Dole VA achieves fourth consecutive 5-star CMS rating, celebrates ongoing quality advancements

“Receiving a 5-star rating from CMS for the fourth year in a row is a reflection of the dedication our entire team brings to caring for Veterans every day,” said Michael Payne, director, VA Wichita Healthcare System. “This rating underscores our commitment to delivering safe, timely, and high-quality care, and we are proud to contribute to VA’s continued nationwide excellence.”

CMS evaluates hospitals across five key domains: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Dole VA’s four-year streak of excellence places it among only 13 VA medical centers nationwide to maintain this achievement since CMS began reporting on VA facilities.

Dole VA not only continues to excel in overall quality, it also received a 4-star rating in patient satisfaction - an outstanding score and testament to the facility's ongoing focus on Veterans’ experiences. From October 1, 2025 through the present, Dole VA reported a 94.7% trust score among Veterans served - outpacing the national VA average of 93.4%. Recent patient satisfaction surveys showed 95.4% of Veterans felt respected and comfortable during visits, and 96.6% said their provider listened carefully.

“At Dole VA, we are deeply committed to continuous process improvement,” emphasized Joy Stephenson, Chief of Quality Management. “By routinely analyzing data and feedback, we identify core challenges and ask, ‘What is the true issue at hand?’ Once we define the problem, we determine its root cause, develop a strategic plan to address it, implement effective solutions, and diligently follow up to ensure lasting improvement and sustainment.”

Over the past year, Dole VA launched several innovative initiatives to further enhance care for Veterans, including:

• Strengthening protocols to ensure timely, compassionate follow-up for Veterans discharged from acute mental health care.
• Engaging subject matter experts to provide targeted education wherever improvement opportunities are identified.
• Enhancing collaboration with Veterans and families through care transitions, including equipping staff to proactively assist with post-hospitalization planning.

These improvements support an environment where Veterans are heard, respected, and empowered throughout their care journey.

Dole VA’s achievements also bolster VA’s stellar nationwide performance, as 78% of VA hospitals with CMS ratings earned four or five stars in 2026. VA hospitals continue to outpace non-VA facilities, reflecting the department’s focused investment in quality, access, and Veteran outcomes. 

As Dole VA celebrates this milestone, the hospital remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. “We are proud of our sustained 5-star performance, but even more proud of the trust our Veterans place in us and the daily teamwork that makes exceptional care possible,” says Payne. “Every Veteran deserves world-class health care, and we are committed to achieving that standard.”

For details on CMS hospital ratings, visit the CMS Care Compare tool at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/.