On April 4th this year, I had an appointment at a Gastroenterology facility. This appointment was set up and paid for by the VA.
There was an "Incident" that they say I caused and the police were called.
My appointment had been set for 1:45 pm, as always I was there by 1:30 because that's just how I am. Plus there is usually paperwork to be signed.
The person representing the Gastro practice, who had taken my drivers license hostage and called the police (I called them too, as I couldn't very well drive away without my license, because you know that would be against the law) She wanted to file a police report.
The nice policeman explained that this wasn't possible since no CRIME had been committed, which really infuriated the bimbo
But she managed to get the last hoorah.
Yesterday I got a notice from the VA that I had a "Disruptive Behavior Card" or something now attached to my records.
It was a rather long letter, the salient parts:
On April 4th, you were treated in a Community Care GI Clinic (I was not)
During that visit you caused disruption to the clinic (my clinic was even open) by yelling at staff and by clenching your fists and striking a desk' blah blah
but here is my rebuttal to the HEAD of the Atlanta VAHC
Robert R Norvel., MD., MBA 06/26/2023
Chief of Staff 4:06 PM
Atlanta VAHCS.
RE: Events on 4/4/2023 and the resulting DBC
Dear sir,
I have just received your letter, which was post marked June 23d.
First let me say, as according to your letter I was TREATED in a “community care GI clinic”.
While I was indeed AT that clinic per the appointment made for me by CC, it was not a VA facility.
Had it been, then perhaps this wouldn't have happened.
My appointment had been set for 1:45 pm. As always, I was early since there is almost always paperwork to be filled out.
This clinic is on the second floor of the building. At the main entrance, there was no sign stating that patients going to the Gastroenterology clinic must have on a mask.
There were many people sitting in that ground floor lobby without a mask, plus people coming in and out of the Dr office on the ground floor, none was wearing a mask.
I climbed the stairs, because A. I had time and B, I needed the exercise and C. I avoid elevators when possible (PTSD and closed spaces)
When I got to that second floor office, there was a hand written sign outside the door that anyone entering MUST have a mask on, and if you didn't have one, you could PURCHASE ONE at the desk for $1.99!
To me that is unheard of, requiring the patient to PURCHASE PPE for the clinic; everyone else provides one.
So that set the stage. I went back to my car and got a mask.
When I got to the reception desk, there was NO ONE THERE from the Gastroenterology clinic to check me in, which just added to my ire.
That and the fact that the people who WERE there were ignoring me.
For years, at the VA and elsewhere, people accuse me of yelling when they detect something THEY don't like in my tone of voice.
That is what happened that day, when my receptionist finally showed up, and I started complaining about the purchasing a mask deal, she started accusing me off the top of yelling at her.
I said “I am NOT yelling, if I WERE yelling you could hear me down in the parking lot”
“Mr Smith” she said, “If you don't stop YELLING at me I will not serve you.”
It was then that I slapped (open handed) the counter in front of me, and said “I am NOT yelling, THIS IS YELLING (and yes, I was yelling at that time)”
I turned and left, but realized before I got to my car that they still had my drivers license.
I went back up to get it, and they had locked the office door, my gesturing that all I wanted was my license did nothing.
So I called the police and was told that they were already en route.
I calmly explained what had happened to the Smyrna police, who could not believe they were requiring patients to PURCHASE a mask from them.
The person from behind the desk came out and said she wanted to file a police report.
The policeman told her she could not, since no crime had been committed.
(Over)
I cannot help what other people IMAGINE they hear in my tone of voice, and over the years I have grown quite tired of “Mr Smith, stop yelling at me” when I could clearly demonstrate (as I did that day) that I was NOT yelling.
I never threatened anyone, I never waved my fist at anyone, I am a non-confrontational person in general.
I did not WANT to call the police, but in my eyes, they were holding my drivers license hostage, and to drive away without it WOULD have been a violation of the law!
So now, I am once again asking for a Community Care approval for a Colonoscopy.
The LAST one I had in 2018 was thru community care, and was great.
The Dr who did that consult at “Atlanta Gastroenterology” (Dr Wehbi) has died, but there was an automatic reminder came in from their office that it was time for me to have the procedure done again.
I called them for clarification, and now have an appointment on 8/15 at 11:30 am, and have reached out to Community Care for approval.
I REALLY dislike this system sir, you know where you believe some civilian behind a desk over the veteran and his/her experience. Why did no one ask ME what had happened prior to creating this DBC report?
I spoke with my MH provider not long after that and he told me that a report had been filed by that clinic IN APRIL, so why is it only now that you are contacting me to get my side of this unfortunate event?
Please advise,
I am:
Jerry E Smith
can get you in trouble
by
Jerry E Smith
©06/27/2023
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