Va Medical Center

4 stars for the following reasons: I have deployed twice over the past 3 years in support of OEF. My first time returning home and going through the motions of getting set up for an appointment, I couldn’t get anything for over 3 months. I understand the VA is very busy, but returning from overseas with everything that has been going on, we shouldn’t have to wait. I also returned home again from another deployment and it took almost 2 months, which is fine. My doctor, Dr. Grimm, is great and I highly recommend any female veteran to see her.

I had a colonoscopy without sedation (by my own choice) at the Albany V.A. this morning, and it couldn’t have been better. It’s not the most comfortable thing in the world, of course; but Dr. Malecki and her team made it more than bearable.
They also explained every step of the procedure as well as discussed diet and digestive health in general, while I watched what was going on on the color monitor. It was actually very interesting.
This was not my first time using this hospital, and I also get my primary care from the V.A. CBOC in KIngston. I’ve always found the quality of the care high, the quality of the people even higher, the waits short, and the appointments always on-​schedule. The V.A. may have its problems elsewhere in the country, but I find the care in this part of New York to be top-​notch.

Being that I’m not a veteran, I don’t get my medical care here. But if you’re a CDNY-​area vet, and have any sort of blood problem, rest assured knowing the best hematologist in the world works here.

This place has really improved over the recent years. I used to be afraid to come here from the horror stories my dad (a disabled VietNam vet) used to tell me as well as from many other anecdotal stories. I’m a disabled Iraqi Freedom vet now and have been coming here for testing and treatments of my various injuries and conditions. My primary care is at a VA clinic in Glens Falls but I have to come here for any specialists i need to see.
The Hemotology /​Oncology department is excellent. Super friendly and I’ve never had to wait more than 5mins in the waiting room. Both the nurse and doctor have always been very pleasant and caring.
The pulmonary department is a mixed bag. The nurse and techs that do the function checks are very nice and good to deal with but I was not at all impressed by the doctor I saw. He seemed very knowledgeable but his customer service or bedside manner was terrible. Downright rude actually. No waiting for any of my visits there either.
The blood draw (phlebotmy dept) folks are excellent! I’ve given gallons of blood in hundreds of samples and they have never hurt me and were actually very pleasant and jovial as well as quick. Couldn’t ask for more with those folks!
The ortho dept was professional and decent to deal with. No complaints there.
The VA Comp and Pen folks were okay. They are usually very busy up there so it’s the most waiting I’ve ever done in this place but even that wasn’t too bad. They’re pretty efficient and friendly.
The pharmacy… in my experience it’s been hit and miss. Some days I’ve walked in, got my number and was called up right away, no muss no fuss. Other days, it seemed like I spent half the day here waiting and waiting. Some of the workers here are very friendly and some just don’t appear to be enjoying their job.
The travel pay dept is usually very quick and efficient but absolutely no shred of personality or friendliness here… all business and no smile. Whatever.
The cashier down the hall from here that actually gives out the money is friendly and pleasant to deal with. Of course her job is made easier by the happy customers she encounters… even if the rest of your day is crappy, someone giving you cash usually brings a smile to your face.
The Emergency Room… I’ve only had to come here once thankfully but it left me with a positive impression. The staff here is very friendly and efficient. I felt like I was in good hands and treated very well. I’ve been to the ER’s of many many other hospitals over the years and I’ve rarely encountered better than I had here.
So overall I have a very favorable impression of the VA hospital in Albany.