Letter to the Hon. David Shulkin, VA Undersecretary for Health - Seeking Answers on Area VA Hospital Ratings

Letter

Dear Dr. Shulkin:

I write to you today regarding a recent report by USA Today regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) one- to five-star ratings for VA medical centers (VAMCs). On behalf of the region's veterans, I am requesting information regarding the ratings for the VAMCs serving my constituent veterans following the release of data on other VA medical facilities. Our men and women in uniform deserve the very best care after serving our nation and the transparency to ensure that the medical centers they visit are held accountable for providing quality care.

I wish to inquire about the following:

What data and methodology does the VA use to determine star ratings for VAMCs?

What are the most recent star ratings for the Philadelphia, Lebanon, and Wilmington VAMCs? How have those ratings changed since the VA began rating VAMCs?

Are any of the local VAMCs currently on the high-risk watch list, or have they been in the past?

How does the VA work with low-performing VAMCs to develop and oversee improvement plans?

According to the 2015 data provided in the USA Today report, the Philadelphia and Wilmington VAMCs only received a 3-star rating. The Lebanon VAMC only received a 4-star rating. What steps have been taken to improve the care and service these VAMCs provide for the veterans they serve?

When it comes to ensuring high-quality care for our veterans at the hands of the VA, the answer is more information and more transparency -- not less.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.

Source