Noteboom The Law Firm

VA’s Hospital Compare Website Allows Transparent Comparisons

March 17, 2011 - Although all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals strive to provide only the best service to their patients, unfortunately that isn't always the case. In some cases, local VA hospitals can provide downright offensive service. There is now a website comparing the performances of local VA hospitals against other VA hospitals to help patients decide where to go. The Hospital Compare Website is the VA's newest effort in achieving their goal of being completely transparent with their offered healthcare.

Competition tends to raise the performance of the parties involved. With hospital managers able to visit the website and check their performance against that of another VA hospital, it is hoped the performance of both facilities are heightened. At the same time, it is hoped by having all facilities' performances made public, a trusting atmosphere will develop between not only the hospitals and the veterans, but with anyone having an interest in VA healthcare.  

The Hospital Compare Website is broken down into sets of data, Linking Information Knowledge and Systems (LinKS) and ASPIRE. LinKS provides summarized information on acute care, safety, intensive care, and other measures of providing health care. ASPIRE broadcasts the safety and quality goals for every VA hospital as well as their progress in meeting those goals.

The site will continue to evolve as users and needs evolve. Right now, all the necessary information is on the site. This website not only rises the level of performance of individual hospitals, it allows potential patients to make an informed decision as to their health care.