Health Care for Our Nation's Veterans: A Policy Paper From the American College of Physicians

Ann Intern Med. 2021 Nov;174(11):1600-1602. doi: 10.7326/M21-2392. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Abstract

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the United States' largest integrated health care delivery system, serving over 9 million enrollees at nearly 1300 health care facilities. In addition to providing health care to the nation's military veterans, the VHA has a research and development program, trains thousands of medical residents and other health care professionals, and conducts emergency preparedness and response activities. The VHA has been celebrated for delivering high-quality care to veterans, early adoption of electronic medical records, and high patient satisfaction. However, the system faces challenges, including implementation of an expanded community care program, modernization of its electronic medical records system, and providing care to a population with complex needs. The position paper offers policy recommendations on VHA funding, the community care program, medical and health care professions training, and research and development.

MeSH terms

  • Advisory Committees
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration
  • Education, Medical, Graduate
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Health Policy*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Services Research
  • Health Workforce
  • Holistic Health
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Patient Care Team
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration
  • Private Sector
  • Societies, Medical
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Veterans Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Veterans Health Services / standards*