Recently, Jan and I had the pleasure of manning the booth for the DuPage County Veterans Assistance Commission at the county fair. We talked to and helped 30 Veterans and family members. All the Veterans that are in the VA healthcare system said that they are very satisfied with the services they are receiving from Hines and the Aurora Clinic. They said occasionally they encounter some problems within the system. The question they asked is how do we handle the glitches?
First of all, does your primary care doctor know you are a Veteran? Many maladies that are attributed to old age may have been caused by exposure to various chemicals, combat or training during your time in the military. If you are being seen at a VA Hospital or Clinic:
- When unable to attend your scheduled appointment, make sure you call to cancel and reschedule. Remember, another Veteran can use that time slot.
- Give yourself plenty of time for check in.
- Have a list of the drugs you are taking both privately and from the VA
- If your wait time is more than 15 minutes after the scheduled time go to the desk and ask what the problem is.
- If you are not getting satisfaction at that time, call the Patient Advocate. They are at Hines in Building 228, Room 1055. The phone number is (708) 202-2716. Their sole mission is to help Veterans.
I can’t stress this enough: Always know where your DD-214 or Discharge Papers are located. Do your family members know? That document is as important as your Social Security card. All benefits and programs revolve around it.
Judd-A-Thon Sept. 21
Don’t forget the Judd-A-Thon on Sept. 21! Find the online entry form at www.napervfw3873.org. All monies raised at this FUNdraiser will go to the VFW National Home For Children in Eaton Rapids, MI. Through the generosity of Positively Naperville and Catch 35, the winner of the most outrageous costume for the event will receive a $100 gift certificate to dine at Catch 35.
