The Conditions in the VA Hospitals

Nothing spells controversy like an adverse report concerning hospitals that serve our veterans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs system has suffered its share of bad press. While negative perceptions about conditions in VA hospitals persist, the situation may not be as bad as many believe.

Controversy

• A 2004 ABC News report documented poor quality patient treatment, misdiagnosis of ailments and unsanitary or even dangerous conditions in VA hospitals. To make matters worse, public perceptions based on adverse reports about conditions at Walter Reed Army Hospital in 2007 are often associated with the VA, which does not operate Walter Reed.

Change

• There is evidence, however, that conditions in VA hospitals have improved and meet or exceed standards associated with the private health care sector. In a Washington Monthly article published in late 2007, author Phillip Longman reported that the VA consistently outranks other health care providers in multiple comparative studies.

Commitment

• In 2007, the VA responded to the Walter Reed story by independently conducting an inspection of its own hospitals. The Associated Press reported the inspection results, which identified facilities issues primarily involving wear and tear. A New England Journal of Medicine article, published in 2010, praised the VA for its policy of disclosing and addressing adverse medical events.