Washington DC VA Medical Center

7 of the BEST DOCTORS I've ever had - and I've had a few - have been young and older VA doctors. Their commitment is exceptional.

Tried calling in to set up an appointment and the operator was rude. But other than that been trying to set up a neurology appointment for over a year now. They keep saying they are calling me, but I have not received any calls. Other VA departments never have a problem calling. But, overall this VA facility and department is one of the worst health facilities I have ever experienced. I would recommend just never even trying because it's like a 1/100 chance you'll be seen or even hear from someone. (Exclusive to only neurology department) Need to hire some new people who care for others

If I could give this hospital zero stars, I would. Can't get a reasonable appointment for ANY department. No one answers the line, no one knows the correct transfer number, and don't even think about showing up to the emergency room. By the time you get seen, the doctor you want/need to see will be gone. Trust me everyone is there to just collect a check including the nurses/doctors. Veterans listen to me and listen well, Google some information and call around to see if you qualify for community care coverage and get with a civilian doctor asap! These people DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU.

This was my first visit to a VA facility. After so much bad press about VA medical care, I was mentally prepared for a nightmare. Frankly, I was stunned by the friendly and helpful people, from the contractors controlling traffic and access, to the check in personnel, to the nurse and doctor. I came back a couple days later for a hearing assessment, and was again blown away, leading me to believe that customer service is a characteristic and not an accident. I wandered into the wrong location for the appointment, and a random employee asked if I needed help, then walked me all the way to the correct building and office. Usually when you go to a large facility, you run into someone who wants to make your day a little harder, but not at this Center. Even if navigating DC streets is challenging, this will remain my go-to VA facility.

Support staff don’t care about you and the doctors are so busy they don’t care either. Went in for a checkup because this is my primary care and the doctor straight up told me he didn’t have time for me if I didn’t have any pressing problems because he was late to a shift in the ER. When I *do* receive care it’s usually good care, but good luck actually getting any doctors attention or time to help.

It's a VA hospital. Not sure what else to expect at this point in dealing with the VA healthcare system. You have to fight super hard just to be seen and get the necessary care. And, if you are lucky enough to get seen, you need a specific follow-up appointment or you will not be seen again. Except for the dental clinic (which is horrible in all aspects of administration and care), the doctors, nurses, and lab techs are pretty good and some are even great. It's the administration, front desk employees, and dental clinic that make this facility (and other VA care centers) a nightmare sometimes. You need everyone who works at the VA to have a desire to serve veterans, not just some of the doctors. The doctor's attitudes mostly seem good and they seem willing to help veterans, but what good is that when the road to seeing an actual doctor is met with everyone else trying to get you out of the system and trying to deny us care or make sure we don't care that we veterans desperately need?

Cavier Thomas in the VA travel office did a fabulous job helping me with the travel arrangement. She went above and beyond to ensure that I was reimbursed for traveling from Maryland to the Washington DC VA. She took the initiative to herself to one was responsible for signing off on the travel voucher. She solved the problem and followed up with me days later with a notification phone call. Pay Raise immediately!!

I attended the emergency room on July 14, 2023. My experience dealing with the entire staff was nothing short of phenomenal. The emergency room staff to include the police officers, security, nurses, intake, and doctors were friendly, engaging, and informative of their procedures. Although the emergency room and urgent care was filled to capacity, the staff kept a positive attitude and continually informed the patients about what was happening with their care. Secondly, two pharmacists came to the emergency room on separate occasions to inform me personally about the status of my medication and how they could help me with my needs. It has been over 40 years since visiting the hospital with my Dad and the attitudes and work ethic is second to none. Kudos Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center.