New VA Hospital Rankings Show Few Are Five Stars

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New rankings of VA medical centers from the Department of Veterans Affairs show that just 18 of 146 of the nation's hospitals for veterans achieve the highest possible ranking — a five-star status. Last year 19 medical centers earned five stars.

The VA released its latest 2018 rankings this week, which also showed the number of facilities with a one-star ranking, the lowest possible, is now nine — down from 14 in 2017.

The VA’s quarterly star rankings compare quality of care at the country’s 146 VA medical centers. Rankings account for a number of factors, including death rate, complications and patient satisfaction.

This year’s biggest improvement came in Hot Springs, S.D., which jumped to a five-star rating, up from two stars in 2017. Three hospitals dropped more than one point, from three- to one-star rankings: Decatur, Ga.; Montgomery, Ala.; and Tucson, Ariz.

Overall, 40 hospitals decreased by one or more stars, while 38 improved and 68 facilities had no change in ranking.

“There’s no doubt that there’s still plenty of work to do, but I’m proud of our employees, who work tirelessly to move VA in the right direction for veterans and taxpayers,” said VA secretary Robert Wilkie in a press release.

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Sarah Elizabeth Adler is a writer based in Washington, D.C. She has written about science, art and culture for outlets including aarp.org, where she was previously a staff writer, The Atlantic and California magazine.

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New VA Hospital Rankings Show Improvement

Number of 1-star facilities declined, but few earn 5 stars

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