Geographic Variation in Appointment Wait Times for US Military Veterans

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Abstract
Timely access to medical care is widely acknowledged as an important determinant of human health and well-being.1 However, the US continues to lag behind other wealthy nations in terms of both access and equity.2 The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides care to millions of veterans through a network of 171 medical centers and affiliated outpatient clinics.3 To improve access to care for veterans, the US Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act in 2014 and the VA MISSION (Maintaining Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks) Act in 2018, both of which allow enrolled veterans to seek primary, emergency, mental health, and other specialty care in their communities, at VHA expense, if they meet certain access criteria.2,4 As part of MISSION Act criteria, if veterans are unable to receive primary care or mental health care within 20 days, or other specialty care within 28 days, they can qualify for receiving care in the community.4

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