Since I mentioned 'Community Dialysis Houses', I've provided links to a couple of videos that would give you an idea of what they are about. They could be excellent for example, for veterans living in rural areas who have a long drive to a clinic, and who don't mind self-care. But nobody would be forced to go to one, it would be a choice.
The above is just one example of an innovation that could be possible IF we could get a couple of laws out of the way, actually one is an exemption to a law. The problem with the VA or state starting a Community Dialysis House would be the nephs and staff are often tied closely to the clinics. They often times have to sign a noncompete agreement that states if they left they couldn't work within a certain radius of the clinic for a number of years. As you might gather from the article, the FTC almost got the practice banned! Almost, but not quite.
The other thing holding nephs in their clinic is their exemption to the Stark Law, where doctors can't profit off their patients - the nephs now can hold a financial interest in the clinic they work in. This makes them less likely to recommend something like a Community Dialysis House where they don't hold a financial interest. And I should mention Community Dialysis Houses may not be the only innovation coming out of knocking out the two above problems!
I want to write a petition that would mention the above along with your story, this International Comparison I put together, and KIDS!!! stats that hit a lot of people between the eyes!
I showed another vet what I've been writing and mentioned your story and he thought I really should take a petition to the VA. And it just so happens I know a honcho that works there. Your story could help me get into the VA and provide some push back Common Defense and I have been doing on expensive Community Care - and is not always the best quality! As you can testify!
