The inmates are running the asylum.
Last week, when I decided to go outside the VA healthcare system and consult a private doctor, I did so through his network's messaging system. His PA (physician's assistant) responded by telling me she had prescribed an antibiotic, and to come in for a follow-up.
So I called today to schedule a follow-up. Catch-22 -- apparently you can't see a doctor when you're sick, you can only make an appointment for after you no longer have symptoms and don't need a doctor any more.
&^#^%*^