VA understates care wait times

Despite claims to the contrary, veterans have often been forced to wait 30 days or more for care at VA hospitals, and many more may not be on its electronic waiting lists, according to a recently published internal investigation. The investigation follows the filing of lawsuits by Iraq war vets claiming that the VA isn't providing adequate access to care.

The review, by the VA Inspector General's Office, found that while the VA told Congress, 95 percent of appointments were scheduled within 30 days of a patient's requested date, only 75 percent of veterans got appointments on this schedule. Veterans kept waiting more than 30 days including roughly a third with serious service-related disabilities including amputees and patients who with battle-related psychiatric problems.

To learn more about the review:
- read this article from The Associated Press

Related Articles:
Humana fights for VA medical dollars. Report
Bush commission to examine veterans' healthcare. Report
Walter Reed officials knew about problems with veteran care. Report

Post a comment