Nurse Practitioner Margaret Kraemer had no prior knowledge of my medical records and was seeing me for the first time to initiate my integration into the VA system. Two years earlier, I was still with private insurance and had been scheduled for surgery, but ultimately was declined after a successful round of physical therapy.

Fully aware that beginning with the VA would likely require the normal course of conservative treatment before a neurosurgery consult, Nurse Kraemer spent an inordinate amount of time reviewing my records to familiarize herself,  all in the name of getting my debilitating back pain addressed in the most efficient manner possible.

After reviewing my case, she submitted a direct referral for a neurosurgery consultation. Within a day or two, VA Community Care contacted me. My MRI was updated less than three weeks later, my surgical consult occurred shortly thereafter, and I was scheduled and operated on within two months of that consult.

Not only was this level of care initiated by Nurse Kraemer, but understanding that managing my pain for the 58 days leading up to surgery would be a challenge, she also referred me to the Pain Clinic. There, a pain pharmacist developed a customized therapy plan to help me manage until surgery.

As one of my first experiences with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and VA Community Care, Nurse Kraemer could not have been a better example of professionalism, compassion, and dedication to healthcare for veterans. Her proactive care, attention to detail, and commitment to patient well-being made an immeasurable difference in my recovery and overall quality of life.