Finding a Primary Care Physician (PCP) should be a simple task, but with the added red tape veterans must endure, this can be a painstaking process. This was the case for Michael Ramirez, an Army veteran who turned to Panhandle Warrior Partnership (PWP) looking for support when he suddenly did not have a doctor.
Michael contacted PWP and was connected with PWP Case Coordinator Kenneth Thompson for support. He informed Case Coordinator Thompson that his PCP had recently left her practice, and he was having difficulty finding a new doctor through the VA. Kenneth entered Michael into the WarriorServe® database and provided Michael with resources local to him. After some time, Kenneth followed up to see how the process was going for Michael.
Michael told Kenneth that he, unfortunately, received a far-out appointment date with the VA. Michael expressed sadness and frustration that he had already been without a PCP for 2 months. With Michael on a three-way call, Kenneth contacted Michael’s VA representative. Kenneth inquired about Michael’s options within the MISSION Act, a veteran community care act established by the VA in 2018. Under this legislation, veterans can seek out community health organizations if the initial appointment takes longer than 30 days. After this meeting, Michael told Kenneth that the VA was able to move up his appointment. Michael also stated he was having the same issues with mental health services, and Kenneth was able to connect him with a local vet center where he is now receiving counseling.
We are proud to be able to support veterans like Michael to get the adequate healthcare they need. The Panhandle is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with PWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Panhandle veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: https://www.panhandlewarriorpartnership.org