DAV Magazine — July/August 2017
Access and Quality in VA Healthcare
New VA tool provides transparency on facility wait times, quality of care
The new Access and Quality Tool from the Department of Veterans Affairs enables veterans to access patient wait times and current quality-of-care data.
In April, the VA unveiled accesstocare.va.gov, a website that allows users to quickly search for clinics or hospitals in their area and view average wait times from the past month based on the type of appointment. Veterans can also see which facilities offer same-day services.
“Veterans must have access to information that is clear and understandable to make informed decisions about their health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin. “No other health care system in the country releases this type of information on wait times. This allows veterans to see how VA is performing.” The website compares quality of care with other VA facilities, as well as private hospitals and clinics that publish their patient satisfaction data—all with just a few clicks of a mouse.
“This tool is another example of VA leading the way,” said acting Undersecretary for Health Dr. Poonam Alaigh. “No one in the private sector publishes data this way. This tool will instill a spirit of competition and encourage our medical facilities to proactively address access and quality issues while empowering veterans to make choices according to what works best for them and their families.
“Having the veteran in the driver’s seat is tremendous for me,” continued Alaigh. “This tool identifies what’s working—and what isn’t—for veterans.”
The VA will continue to make improvements to the website based upon feedback received from veterans directly, as well as veterans service organizations like DAV.
“Accountability and transparency within the VA is one of our largest concerns, and this website is a big step forward in earning back the trust of veterans,” said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. “We are optimistic about this increased transparency and will continue to collaborate with VA on improving veterans’ access to quality health care.”
Monument dedicated to veterans in New York...
DAV National 3rd Junior Vice Commander Donald Day (front right) alongside DAV Chapter 28 members from Brooklyn, N.Y., dedicated a monument on the grounds of the Brooklyn VA Medical Center. The monument is a reminder to all who pass by how DAV members are fighting to fulfill the nation’s promises to all the men and women who served. The Brooklyn VAMC is one of three VA facilities in the N.Y. Harbor Healthcare System, which supports the largest Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program in the nation.
A gesture of thanks...
Veterans residing at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., were given handmade pillowcases on behalf of DAV Chapter 28. Each pillowcase represents a specific branch of the military and is embroidered with the words, “Proud Veteran.” Mike Hlohinec (left) of Chapter 28 hands resident Doug Hughes his new U.S. Army pillowcase. More than 467 pillowcases, which are made in partnership with the Ability Building Center, have been made for veterans in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Pledging against suicide...
DAV Department of Florida held its annual state convention in June. Coast Guard veteran and retired New York City Fire Department Chief Danny Prince (center) brought the Spartan Sword to the convention in order to raise awareness and help prevent veteran suicide. The Spartan Sword was created from steel salvaged from the World Trade Center bombing on 9/11. For veterans and first responders, the sword is a symbol of the enduring strength of the country. Additionally, veterans are encouraged to say the Spartan Pledge, a pledge against suicide that encourages them to turn to each other—their “battle buddies”—before taking their own lives. Also present were (from left) Past National Commander (PNC) Al Linden, PNC Dennis Joyner, PNC Joseph Johnston, National 4th Junior Vice Commander Andy Marshall, and PNC Wally Tyson.
The new Access and Quality Tool from the Department of Veterans Affairs enables veterans to access patient wait times and current quality-of-care data.
In April, the VA unveiled accesstocare.va.gov, a website that allows users to quickly search for clinics or hospitals in their area and view average wait times from the past month based on the type of appointment. Veterans can also see which facilities offer same-day services.
“Veterans must have access to information that is clear and understandable to make informed decisions about their health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin. “No other health care system in the country releases this type of information on wait times. This allows veterans to see how VA is performing.” The website compares quality of care with other VA facilities, as well as private hospitals and clinics that publish their patient satisfaction data—all with just a few clicks of a mouse.
“This tool is another example of VA leading the way,” said acting Undersecretary for Health Dr. Poonam Alaigh. “No one in the private sector publishes data this way. This tool will instill a spirit of competition and encourage our medical facilities to proactively address access and quality issues while empowering veterans to make choices according to what works best for them and their families.
“Having the veteran in the driver’s seat is tremendous for me,” continued Alaigh. “This tool identifies what’s working—and what isn’t—for veterans.”
The VA will continue to make improvements to the website based upon feedback received from veterans directly, as well as veterans service organizations like DAV.
“Accountability and transparency within the VA is one of our largest concerns, and this website is a big step forward in earning back the trust of veterans,” said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. “We are optimistic about this increased transparency and will continue to collaborate with VA on improving veterans’ access to quality health care.”
Monument dedicated to veterans in New York...
DAV National 3rd Junior Vice Commander Donald Day (front right) alongside DAV Chapter 28 members from Brooklyn, N.Y., dedicated a monument on the grounds of the Brooklyn VA Medical Center. The monument is a reminder to all who pass by how DAV members are fighting to fulfill the nation’s promises to all the men and women who served. The Brooklyn VAMC is one of three VA facilities in the N.Y. Harbor Healthcare System, which supports the largest Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program in the nation.
A gesture of thanks...
Veterans residing at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., were given handmade pillowcases on behalf of DAV Chapter 28. Each pillowcase represents a specific branch of the military and is embroidered with the words, “Proud Veteran.” Mike Hlohinec (left) of Chapter 28 hands resident Doug Hughes his new U.S. Army pillowcase. More than 467 pillowcases, which are made in partnership with the Ability Building Center, have been made for veterans in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Pledging against suicide...
DAV Department of Florida held its annual state convention in June. Coast Guard veteran and retired New York City Fire Department Chief Danny Prince (center) brought the Spartan Sword to the convention in order to raise awareness and help prevent veteran suicide. The Spartan Sword was created from steel salvaged from the World Trade Center bombing on 9/11. For veterans and first responders, the sword is a symbol of the enduring strength of the country. Additionally, veterans are encouraged to say the Spartan Pledge, a pledge against suicide that encourages them to turn to each other—their “battle buddies”—before taking their own lives. Also present were (from left) Past National Commander (PNC) Al Linden, PNC Dennis Joyner, PNC Joseph Johnston, National 4th Junior Vice Commander Andy Marshall, and PNC Wally Tyson.
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