A Veteran's Unexpected Win at a VA Emergency Department
Most dread going in. But sometimes life throws you a curveball that changes your perspective. On a
On a Sunday morning, Army Veteran Anthony Zoglman was running a high fever. Begrudgingly, Zoglman gave in and went to the Emergency Department (ED) at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, AR.
“The last thing I wanted to do is spend all day at the ED waiting to be seen,” said Zoglman. But Zoglman was surprised at how fast the process went. “From the moment I walked through those automatic doors, things moved with military precision. Within seconds of the triage nurse checking me in, the nurse had me back in a room, took my vitals, asked about my service history, and listened when I explained how I was feeling.
“The best part was waiting less than 15 minutes to be seen by a doctor,” said Zoglman. “Not hours, but minutes! The doctor had knowledge of my service medical records, so there was no need to repeat my entire medical history or explain how I was feeling,” said Zoglman.
VA’s ED system is designed to provide Veterans with high-quality emergency care when they need it most. VHSO’s goal is for every Veteran to feel respected and receive the great care they’ve earned and deserve.
"People often ask me when they should come to the ED,” said Janet Shapter, MD, Supervisory Physician of the VHSO ED. “If you're debating whether to come in, that usually means you should come. I've seen too many patients wait too long, trying to tough it out at home. Sometimes it turns out to be nothing serious - and those are the best cases. But I'd rather see you at 3 a.m.. for what turns out to be heartburn than have you stay home during a heart attack. The first hour of a medical emergency is often the most critical. No emergency physician has ever been upset about saving a life, but we all lose sleep over the patients who didn't make it to us in time."
The VHSO ED is proficient at meeting the unique healthcare needs of its Veteran population, and always attempts to be responsive to a patient’s unplanned healthcare need.
“Every single person I encountered, from the security guard to the discharge nurse, treated me with respect,” said Zoglman. “They understood my experience because many of them are Veterans themselves. The VA ED wasn't just good - it was exceptional!”
If a Veteran has been delaying going to the ED because of a past experience, Zoglman hopes to influence them to give it a second chance. “I was right there with you,” said Zoglman. “Don't let old stereotypes keep you from getting the care you've earned. VHSO’s ED was quick, thorough, and staffed by people who genuinely care about Veterans' health. Taking care of yourself isn't just about you. It's about the people who care about you too.”
Since visiting the VHSO ED, Zoglman is doing well and returned to his daily activities. He is enjoying time with his family and will no longer wait to visit the ED when he needs urgent care.
In a true emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest ED, VA or non-VA. Your health comes first, and the VA has systems in place to support you, regardless of where you receive emergency care.