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False justification


I removed my telephone to try to get the VA to communicate with me in writing. Instead, the VA used that to not communicate. As if there were no other means of communications. It has been my experience that the VA insists on telephone comunication because the telephone does not leave a paper trail and the attendant accountability a paper trail provides.

"Dear Congressman Barber:
This is in response to your inquiry dated June 3, 2013, on behalf of Mr. Anthony Miner
O'Connell, who contacted your office regarding his medication renewals from the Southern
Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS). I asked Ms. Bernadette Schaeffer, Outpatient
Pharmacy Program Manager to review your request.
In reviewing Mr. O'Connell's records it was determined that he does not have a telephone. Ms
Schaeffer did contact his daughter Ms. Kate Simmons on June 7, 2013.
Ms. Schaeffer confirmed
that, Mr. O'Connell is receiving medications from the Consolidated Medication Outpatient
Pharmacy and/or the SAVAHCS. He is also receiving medication from the Northern VA Health
Care System (NAVAHCS). Ms Simmons was surprised that her father was still concerned about
his prescriptions, as he had recently told her that he had resolved the issue. Ms. Schaeffer
provided Ms. Simmons with her contact information if any issues with his medication arise.

The SAVAHCS strives to provide quality and compassionate care to all of our Veterans. We are
very concerned with patient care and the satisfaction of the Veterans we serve. If you have any
questions or concerns regarding this letter, please contact Ms. Bernadette Schaeffer at
(520) 792-1450, extension 5394.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Gardner, MPA, FACHE
Director
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
(Tucson VA Director Jonathan Gardner to Congressman Ron Barber, June 13, 2013)