I question your understaffed claim. The local VA hospital has about one third of the examination rooms converted into offices. There are people that help you do anything from help you navigate the complicated paperwork system to get a special ID. To go see a doctor I first have to check in with an employee, then go check in with my case manager, then talk to his nurse, then talk to his PA, then see a doctor. then check out with a case manage, get the travel pay signed off at the travel desk, then make a follow up appt at the appt desk, then go to the pharmacy, wait in like to check in where I'm given a number. When my number is called I go to one of ten pharmacists that do nothing but sit in an interview room and ask if you really want the prescription your doctor prescribed. When you say yes they then tell you it will be mailed to you in ten to fourteen days. That's a six hour process minimum hoping you don't get lost or someone gives you an incorrect directions to a room(both have happened). Keep in mind every person you see asks if you're thinking of suicide. If you miss your time with one or an employee doesn't show up you reschedule and start over. At any time you can walk the halls and see more employees than patients. It's possible they don't have medical staff but they most certainly have staff.
The VA health care system is a disaster. The people that defend it I think just want to feel like they're taking care of veterans.
