Healthcare Systems

Policy issue: In the mid-1990s, VHA began a major transformation toward becoming a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that offers primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services.  VHA was interested in principles of managed care that could be applied to its reorganization efforts to improve its efficiency and effectiveness while retaining its unique mission. 

Assessment: In 1996, VATAP produced a systematic review for the Under Secretary for Health.

Transferring Managed Care Principles to VHA: A Summary and Discussion of the Evidence for the Effectiveness of Managed Care and Managed Care Practices, July, 1996

Current status: Today, VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the US.  VHA provides a continuum of high quality health care that emphasizes excellence in: 1) health care value; 2) service as defined by its customers; and 3) education and research.  VHA is characterized by exceptional accountability and by being an employer of choice. 

Related information:

VHA General Information: http://www1.va.gov/Health_Benefits/page.cfm?pg=1