MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA) has created a registry of private physicians prepared to help veterans across Alabama get the timely care they need outside the Veterans Affairs system, which is mired in scandal and maintains an extensive backlog of patients waiting to receive care.
“Our nation is indebted to our veterans for the great service they have given this country,” MASA President Ron Franks, M.D., said, “and Alabama’s physicians want to step up and help the VA deliver the care our veterans need and deserve.”
A recent VA audit found more than 57,000 veterans are still awaiting their first medical appointment at VA medical facilities while another 64,000 enrolled in the VA’s health care system have never had an appointment. MASA said it supports legislation currently pending in Congress to expand access to timely and deserved care for veterans by allowing them to be seen by private physicians outside the VA network.
“Alabama’s private physician community – and our colleagues nationwide – stand ready and willing to help our veterans until the VA can increase access to care and reduce the wait times experienced by our veterans,” Dr. Franks said.
MASA is seeking the names of any licensed Alabama physician interested in joining their effort. Physicians wishing to be placed on the registry can email cflack@masalink.org or call (800) 239-6272 and ask to be placed on the Veterans’ Outreach Registry. The registry will be shared with groups working with Alabama veterans and with the medical directors of VA facilities in Alabama.
“Our Veterans deserve the best possible care America can provide, and with the VA mired in crisis it is essential every possible resource is deployed for our Veterans’ support,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL3). “I applaud MASA for their leadership to help demonstrate the deep care and concern that all Americans feel for our Veterans at this critical time.”
Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL2), who has pushed for greater utilization of local care options for veterans, agreed.
“I applaud Alabama physicians for stepping forward to help with the crisis at the VA,” she said. “I have long advocated for utilizing the many great doctors and hospitals in our communities to get veterans the care they need right away. Mechanisms already exist within the VA to streamline veterans’ access to local, private sector care. I’ll continue to push for this commonsense solution as the House and Senate work out a final agreement on VA reforms.”
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