Better information could help ensure access to care for rural veterans, especially those living in areas with limited access. Image: Barbara Kalbfleisch/Shutterstock.com
Veterans in hard-to-reach locales who wonder why mobile medical units operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs are not as accessible as they could be deserve answers as to why, according to the chief government watchdog agency.
In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that VA has not provided “quality information” about the mobile units to Congress in annual reports, as mandated by law. Of the 52 such units, GAO stated that only 25 have reported appointment data.
The report (GAO-24-106331) also noted that VA inaccurately reported that nine such units were in operation, when in fact they were not. Also, the department failed to explain why 20 of 25 such units did not meet the requirement to conduct 845 appointments.
“Without quality information, VA and Congress cannot rely on VA’s reports for a complete picture of overall operations and performance of mobile medical units,” the report stated. “As a result, they may miss opportunities to use these units effectively to help ensure access to care for rural veterans, especially those living in areas with limited access.”
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