Veteran survey shows VA care outperforms community care

VA prides itself on providing top-notch care to Veterans. That’s why we were thrilled to see a new study that shows Veterans have good experiences when they receive care from us.

In fact, VA care scored better than community care in three of four categories: overall provider rating, communication and coordination.

“We want Veterans to receive the highest level of care at VA. To hear that our medical centers and our health care providers are rising to meet that challenge is very validating,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of health care recruitment and marketing at VA.

Measuring patient experience

The new study – the first of its kind – was published in the August 2020 issue of Health Affairs. It compares more than 1 million survey responses from VA-enrolled Veterans who received care at VA to those from Veterans who sought care in their local community.

The study was able to make better apples-to-apples comparisons than previous studies because it compared one Veteran patient group to another, rather than a Veteran patient group to a civilian one.

Veterans often have unique health care needs, including those connected to their service in the military.

It also measured patient experience rather than satisfaction. Experience looks at objective standards that are easier to compare, such as wait times, follow-up care or surgical complications.

Provide outstanding care

“These ratings would have been impossible to achieve without our dedicated and tireless health care providers and support staff. Their commitment to our nation’s heroes is second to none,” Sherrard said.

Does that sound like a team you’d like to join? Help us continue to provide the best care to Veterans by pursuing a health care or support staff career at the nation’s largest health care system.

We use a patient-centered and team-based model of care to treat more than 9 million enrolled Veterans in over 1,400 locations across the country. At VA, you’ll make a difference every day in the lives of patients who you’re proud to serve.

Because there are VA facilities in every state and several U.S. territories, you’ll be sure to find a location that meets your needs.

You’ll also enjoy comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and other generous perks to help you achieve a healthy work/life balance. We offer up to 26 vacation days per year, 13 sick days and 10 federal holidays, as well as education support, robust health insurance plans and a generous federal retirement package.

Work at VA

Consider a rewarding career helping us provide high-quality care to Veterans.

• SEARCH for a job at VA.
• LEARN more about the benefits of a VA career.
• READ about VA’s hiring process.
• CONTACT a VA recruiter.