JOURNAL ARTICLE

Why Veterans Choose VA Versus non-VA Emergency Care: A Qualitative Study.

  • Published In: Military Medicine, 2024, v. 189, n. 11/12. P. e2655 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Vashi, Anita A; Wong, Emily P; Egelfeld, Jacqueline R; Asch, Steve M; Nevedal, Andrea L 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the factors influencing Veterans' decisions to seek emergency department (ED) care at Veterans Affairs (VA) versus non-VA (community) facilities. Using semi-structured interviews with 50 geographically diverse Veterans, the study identifies three main decision-making patterns: choosing the closest ED (often community) for acute conditions; traveling farther to VA EDs due to financial coverage and personal preference; and selecting VA EDs when distances to both settings are similar. Key influences include self-perceived acuity of the condition, proximity to facilities, financial concerns related to out-of-pocket costs, and preferences shaped by trust in VA providers' military cultural competence and familiarity with Veteran-specific health issues. The findings highlight access barriers and suggest that both VA and community ED providers, as well as policymakers, could benefit from understanding these decision factors to improve emergency care delivery for Veterans.

Additional Information

  • Source:Military Medicine. 2024/11, Vol. 189, Issue 11/12, pe2655
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Politics and Government
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0026-4075
  • DOI:10.1093/milmed/usae259
  • Accession Number:180763925
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Military Medicine is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.