Orlando VA Healthcare System receives top scores in latest CMS hospital ratings

CMS’s hospital ratings are based on five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care. A higher star rating, out of 5, indicates better performance on these quality measures. 

Within the last year, Orlando VA Healthcare System instituted a number of improvements to better serve Veterans. Notable accomplishments this year include: 

• Expanded Telehealth Services: Increased virtual care options allow Veterans to receive care from home, reducing travel time and increasing convenience.
• New Clinics and Facilities: Recently opened or renovated facilities improve access to specialized care, including mental health, women’s health, and other critical services.
• Increased Staffing:  Additional providers, specialists, and support staff have been hired to improve care delivery and reduce waiting times.
• Enhanced Mental Health Services:  Additional providers, specialists, and support staff have been hired to improve care delivery and reduce wait times.
• Improved Access and Efficiency:  New scheduling systems and online patient portals streamline appointments, prescription refills, and access to medical records.
• Community Outreach Programs:  New scheduling systems and online patient portals streamline appointments, prescription refills, and access to medical records.
   

The Orlando VA Healthcare System is recognized as a leading institution dedicated to providing world-class care to Veterans. As a major teaching hospital, OVAHCS supports numerous residency and training programs, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The system also engages in groundbreaking research and innovation in areas such as cardiology and mental health. With strong partnerships—including collaborations with the University of Central Florida—OVAHCS leverages state-of-the-art technology, robotic surgery, and advancements in artificial intelligence to set national standards in Veteran healthcare.

"These ratings highlight the excellent care the OVAHCSprovides,” said Timothy Cooke, OVAHCS Director/CEO. “Our job is to continue raising the bar for customer service and convenience throughout the department, so OVAHCS works better for the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we are charged with serving.” 

As part of CMS’s 2025 ratings, 77% of VA hospitals that received an Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating received 4 or 5 stars, and no VA hospitals received a one-star rating. More than 90% of VA hospitals with ratings maintained or improved their 2024-star rating.

View the star ratings and methodology for the ratings.

Overall VA improvements during the second Trump Administration

• The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 37% since Jan. 20, 2025.
• VA has opened 16 new health care clinics, expanding access for Veterans around the country.
• VA  is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to ensure department facilities provide safe and effective patient care.
• Since Jan. 20, VA has offered nearly 1 million health care appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
• VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching an all-time fiscal-year high of 2.52 million ratings claims for FY25 as of Aug. 8.
• VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.
• VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.
• VA is accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system.
• VA partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing.
• VA has brought tens of thousands of VA employees back to the office, where we can work better as a team to serve Veterans.
• In fiscal year 2025 through June, VA has housed 37,534 homeless Veterans. 

For more information, contact Melanie Thomas at vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov.

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To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter

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I vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov