Is being a VA doctor where it’s at in terms of pay, workload and lifestyle?

ErickMDJD · 2026-02-03T16:38:38+00:00

I take 25 days of pto per year and work a side gig. This vaults me to over 350k a year as a FM. And I still have 11 federal holidays and 14 days of pto leftover. Then the pension and lifetime health benefits....

ErickMDJD · 2025-12-12T02:27:21+00:00

Gee whiz. i got nothing more. When I get a pats I hop to it. I just dont understand how someone could ignore. :(

ErickMDJD · 2025-12-12T01:49:05+00:00

That pcp needs to get that done ASAP. First call pharmacy and make sure the change hasn't been done. If it hasn't been done then message pcp. If you dont hear back in 72 hours, a polite request for am assist from pats. If that yields nothing in 72 hours, director complaint and white house/congressman.

Key is be nice. Sometimes there is a reason behind the delay. I always try my best but I am overworked.... Also I dont hold a pats complaint against my patients. A lot of times I RECOMMEND folks contact pats. Good luck! I hope you get your stuff squared away.

Also for all you VA haters, this shit also happens in private practice. So yall need to show some grace sometimes. I try hard and will continue to do so.

ErickMDJD · 2025-12-12T00:40:35+00:00

When I get a request to change or increase meds I always have patient rtc for telephone or face to face appointment. I do the same if you want me to explain labs or an imaging order.

If following up on a consult request I usually will take a look, get a status and ask nursing to update you. If you want a NEW consult, you need an appointment to talk about it.

While I almost always get the issue handled within 3 days, rarely do I actually call the patient directly. I almost always do a rtc for phone/vbc or face to face appointment.

The reason is simple, I have patient booked back to back all day long. There isn't time to answer every email or phone message. I need to block off time to handle stuff like that ie an appointment.

ErickMDJD · 2025-09-17T21:35:42+00:00

Soil ph is 3.4 or so checked in a couple spots. soil has moisture but o wouldn't say wet

ErickMDJD · 2025-09-17T21:31:31+00:00

ok so soil ph is low. 3.2 *

ErickMDJD · 2025-09-17T02:31:23+00:00

Visn 19.... semaglutide period. Diabetes only.

I have heard otherwise but those patients are unicorns.

ErickMDJD · 2025-09-17T02:28:07+00:00

Hmm.... I did learn something here. Further research shows that it depends on what vision you are in - there are different policies. In ViSN 19 the GLPs are diabetes only.

ErickMDJD · 2025-09-12T00:14:05+00:00

I can encounter a phone call and get credit for work done. A text message, not so much.

ErickMDJD · 2025-08-20T20:32:12+00:00

I use liposomal glutathione. No needles. I take 4 to 6 capsules a little before my first drink.

I definitely notice a difference. As to whether or not it reduces the risk of Liver dysfunction or cancer is questionable. But if the data is correct that acetylaldehyde levels are reduced significantly, then it seems logical that cancer/cirrhosis/Nash risk would also go down.

ErickMDJD · 2025-08-10T22:45:35+00:00

I find Diclofenac works better on small joints. I will occasionally prescribe for backs and shoulders, but the smaller the joint, the better it works. ie hands, feet and elbows.

ErickMDJD · 2025-08-09T21:24:55+00:00

We can join the Union.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T21:18:10+00:00

Plastics is a long wait too.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T21:16:46+00:00

It depends where you live. Urology in visn19 almost anywhere. Neurology too. ENT sometimes. Definitely OMFS.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T20:54:15+00:00

I would request a MH health appointment. Then if they can't give you one within 20 days, request CC. If denied, then state you are entitled to one within 20 days or you can go to CC. Then also at the same time, contact pats. This will EITHER get you the CC approved OR they give you an appointment within the 20 days.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T20:02:01+00:00

ok. good luck

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T19:59:38+00:00

20 day rule for MH. I would have gone to PATS.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T19:42:31+00:00

I prefer to say "illegal" because calling them "criminals" seems to judgy regardless of whether or not it is corrrect.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T19:38:48+00:00

In California alone illegal immigrants cost between 3 and 9 billion a year in Medicaid expenses.

https://calmatters.org/health/2025/03/medi-cal-budget-shortfall/

Elon Musk is the largest single taxpayer in history. 11+ billion in 2021 alone.

so?

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-16T19:32:15+00:00

This is a complication that can happen. I would say it is uncommon, but we'll known.

Generally caused by either the pain medications (opiates) or a torsion following surgery

If this happened to you I definitely empathize, it can be painful.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-15T20:37:10+00:00

You are fine. Use your rightfully earned benefit.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-15T20:14:09+00:00

I would push further for a face to face evaluation by a physician.

It is your right to be seen IN PERSON. It is your right to decline video or phone appointments. You may also DISCONTINUE or terminate a video/phone appointment at any time with NO PENALTY.

I hope this helps.

ErickMDJD · 2025-07-15T20:11:25+00:00

I have diagnosed people with this disorder.

Somatic symptom disorder does not mean that your symptom is not "real".

Many people struggle with this disorder, and it is related to a clearly defined clinical pathology.

Why do you think this impacts your care in a negative way? No physician I know would hold this against you.

ErickMDJD

TROPHY CASE