Improving Veteran Access to Care Act: New Appointment Scheduling System.
This Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a dedicated team to radically improve the process of scheduling medical appointments. Veterans will gain the ability to self-schedule appointments online for all types of care, including specialty care, and view the availability of all VA providers and facilities. The goal is faster access to care, better customer experience, and increased efficiency, directly impacting veterans' health and quality of life.
Key points
A new VA project team must develop an integrated system allowing veterans to view and fully schedule appointments with all VA providers and facilities.
Veterans will receive a self-service online platform enabling them to fully book, cancel, and reschedule appointments, including a method for requesting referrals.
Improved telephonic scheduling process where veterans can speak with a scheduler who can fully book appointments on their behalf for all types of care.
The VA must establish the team within 180 days and complete all key objectives within one year to ensure rapid benefits for patients.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5624
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Process start date: 2024-12-19