I need recommendations on a MM doctor to go to. Im a vet and new to AZ..

this is stupid! it says i have to say why i want MY medical records! nosy effing feds!

Your VA medical records are maintained at the facility or facilities where you were provided medical care. You will need to contact each facility to personally request a copy of any medical records maintained at that facility. Requests must be in writing and should indicate what records you are requesting, why you are requesting those records, and to whom they are to be released. The addresses for all VA facilirties can be found at http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

and check out how these bumpkins spelled facilities! wow!

It is best just to walk in to the main hospital and get copies of your records in person. I walked in and there wasn't even a line, first time for everything. Took longer to actually print my records than it took to get them to print them. First time I have ever left the VA happy.

I dont live near a VA hospital, but AZMMCC is requesting my DR notes... but I was also wondering if the VA clinic in Kingman would be able to print them for me.. My Dr was in Portland, Or so I thought that only he could release them? AM I wrong?

combatdoc0315 said:

I dont live near a VA hospital, but AZMMCC is requesting my DR notes... but I was also wondering if the VA clinic in Kingman would be able to print them for me.. My Dr was in Portland, Or so I thought that only he could release them? AM I wrong?

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this is off the VA website:

Your VA medical records are maintained at the facility or facilities where you were provided medical care. You will need to contact each facility to personally request a copy of any medical records maintained at that facility. Requests must be in writing and should indicate what records you are requesting, why you are requesting those records, and to whom they are to be released. The addresses for all VA facilirties can be found at http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

What you will need to do is this:

CAll the Phx office and ask for the admin records office. Anyone there will be able to verify a few pieces of info(last 4 of soc, DoB etc) and they will print out ALL of your med records. (mental health comes from Tennessee or Texas i think but you wont need them for your med card)

Then you play the waiting game.......

should only take a few days since you are in state....
you are gtg.

(I might be wrong you might need to submit it in writing...... but id call the Phx office and check)

fatboyOGOF said:

this is off the VA website:

Your VA medical records are maintained at the facility or facilities where you were provided medical care. You will need to contact each facility to personally request a copy of any medical records maintained at that facility. Requests must be in writing and should indicate what records you are requesting, why you are requesting those records, and to whom they are to be released. The addresses for all VA facilirties can be found at http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

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I had a friend call and request his..... Not sure if he got lucky or they have relax the policy.....
Didnt know they require it in writing.....

I got an email last night from AZMMCC saying that they needed me to fill out the VA authorization to release records to them.. Looks like they are on top of it all, too bad the VA can't follow suit so easily. I also called the VA in Portland this morning and they have all my records there for now, as I just did my change of address with them and I have to send them a VA request for medical records, which I just put in the mail. I think its funny that they want a reason on the form, of why you want them. LOL.. I thought it would be good for me to have a copy in case azmmcc cant come through, then Ill drive myself to a clinic and give them everything in person. But for now, AZMMCC is doing a great job for me.
Thanks everybody for all the helpful info!

combatdoc0315 said:

I got an email last night from AZMMCC saying that they needed me to fill out the VA authorization to release records to them.. Looks like they are on top of it all, too bad the VA can't follow suit so easily. I also called the VA in Portland this morning and they have all my records there for now, as I just did my change of address with them and I have to send them a VA request for medical records, which I just put in the mail. I think its funny that they want a reason on the form, of why you want them. LOL.. I thought it would be good for me to have a copy in case azmmcc cant come through, then Ill drive myself to a clinic and give them everything in person. But for now, AZMMCC is doing a great job for me.
Thanks everybody for all the helpful info!

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do they require that the records come directly from the VA? I was hoping i could just get my records from the VA and bring them to the doctor! that sucks because i'm not telling the VA anything.

ya id NOT let them request your records ....not sure why just dont like the idea of a MMJ person calling up the VA on my behave you know??
but i tend to be paranoid.

a little paranoia is a good thing. it's why i never went to jail! knock on wood!

i have only been locked up for stupid shit.... small fights and a DUI on pain pills one time...
Never been cught for anything srs!!!
NOJIXXX

The VA ruled that if you live in a state that has legal medical pot they will not stop your pain meds. I get 180 Vicaden a month . . . Sounds like your records are already being handled, no problems there. Most records are on the computer these days so one stop will get all you need from the VA. They would NOT print my records when I went to PHX VA, even though no line, because there are too many & had to mail them. I had them give me enough records in person to go & apply for my mmj card. You're on a roll now my friend !

comatdoc : Enjoyed our conversations & happy to help, anytime.

Wolfhound said:

The VA ruled that if you live in a state that has legal medical pot they will not stop your pain meds. I get 180 Vicaden a month . . . Sounds like your records are already being handled, no problems there. Most records are on the computer these days so one stop will get all you need from the VA. They would NOT print my records when I went to PHX VA, even though no line, because there are too many & had to mail them. I had them give me enough records in person to go & apply for my mmj card. You're on a roll now my friend !

comatdoc : Enjoyed our conversations & happy to help, anytime.

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thanks! i'll do some searching to see what the VA is up to.



this article was helpful:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/health/policy/24veterans.html

Wolfhound said:

The VA ruled that if you live in a state that has legal medical pot they will not stop your pain meds. I get 180 Vicaden a month . . . Sounds like your records are already being handled, no problems there. Most records are on the computer these days so one stop will get all you need from the VA. They would NOT print my records when I went to PHX VA, even though no line, because there are too many & had to mail them. I had them give me enough records in person to go & apply for my mmj card. You're on a roll now my friend !

comatdoc : Enjoyed our conversations & happy to help, anytime.

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I was told the 100% opposite last week by my VA doctor. Why cant they get there shit straight><

here's a VA document full of weasel words! i read this and worry!


http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2362

from january 2011. how do you read this?

Medical Facility Director.

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Each medical facility Director is responsible for ensuring facility clinical staff are aware: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman](1) Of the prohibition of completing forms for participation in State marijuana programs. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]am i reading this wrong? i could interpret this as saying that my doctor should not forward my medical records to a doctor who could provide a medical card. [/FONT]


[/FONT]

fatboyOGOF said:

here's a VA document full of weasel words! i read this and worry!


http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2362

from january 2011. how do you read this?

Medical Facility Director.

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Each medical facility Director is responsible for ensuring facility clinical staff are aware: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman](1) Of the prohibition of completing forms for participation in State marijuana programs. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]am i reading this wrong? i could interpret this as saying that my doctor should not forward my medical records to a doctor who could provide a medical card. [/FONT]


[/FONT]

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I believe it means they will not be involved in providing recamendations for mmj.

fatboyOGOF said:

here's a VA document full of weasel words! i read this and worry!


http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2362

from january 2011. how do you read this?

Medical Facility Director.

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Each medical facility Director is responsible for ensuring facility clinical staff are aware: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman](1) Of the prohibition of completing forms for participation in State marijuana programs. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]am i reading this wrong? i could interpret this as saying that my doctor should not forward my medical records to a doctor who could provide a medical card. [/FONT]


[/FONT]

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I believe it means that VA Dr's are forbidden from filling out and signing state medical Marijuana Recommendations. I would expect it is that way because medical marijuana is still illegal federally, and VA workers are Federal employees..

Im not worried about the VA finding out about what I am trying to do. They have provided such little support to me medically(other than prescribing pills like crazy) that they should expect me to consider other avenues. Just in case though, I also sent in a request for my medical records, so that I can have them in my possession, and I can take them to a clinic if the VA denies AZMMCC's request at all.

I think that the workers at the VA do things differently in every state. They were great in Nashville, TN.. They sucked donkey balls in Portland, Or.. so im hoping for much better here. We will see i guess..

Wolfhound... You are a good guy, and unbelievably helpful. Its really appreciated. I came to this site not knowing much of anything really. And you all have been a real help.. Thank you!

Philosophist said:

I was told the 100% opposite last week by my VA doctor. Why cant they get there shit straight><

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Because it is the VA

i've only been using the VA for a couple years now but i've never had a problem with them.












knock on wood!

I can not complain about the Arizona VA medical care, they do alright, far better than an Army TMC. But some of the attitudes and policies, like the disability claims process is enough to make you want to snap.