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I am considered his caregiver, have medical POA, etc. He utilizes the local VA … Veey HIIPA conscious as they should be.

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I called and asked for mom's doctor to call me back. The doctor was very kind to not only call me back, but email me a signed letter stating mom was not competent in his opinion. The online portal is also a very good option.
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Reply to JustAnon
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You can also get access to his chart & message his docs on line. For non-in person, the VA uses MyHealtheVet or may have moved in your region to the newer MyVAHealth. It’s an electronic records program, like what MyChart or EPIC or KLARA is for online patient/provider communication for non VA healthcare in the US.. Whatever VA uses there will be a way for a patient to do share their chart or request to have another person see and get notifications from all their healthcare providers. Once a request is made, you get a time sensitive notification email or text and enter your own contact stuff & Presto! you can see his chart. I know for MyChart and KLARA they have an online signature HIPPA form, so I imagine VA has this as well.

For MyChart & KLARA the patient can also do full access request as well, so you can schedule for another their doctors appointments and do requests for labs, testing, health history etc to be sent to a doctor or healthcare provider that is outside their system. VA should have something similar. Maybe take your iPad/tablet and your phone when you speak in person with the social worker so they can help you get these in place.

Asking ? online might be a way to increase communication time with his cos, NP, PA etc within the VA.
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Reply to igloo572
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This is a question to ask the VA, and your husband's primary MD office.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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My clinic has me fill the HIPAA Medical Representative form once a year and they keep it on file. I have to do this at every different doctor's office and/or clinic.

The HIPAA form ensures your designated people can get information from providers ** even before you’re incapacitated and the MPoA is active.**

The Medical PoA ensures someone can act on your behalf if you can’t make decisions, unless it is durable -- in which case it was in effect the minute it was legally finalized.

So, if your MPoA is not currently active, then your husband will need to write in your name as his MR at the VA.
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Reply to Geaton777
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JDWZP1 Oct 24, 2025
Thank you for the explanations. I’m not sure I know exactly what forms we have in place. I will try to see the social worker at the VA. I know he hasn’t signed anything in a few years, and yes, it’s time to stay on top of this
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Send the doctor a message in the patient portal.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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JDWZP1 Oct 24, 2025
Thank you, I’ll try the portal. I have never done that, but will try
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In my experience dealing with regular doctors, they could not bill Medicare for a visit where Mom was not present. If I wanted to talk to the doctor privately, I would be charged. I was always present at Moms appts. For the Neurologist, I wrote down any changes I saw since the last visit. One side of the paper, 14 font and short sentences like...sundowing about 5.

HIPAA should not have anything to do with you asking questions unless your husband has said in writing he does not want you getting any of his info. Your financial and Medical POAs should be enough. Sorry, if there are any forms to fill out, that is with the VA.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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JDWZP1 Oct 24, 2025
Thank you…with all the slowdowns at the VA , having difficulty getting someone to answer my question… I’ll try the patient portal and I’ll call the independent neurologist .
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