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How do I request a VA referral to Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville?
I'm a 59-year-old Army veteran recently diagnosed with prostate cancer at the VA hospital in Augusta, GA. My PSA levels rose rapidly from 3.72 to 5.76 (a 55% increase) over six months, which led to a biopsy. Five of eleven cores were positive for cancer, and focal perineural invasion (PNI) was present.
When I went to get my biopsy results, I only spoke with a Physician's Assistant (PA) – no attending urologist was available. I asked about getting additional imaging, like an MRI and/or PSMA PET scan, to get a better understanding of how far the cancer might have spread, but my request was denied. I also asked for a second opinion on the pathology report to confirm the Gleason score and staging, and that was also denied.
The PA only mentioned radiation and surgery as treatment options, and all they gave me was a website link to do my own research. They recommended a radical prostatectomy but couldn't answer any of my questions. I have another appointment coming up soon where I'm supposed to tell the VA urology clinic which treatment I want to pursue. I still haven't been able to talk to an actual urologist about my diagnosis.
Honestly, I'm not happy with the care I've received so far. I'm not comfortable making a huge decision like this based just on a PSA score from August and a biopsy report. Because of this, I want to get a second opinion and explore other treatment options at the Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville through the VA Community Care Network Program. The problem is, I don't know anything about the VA/Community Care referral process. I'm hoping someone on this forum can give me some information about how it works. Any advice or tips you've learned would be really helpful.
Thanks
Psalm 27:1
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Hi. I went through some hell with the VA and p/c treatment, My PSA doubled in a 1 year time, and I suggested I needed a biopsy and the VA urologist refused to see me, and told my primary care to stop testing me. I called the Advocate number, and spoke to them about what was going on. I then talked to the Community Care people at the VA. I did have a 2nd insurance and I got in to a urologist in the private sector. Got a biopsy, and I was gleason 10....I let the Advocate know the results. After that, the head of the VA Hospital called me and I was able to get 100% coverage with community care. The 2nd time I needed community care, I had to have an appointment with the VA oncologist who then made the referral out. Good luck.
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1 Reaction2010 proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda Hospital, Loma Linda, California. Gleason score 3 plus 3, T1 slow growth prostate cancer. 2.5 months of morning proton radiation..now the time has shortened. 10 years after proton radiation, my PSA began to climb. I use the VA for primary health care even though I have TriCare for Life as retired Army (05/11A). I did contact Mayo in Jacksonville, FL anticipating a second look at my issues. I am watching the PSA carefully...and today, I have another PSA test at the VA at the Villages VA clinic. MRI and PETScan are also steps in the "do I have it scenario".
YOUR QUESTION: CONTACT MAYO AND ASK THEM THE PROCEDURE FOR REFERRAL FROM VA. NO DOUBT THE DECISION RESTS WITH A PERSON WHO WILL NEVER MEET..OR KNOW. NO DOUBT IT JUST TAKES ONE TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE ISSUE WITH THE VA..IN RE: REFERRAL TO MAYO CLINIC.
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1 ReactionMy VA clinic has been very good. My PSA rose to about 4, then the VA referred me to a community care hospital. I asked the hospital urologist to refer me to OU Stephenson Cancer center 4 hrs. away and they did. I received good treatment. Before I found OU I asked VA to refer me to KU Medical Center and they did but I canceled that referral.
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1 ReactionThanks for the info…very helpful