Bay Pines Va Medical Center

My husband is a patient at a CBOC but needs to travel to Bay Pines on occasion for specialist appointments. Since May of 2015 we have been attempting get physical therapy for him for symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis but so far all of the consultations have been «one and done» because they claim there is no funding for fee-​basis outsourcing any longer. The last therapist suggested that we do something underhanded and dishonest to get PT, which we will not do. They get two stars, however, because someone in prosthetics has enough heart to care for him and is going the extra mile. While we are there at our next appointment, we will be visiting the patient advocacy program to see if we can get any satisfaction from them. But the overall treatment of veterans in general at most VA facilities is deplorable. Elections have consequences. Make sure you pick a vet-​friendly candidate this year and do your homework (i.e. Not someone who gives lip service. Check their record on veterans issues) That is the only way to make the system better.

Bay Pines VA does not deserve five stars. I have spent time at Bay Pines VA and can honestly say I fear the place! I don’t go there any longer if I can help it. I’ve had too many negative experiences there, some even in the dental clinic! A dentist there once repaired my top two front teeth which had very worn enamel at the time. The color choice of resin filling he had used hadn’t even been close to the color of my teeth! My 2 front top teeth had looked awful! I didn’t go back to the Bay Pines dental clinic for a year after that because I had been so upset! The last time I was there was a month ago and the hygienists that day couldn’t even get the x-​ray machine to work for bite-​wings. Once I had a primary care physician at Bay Pines and I dropped him after seeing him one day for an appointment. He had walked-​in and was unshaven, his hair unkept and he reeked of cigarette smoke. I dumped him shortly after. Another time I had requested to see a dermatologist at Bay Pines VA regarding a large skin tag I had on my back. When I walked into the dermatologist’s office the place had been a mess. The office had resembled a disorganized work shop. The so-​called dermatologist examined my skin tag and offered to cut-​it off and apply stitches. He said he could also freeze-​it off, but the process would be quite painful considering the size of the skin tag. asked if he could burn it off instead, but he said no. So I declined his offer altogether. I walked out shaking my head in wonder. I went home and researched the Internet about skin tag removal myself. I soon found many people use TCA face peel to remove skin tags, even large skin tags like the one I had! So I went online and purchased a small bottle of 100% TCA solution. I applied some according to online directions and within 2 weeks of using the product the large skin tag on my back was gone! I was so happy! The skin tag had dried up completely. I easily removed it and the scar that remained was minimal. The best part was the whole process of applying the solution and removing the dried skin tag had been absolutely painless! My question is why couldn’t the VA dermatologist suggest this method or some other? I almost went back to the VA to ask this question. In my 35 years of being a DAV in the VA system I’ve sadly discovered more than a few hack doctors working at VA hospitals. I cannot share all my experiences here. My review would be way too long. When I was in my late 20’s I once caught Chicken Pox without realizing what it was. After two (2) VA doctors examined the rash on my back they hadn’t a clue what they were looking at. They brought-​in the Chief of the Department who said right away I had Chicken Pox! He said the pox was even in its’ prime with new and old pustules showing. They asked me if I minded if a photographer was brought-​in to take photos of my back. They said it was to help train VA student doctors. Heck, If my mother had seen my back that day I’m sure she would have known right away what it was! So would most mothers, I’d say. Regarding Bay Pines VA I give them 1 star and say «God help you if you have to go there». If I didn’t know better I’d say the place was run by the devil because of all the negative crap I’ve suffered there plus chaos. Even the Bay Pines VA phone number has «666» in it if that means anything? I’m laughing here, but REALLY the Bay Pines VA phone number is (727) 398‑6661. You’d think the Hospital Administrator might change the phone number to something else? Many people and businesses would! I only go to Bay Pines VA once a year now for teeth cleaning and last time I went the dental hygienist wasn’t exactly careful nor gentle. She was even rough using dental floss on me! Veterans that are satisfied with Bay Pines VA sometimes haven’t had a choice but to go there (sadly) or haven’t been going there long-​enough yet to know better (my opinion).

I have never experienced such negligent medical care anywhere in the U.S. or abroad. The administrators are more concerned in protecting their jobs, and sweeping the issue under the rug at the Veteran’s expense. There are so many infractions far too many to ever repair. The culture is toxic, and staff is so condescending in their approach in treating Vets. They stereotype all Vets as being drug addicts, seeking controlled substances, alcoholics, malingerers, who just want disability, and all Vets are «mental». The providers, if they think and feel this way need to entertain employment in the private sector, but because their social skills suck, they would not be able to retain professional employment. The «clocker» mentality is so prevalent throughout this facility. The prescribers rush the later afternoon appointments, clerks have their bags on counters starting at 3:30 pm, and staff begin to duck out early without taking leave. To summarize, the doctors have been so incompetent, and this facility just sucks! Don’t thank me for my service, provide me with adequate medical care not substandard medical care, what a waste of tax payor money!

Simply amazing facility. Well staffed and give us the attention we need. Bravo Zulu !!!

I agree with what another person said… I choose one star because zero stars isn’t possible.

I’m 62 year old vet that has never once used the va system till this year. I personally think that it’s great so far and I’ve used the hospital several times. My overall experience is superior except for one department that always seems to take forever and one that shouldn’t. The pain management department is lacking in professionalism and takes forever to be seen…

I had an appt here this morning and was happy to get in earlier than expected. I’ve never had a problem here & don’t know what all the fuss is about, but do understand how people can be upset. I just hope everyone that deserves to be here gets the treatment the need.

I gave it one star because zero stars was not an option. As a retired military veteran (1968 – 1972 enlisted /​/​1978 – 1995 officer), I find almost everything lacking at this facility. It starts at the top and works it’s way down to the lower rungs of the ladder. The only consistency is the Civil Servant mentality that permeates the entire facility, where making access to the care as difficult as possible. I retired in 1995 and thankfully signed up for TriCare when I did, as I have Tricare Prime and will have Tricare for Life next year. The only thing I get from the VA is my meds. I wouldn’t trust them to do anything else. I feel sorry for those who don’t have any other option. This is coming from a Navy Medical Department member and veteran on VietNam, Grenada, Beirut, Somalia, and Desert Shield/​Desert Storm.

I’m sooo happy to finally say I have medical health care thanks to my time served in the U.S. Navy. It’s a big relief and Bay Pines is 10 minutes away from my house. Not that I plan on getting sick but life is full of surprises.
In 1931, 750 acres of land along Boca Ciega Bay were bought to create the National Home of Disabled Soldiers. In 1933, they opened the doors there with a hospital, domiciliary, VA regional office and cemetery.
Since that time, it has grown into a huge complex that processes over 120,000 vets a year.
At my orientation the woman said there are 70 NEW vets a day being processed because of the economic crisis.
I’m impressed with the complex which now sits on 357 acres. They have everything here except a bowling alley! I loved the food court with heart-​healthy food choices as well as the cantina. They have a barbershop, dental clinic, eye clinic, chapel, post office and medical library available for vets to use.
I would have taken a star away for the parking situation but they have shuttles which one can summon by a call box throughout the complex.
Like I said, I’m blessed to be a part of this now, another load lifted from my shoulders.