Hip surgery by the V.A. ?

Debra Erics

Equally capable doctors at the VA as the civilian world. Varying complications from both. Good, average, and bad doctors exist every where. I bet he/she won't leave you on the table and go the bank and cash a check like a civilian did not long ago.

Bill H

I've never had anything but the best care from the VA in all their facilities in NJ.

PENNYLANE

I guess it depends on which hospital. My friend had a rare disease that no civilian doctor could diagnose. After two years of testing she had to give up her job because she physically couldn't do her job anymore. Without a diagnosis she could not get disability. Finally, after losing her health benefits she resorted to the VA Hospital in Denver (close by). She had served in the Army so was entitled. She found a wonderful female doctor up there on her first visit who had a clue about her disease, ran some tests, and Bingo in less than a week she knew what she had! It required brain surgery and everything is fine with her now. Also, it was all free for her! She never had another problem. So....I would say if you feel good about the docs and the way you are treated why not? It's easy to say "don't go there" when you have great health insurance, or a plan that pays 100%. But, also consider the costs of rehab and possible complications that would cost you nothing at a VA hospital. Some things to consider. Good luck!

Edg1

I am having 2nd thoughts about the same thing. I went to them for the same thing, but they said I still had some cartilage left so they wouldn't replace mine yet. In the meantime though, they discovered cervical stenosis and do want to work on that. I won't let them though until it becomes life threatening because they won't use the newest surgery. They want to do a discectomy and fusion which will be permanently disfiguring and cause the remaining discs undue stress. There is an artificial disc replacement surgery out now but it costs more and is too new for the VA.In the past there was a problem with one supplier of the replacement hips. It seems there was some machine oil left in the metal of the joints during manufacture and many had pain for years from this. As I recall there were a couple that had bone recession from this and couldn't have another replacement. This was a while back though so I don't remember all the details. For me, they want to send me to the Bay Area for the surgery when it comes time. The guy down the street had his replaces a couple of years ago and he still walks stiffly. IDK if the VA did his though.

harry g

you are correct but some areas the care is not as good as others. if you do not have insurance then the V A. unless you are rich. i have had V A doctors tell me that they would do a good job but if i felt comfortable with another doc then go to a different one. he did not imply the interns that do the work were bad just that no experience or little experience. the V A has done me right but have heard others say that if you check into a V A hospital you never know if you will walk out or carried feet first.

Ed J

A lot will depend upon your geographical location. While a patient at the VA Medical Center in Boston I had surgeons from the staff at the Harvard Medical School work on me.

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