Factors Associated With Veterans Use of Community vs VA Emergency Departments

What factors are associated with veterans use of community emergency departments (EDs) vs US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) EDs?In this cross-sectional study of 2 777 564 ED visits by veterans, community ED use was associated with greater differential distance, prior community ED use, and high-acuity diagnoses. Female, unhoused, and White veterans were more likely to use community EDs, while prior VA engagement and proximity to high-complexity VA facilities were associated with lower odds of community ED use.These findings suggest that geographic access, patterns of prior care, and demographic factors are associated with veterans’ ED use, highlighting opportunities to strengthen VA and community care coordination and improve equitable access to emergency services.

Corresponding Author: Anita A. Vashi, MD, MPH, MHS, Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System (Mail Stop Code 152-MPD), 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (anita.vashi@va.gov).

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