VA Health Care Again Tops Private Sector

WASHINGTON — Veterans are more satisfied with their health care than the average American, according to an annual report that compares the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system with private sector health care in terms of customer satisfaction.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index, which looks at various federal programs and private-sector industries, rated VA inpatient care at 83 on a 100-point scale. The private sector scored 73 in customer satisfaction.

The VA’s rating of 80 for outpatient care was five points higher than that given to private-sector outpatient care and nine points higher than the average satisfaction rating for all federal services.

This is the sixth consecutive year the VA health care system has outranked the private sector for customer satisfaction.

ASCI has produced its indices of satisfaction for seven economic sectors, 41 industries, 200 private-sector companies and two types of local government services. The VA’s strong showing came after interviews with veterans who recently used the department’s services.