Cheerleader: The Long Beach VA is my choice. UC Irvine is disorganized.

Cheerleader, I am familiar with the VA Medical of the Tampa area being I came from there (Clearwater). Yes, Tampa and Bay Pines (St.Pete) are great. The Central West Coast of Florida has a huge Veteran population. Also, the area had a great Congressman named CW "Bill" Young who was the most effective Veteran advocate . (I did some volunteering for one of his campaigns 30+ years ago). Bill recently passed away as you probably know. Undoubted, if a Veteran establishes a service connected disability (which ALS is nearly automatic) all the supplies are provided. You're lucky to be in an area with a huge Veteran population and influence... something that Bill insured and will hopefully endure.

PS. Greybeard, I believe you also live in an area with a huge Veteran population. It helps.

The va medical system here does not have a clinic either so appointments are spread out over several days, sometimes weeks, but are very good about anticipating needs. All meds, including over the counter, are covered. I get liquid Tylenol and zinc oxide cream from them. Just call the pcp's nurse and tell them what you want and they mail it out. They are also good about providing comfort items such as the book stand for my pwc