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VA Hospitals: Issues and Challenges for the Future

HEHS-98-32 Published: Apr 30, 1998. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 1998.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed major issues and challenges that Congress and the administration will face in the next few years concerning Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, focusing on: (1) how VA and community hospitals' care evolved during the twentieth century, including changes in supply and demand; (2) factors contributing to the declining demand; (3) the extent of excess capacity; (4) actions taken to increase efficiency and compete for patients; and (5) changes in hospitals involved in training the nation's physicians and conducting medical research.

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Community hospitalsComparative analysisCost effectiveness analysisHealth care programsHealth resources utilizationHospital bed countHospital care servicesMedicaidMedical educationPhysiciansPrivate sector practicesVeterans hospitalsMedicare