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Erie VA Medical Center

135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504
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Erie VA Medical Center PA 16504

About Erie VA Medical Center

Erie VA Medical Center exists to serve the veteran through the delivery of timely quality care by staff who demonstrate outstanding customer service. They hope to serve and honor the nation’s veterans following President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan”.

Erie VA Medical Center is recognized as a top-performing medical center in the delivery of high-quality health care. We have the honor and privilege to serve more than 20,000 Veterans in a nine-county area within northwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and southwestern New York.

Erie VA Medical Center is a Joint Commission-accredited, complexity level three facility. The medical center’s mission is to provide exceptional health care to Veterans. The two highest volume services provided include Primary Care and Behavioral Health.

They also provide Veterans with Telehealth, for access to health care that is timely, more convenient and easier to access through the use of new health care technology including video conferencing and health monitoring devices that can connect patients to their health care team.

Latest Reviews

Kayla The Valiant
4 weeks ago on Google
5
Yo can y'all build us some shade over our parking lot while you're at it for Christ's sake lol. SOPANS work great and give you lots of free electricity 😎✌️
Russell Payne
2 months ago on Google
1
Subject: Urgent: Repeated Appointment Disruptions and Request for Healthcare Advocate Dear Patient Advocate, I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding repeated disruptions to my regularly scheduled appointments at the Erie VA Medical Center. Since February, I have been excluded from my normal appointment regimen, which has created a highly unsatisfactory situation for my ongoing care. This is the fourth occurrence of such disruption, each time reportedly caused by the unavailability or vacation of the scheduling secretary, Ms. Mary Fairloin. As a result, my medical care schedule has been significantly affected. I have multiple serious health conditions requiring consistent management, including MGUS, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. Disruptions to my care pose significant risks to my health and well-being. Therefore, I am urgently requesting: 1. Immediate correction of my appointment schedule and assurances that future scheduling will not be dependent on the availability of a single individual. 2. Assignment of a healthcare advocate or social worker to help coordinate my care, as my current Veteran’s Benefit Package is inadequate to meet my complex medical needs. Please confirm receipt of this email and advise on the steps that will be taken to resolve these issues. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Russell L. Payne 34 Frew Run Street Frewsburg, New York 14738
Joni Lacaze
2 months ago on Google
5
I've been going here well over 30+ years. I recently went to have labs done. 10 tubes and Danni got them in no time. I never felt them being drawn. Very pleasant and nice. I'd ask for her again for sure. Hospital is very clean and nice.
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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7.5 / 10

Other Forms of Payment

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

outpatient iconOutpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

heart-hands iconIntervention Services

Intervention services bring extensive experience to the planning and conducting of drug interventions in Pennsylvania. These experts can facilitate interventions in a sensitive manner that encourages positive outcomes. The goal of the intervention is to educate the individual about addiction and the consequences of their substance use and encourage them to get the treatment they need. Interventions can be effective with all types of drugs and alcohol addiction.

24-hour icon24-Hour Clinical Care

Because the severity of withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate, constant monitoring under 24-hour clinical care in Pennsylvania is recommended for early recovery. As you undergo detox, medical staff will supervise your health and ensure severe symptoms do not develop or threaten your life. Professional counselors will also be available to treat mental and emotional health needs.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in Pennsylvania is devoted to the treatment of addiction. Levels of care, treatment methods, and settings differ, but the aim of each program is to end drug dependency and empower participants to achieve long-term recovery.

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

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Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
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Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
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LGBTQ Program

The Erie VAMC is committed to providing top quality care to all Veterans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Veterans. They recognize that diverse populations have distinctive needs and are training their staff in culturally and clinically-competent care for LGBT Veterans. They are focused on providing the most respectful health care environment possible.

Clinical Services

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

The goal of nutrition therapy is to help you understand how your diet affects your overall health. It teaches you healthy eating habits, which speed up your recovery and give you the nutrients you need for long term physical and mental health.

Incorporating recreational therapy into drug and alcohol addiction programs in Pennsylvania helps you rebuild your life and maintain sobriety by discovering new interests and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Recreational activities can include painting, team sports, and hiking to promote physical and mental health.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Amenities

  • car iconPrivate Transportation
  • spa2 iconYoga Studio
  • wifi iconWifi

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

John A. Gennaro

Medical Center Director

Rickey A. Harris, Jr.

Associate Medical Center Director

Borys Loza, MD

Chief of Staff

Dorene M. Sommers, RN, BSN, MBA, VHA-CM

Associate Director, Patient Care Services

Accreditations

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 2374

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

Contact Information

Building icon

135 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16504

Rehab in Cities Near Erie

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Reviews of Erie VA Medical Center

4.1/5 (88 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

4.1 (88 reviews)
Hanadi Abdallah
1 week ago
5

Kayla The Valiant
4 weeks ago
5

Yo can y'all build us some shade over our parking lot while you're at it for Christ's sake lol. SOPANS work great and give you lots of free electricity 😎✌️

Russell Payne
2 months ago
1

Subject: Urgent: Repeated Appointment Disruptions and Request for Healthcare Advocate Dear Patient Advocate, I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding repeated disruptions to my regularly scheduled appointments at the Erie VA Medical Center. Since February, I have been excluded from my normal appointment regimen, which has created a highly unsatisfactory situation for my ongoing care. This is the fourth occurrence of such disruption, each time reportedly caused by the unavailability or vacation of the scheduling secretary, Ms. Mary Fairloin. As a result, my medical care schedule has been significantly affected. I have multiple serious health conditions requiring consistent management, including MGUS, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. Disruptions to my care pose significant risks to my health and well-being. Therefore, I am urgently requesting: 1. Immediate correction of my appointment schedule and assurances that future scheduling will not be dependent on the availability of a single individual. 2. Assignment of a healthcare advocate or social worker to help coordinate my care, as my current Veteran’s Benefit Package is inadequate to meet my complex medical needs. Please confirm receipt of this email and advise on the steps that will be taken to resolve these issues. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Russell L. Payne 34 Frew Run Street Frewsburg, New York 14738

Joni Lacaze
2 months ago
5

I've been going here well over 30+ years. I recently went to have labs done. 10 tubes and Danni got them in no time. I never felt them being drawn. Very pleasant and nice. I'd ask for her again for sure. Hospital is very clean and nice.

Daniel Bailey
2 months ago
5

Just the facts: I have been denied disability benefits because I only served during peacetime. My unit lost 9 men, 8 service members and one CIA Man, in the desert of Tehran April 25th 1980 Delta Force. Emotional roller-coaster - A ride I do not want to get on, but sometimes I have no choice. I currently take Sertraline to reduce attacks and increase control. Memory loss causes distortions. Those distortions result in me second-guessing incoming emotions causing what looks like a panic attack. Dr David Mathis confirmed memory loss consented for security reasons in my medical file Feb 1980. The United States War Library, Federal Government Form DD-214, and the Air Force photo archives confirm my deployment 60 days later April 1980 Into Tehran with the first Delta Force. Just the facts: Thank you: 2 years ago I laid in my bed and all I could think of was committing mass murder so I could reduce Humanity and then take my own life. The Erie Pennsylvania VA team gave me what I really needed, someone that cared and would listen. Nobody wants to hear an old man's story. - Erie, PA VA Medical helped me understand where I've been and what I've done. - Erie, PA VA Medical gave me the tools to deal with my trauma. - Erie, PA VA Medical showed me by example that life was precious. Thank you:

Jerry
2 months ago
5

Mary
3 months ago
5

I would like to give a shout out to the receptionists!! They are so knowledgeable, helpful, patient, pleasant, caring, and professional 😃. I appreciate you all 💖

Glenn Marple
5 months ago
1

Don't let them fool you they won't put the best information about a patient as long as it makes them sound better whether it's a lie or not. I was lied to for 6 years with proof and they just went oh well. After how many times they've canceled the last minute and continuously passed around to different departments for over a year it's not worth even trying to go through them if you have a reliable way to get different kind of insurance. Normally there are checks and balances for doctors and practitioners apparently except here. My medical charts were completely ignored after my first doctor had left the VA employment. They took 5 years before deciding to look at my chart and realizing the reason I got out of the military they should probably do something about before I lose my leg. Let me say that again took them 5 years to look at my chart after my first doctor. Let that sink in

Michael Woissol
6 months ago
5

The Erie VAMC is incredible. This is certainly one of the best kept secrets in VA healthcare. In the larger clinics in Colorado I was treated like cattle, just another vet needing help. At the Erie VAMC they have treated me with the utmost respect and dignity no matter what part of the clinic I use. My primary care experience has been first class. My provider genuinely cares about my health and well-being. My prescriptions have been filled immediately as well as any supplies that I need. I just had a surgical procedure today and the whole surgical staff was friendly, professional, and caring. I am so happy and thankful for all of the amazing folks that work here!

Harold Wild
7 months ago
5

Had a navy doctor in the ER todsy was one of the best doctors ever.

Raymond Countryman
8 months ago
5

Kevin Fowler
10 months ago
5

I'd like to give a 5 star review to the VA urgent care. Also the lab. They are caring people and it shows. Also Dr. Clark and Dr. Hodas.Some of the nicest people there.

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