Michigan Outperforms National Average on VA Appointment Wait Times, but Still Shows Significant Delays
Aug 11, 2014
Legal Help for Veterans is a law firm helping veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) August 11, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently reported that, statewide, 92 percent of Michigan VA patients get appointments in less than a month. National data suggests that, nationwide, only 89 percent of patients are seen in less than 30 days.
Not everyone regards the data as encouraging. “These numbers have been met with widespread confusion and disbelief,” said Jim Fausone, a Michigan veterans disability attorney. “Even if the numbers are accurate, this report makes it clear that there are still far too many Michigan veterans waiting for care.”
According to the latest data, more than 13,000 Michigan veterans are currently forced to wait longer than a month for medical care. The largest facility in Michigan, the VA medical center in Ann Arbor, was the worst performer in the state, falling behind national averages on most data points.
However, facilities in Saginaw, Detroit and Iron Mountain showed better results. Saginaw led the state with only five percent of patients waiting more than 30 days, and less than one percent of patients waiting longer than 60 days.
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson has announced an aggressive national plan to replace VA scheduling software, which the department describes as “aging.” This initiative is just one part of a major effort to improve the speed and quality of health care for veterans nationwide.
The national data on appointment wait times, which include specific data for every VA medical facility in the country, was first reported by the VA on June 9. The information is updated every two weeks. The reports are available on the VA Access Audit page of the national VA website.
Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
Northville, MI 48168
Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800
- Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Don’t forget to check out our most recent eBook on Hearing Loss & Tinnitus. If you are interested, you can find it on our website at: http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/HearingLoss-TinnituseBook.pdf - Habitat for Humanity Western Wayne County
Habitat for Humanity Western Wayne County has a home available for a veteran. If you are interested in seeing if you qualify, please contact HFH at (734) 459-7744. The next orientation will be at the Habitat office, 638 Starkweather, Plymouth, MI, at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 6. The orientation is mandatory in order to […] - Stiggy’s Dogs Helps Veterans and Dogs Heal Together
Stiggy’s Dogs is a great charity dedicated to helping get veterans – and dogs – back on their feet. Stiggy’s rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for military veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The service is at no cost to the veterans. […] - It’s Time for a Stronger Commitment to Women Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been wrapped-up in scandal and jumping from one crisis to the next. Amid all these stories, another important issue is getting lost in the tumult: the VA’s commitment to women veterans’ health care. A recent report by the Associated Press sheds light on the fact that a stronger commitment […]
