Comparison of Wait Times for New Patients Between the Private Sector and United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers

Abstract

In 2014, reports indicated that veterans were waiting too long for care and that scheduling data may have been manipulated at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Phoenix, Arizona.¹ This incident damaged the VA’s credibility and created a public perception regarding the VA health care system’s inability to see patients in a timely manner.² In response, the VA has worked to improve access, including primary care, mental health, and other specialty care services.³ There is evidence suggesting that these efforts have improved access to care, including reports that 22% of VA patients are now seen on the same day as the requested appointment.⁴ Despite these efforts, the adequacy of access to VA care remains unclear.