Publication review finds VA hospitals deliver better care
VA Research News Briefs

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(05/20/2026)
A publication review study revealed Veterans received equal or better care at VA hospitals as at non-VA hospitals. VA researchers reviewed all studies on quality of care published between 2015 and 2025, identifying 13 studies directly comparing acute hospital care received by Veterans. Across these studies, VA care was rated better than community care for multiple different medical conditions that would normally be treated at a hospital and was especially rated higher than non-VA hospitals for risk-adjusted mortality rates. The findings provide proof that inpatient care delivered directly through VA can provide the best treatment for Veterans and that the system is well-adapted to the medically and socially diverse Veteran population. (Journal of Hospital Medicine, May 18, 2026)