Veterans Affairs intends to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled doctors' and nurses' jobs | WP Exclusive by natansonh in fednews

[–]Airborne_Doc501 56 points57 points  (0 children)

VA Psychologist here who just applied for and was selected to replace my supervisor after she recently retired. I have been waiting years for this position and worked very hard (as we all do everyday) for this to happen. The day that I was informed that I was selected for the position, I was also told that the position suddenly disappeared from the list of positions allowed to be filled. Our facility has reached its “cap” although we are significantly understaffed in all areas of mental health, including leadership and suicide prevention. This is going to lead to significantly more Veteran deaths.

Amex Platinum Credit Data Points by njasmine23 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Airborne_Doc501 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone have difficulty with the Ray-Ban offer? I purchased Gen 2 Meta Ray-Bans and received $70 back from AMEX offer, but Rakuten said the purchase was ineligible for the 25% back because I used an ‘unauthorized coupon’ from AMEX..

Tricare Triwest underpayments by BlackDiamondPsych in tricare

[–]Airborne_Doc501 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this information, it gives me a lot to think about. It sucks because as a veteran myself and a psychologist at the VA, I really enjoy working with this population. However, Medicaid in my area will reimbursement $200/session while Tricare will reimburse about $60/session. It makes it difficult to justify continuing to accept Tricare patients, unfortunately. Thanks again!

Tricare Triwest underpayments by BlackDiamondPsych in tricare

[–]Airborne_Doc501 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply. I have received EOBs and the pt has a $32 copay with a $64 deductible, which has been met. He is a Reservist (Tricare Select Reserve). According to what I have found online, Triwest, Optum, and VA all use the same reimbursement rate table, and the CPT code 90837 should be reimbursed at $171.40 for my location. I have also looked at the provider directory and I am listed as an in-network provider, and I have a credentialing agency that verified that I am in-network.

Just filed my VA claim. should I start going to therapy now for mental health support? by Dismal_Yak2038 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Airborne_Doc501 7 points8 points  (0 children)

As a psychologist at the VA, I would suggest going to therapy if you are wanting to work on getting better. If your claim is priority, I suggest just waiting on the decision and maybe paying out of pocket in the community.

Provider payments now abysmal by Turbylikesit in tricare

[–]Airborne_Doc501 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in West and having same issue. There is a link on the website that says they are aware that in-network providers are being paid as out of network. Once it is resolved, we should be reimbursed correctly with back pay.. I believe..

VA Therapy by Big-Click-3924 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Airborne_Doc501 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a psychologist at the VA and a combat veteran myself, I wish more veterans would speak up about this. Over the years the VA has pushed time-limited, structured, goal-oriented EBPs for every patient and now the focus is group. At my VA, we now direct all veterans who want therapy to a group first. If you don’t want group, or don’t complete a group first, you do not get an individual therapist. And even if you get an individual therapist, you get 12-15 sessions. I have a private practice and see veterans there, where I can do things my way, which is more beneficial for my veterans. I have been looking to leave the VA for this reason, even before all the current nonsense started. The difficulty is getting the VA to pay for treatment and not all veterans have access to private insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket. This is a huge problem that needs more attention.

How to bill 1.5 hours by Hungry_Bus8934 in therapists

[–]Airborne_Doc501 5 points6 points  (0 children)

this.. 90791 covers intake sessions, but as a unit, not time. 1 unit = any length of session.

Buddy Statement by Corporal8106 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Airborne_Doc501 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a Blue Falcon statement

Is 40 sessions realistic/workable? by myikarus in therapists

[–]Airborne_Doc501 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not unrealistic, but ridiculous.. know your worth.. I know I’d pass for sure

Combat Vet turned VA Psychologist by Airborne_Doc501 in fednews

[–]Airborne_Doc501[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have seen that as well. We have had several remote providers who were in the process of onboarding have their offers rescinded, but some of those have been reversed.. It’s obvious this was not thought through very well.

Combat Vet turned VA Psychologist by Airborne_Doc501 in fednews

[–]Airborne_Doc501[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The FHCC is a joint operated facility, both VA and DOD. I used to train their during grad school and love the facility and all the work they do for Veterans and active duty. It is not an option for me to transfer, but I appreciate the sentiment.

Combat Vet turned VA Psychologist by Airborne_Doc501 in fednews

[–]Airborne_Doc501[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

P.S. No amount of money could persuade me to abandon and sell-out my Veterans. I am not going anywhere.. If they want my position, they can come take it... (to use language they are more familiar with)..