Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston Reviews

Service getting worse, how can I see outside doctors. Allergies are so bad I maybe get 4 to 5 hours in 24 hours. Next available appointment is mid May 2018. Totally useless!!

Sure Michael E DeBakey was rough when I first came in 2003 but, they have been changing for the better. There are always going to be people who work for VA and have never been anywhere close to being in the military. These are usually the ones that seem to treat us wrong. For the most part I love my VA. I've had 5 surgeries, from my neck to my toes, and they were all successful and the doctors and nursing staff have been wonderful to me. I pray for them to get better and that WE get better at respecting those people who work there.

Excellent care and attentive nurses doctors and staff. Sometimes I might have to wait to be seen, which is understandable considering the workload these people have to deal with. They have done wonders with my problems and concerns. These doctors and staff get very little recognition for the Monumental task they do everyday. They deserve our appreciation and respect. I thank my lucky stars that I have the VA to fall back on.

I once saw a Vet break in line to ask a short question. Staff answered his question with a short adequate answer. His follow on question was not so short and the answer was going to require some research. Staff asked him to wait (in line). He started getting a bit mouthy so I asked him how much he was paying for the service he was getting at the VA. He paused and reflected on it. He asked me if this was my polite way of telling him to shut up and go to the back of the line. I politely told him yes. He thanked me and went to the back of the line. Sometimes we forget, and need a little reminder.

Just tried calling to reschedule my appointment today. I couldn't make to family emergency. Was transferred to the clinic I need to talked to and the phone kept on ringing. Then was sent back to the automated service over and over again.

It was bad at the beginning when I decided to go, 11 years ago, however, now with my experiences and VA improvements it is an excellent place.

If your a vet like i am do not call this place the lady on the phone had no idea what she was doing and i could hear another employee arguing with a vet on the phone this must be a bad joke.

Although they took care of my dad, the doctor who did his amputation did not do a really good job. I did not know at the time because it was wrapped up for healing. Even when he got discharged they stuffed him in my small suv. No ambulance service. The men acted like they could not lift. It was very frustrating and really made me want to hulk out. The female nurse and I had to try to get my dad in without further injury. But when he got sick about a month later, one of the nurses asked where my dad got his amputation because there was over an inch of bone left on his leg. I was so pissed.
He stayed in there for about two weeks but the first week they were giving up on him and not feeding him or giving him anything to drink. I told the doctor, "He did not give up on us in the war, so don't give up on him." After that he was fed ice chips and then eating again. But my dad was ready to move on the day before Veterans Day of 2016. RIP Daddy.

Information provided in exam was reported incorrectly.

I had a surgical procedure 10 days ago. The wound openned so I thought I should come to the ER there since the surgery was done there. I told them I was bleeding and there was no urgency, no questions asked about the severity or anything. The first problem, the people at the check in desk were engaged in their personal conversation showing cell phhone pictures then one decides to check me in asking me my personal information in a non-private way from two sections away from where I was standing. Then they check my vitals and send me off to my primary care doctor who by the way I find out is on vacation this week. Are there no doctors in the ER? My prumary docror always asks why I don't use the VA for regular visits and this is why. After getting the run around I get upset and leave. I went to the "normal" ER tell them my situation... I was treated in and out within 15 minutes. How is it I come to my own VA and not get decent treatment? I guess this is what we get after 20 years of service...not happy!

A one stop location for all your medical needs. I have visited the Debakey Hospital dozens of times and had the best service and care on each visit. I highly recommend the DeBakey hospital for everyone. Drop by for a visit and see what I mean when I say the DeBakey hospital is one of the best hospitals in the nation.

I have been there many times. I thank God we have some where we can go as Veterans

The Houston VAMC is designed to make you want to leave because they are over loaded. The clerks are lazy and busy talking about dates or food, the nurses are inept and both Doctors and nurses are rude, not honest and will regularly put things in the chart that are completely false.
I had a jaw surgery infected failed, portacath infected SEPSIS almost died literally. This is the worst dirtiest hospital I have ever seen in any country. I have been all over the world I SWEAR TO GOD THIS IS THE WORST PLACE I HAVE EVER SEEN> IT is a waste of money and they treat veterans like dogs.
They truly need to replace everyone at every desk and audit the entire hospital for fraud in every aspect of operations.
There are a few very good doctors but they are not able to do their job for the rest of the BS>
To top that off the p[olice spend all of their time hasleing vets for smoking and ignore the non veterans on the compound bumming money or fraudulently taking services.
God help all of us Veterans of the US in Houston VAMC care.

I was in the emergency room recently with severe abdominal pain. The nurse did a thorough interview and checked my vitals. The physician, Dr.Pickett, listen to my heartbeat and wanted to write a prescription for Tylenol. Most competent physicians would have at least examined my abdominal area. He seemed like it was an inconvenience that I was there for his care. Why choose this profession if you don t actually care to provide treatment to your patients. At least do a better job of pretending to give a damn.

The emergency and walk in services are horrible. If you are, literally, not dieing you will be turned our of the E.R. and told it's not an emergency. As for walk in service. I spent an entire day there and never once saw,a physician, just a nurse. Beyond that the nurse only conversed with the Dr. via some sort of chat acct. on the computer. Even further, would not ask the Dr. what I wanted her to ask and only said " She won't do that."
This V.A.by far has some of the worst customer svc. I have ever seen in the V.A. system.

On my first visit, the primary care physician noticed that my B12 level was low. She prescribed one milligram shots, one a month for 12 months. A nurse even taught me how to administer the shots myself, so I can do them at home.

Good service!

The Racist behavior of the "Black" V.A. Employees is appalling. When a "Black" employee speaks and or behaves in a racist manner towards a Non-Black Veteran, it is impossible to get assistance of a positive sort, as the One one will speak with is another "Black". Yes, there are good employees there, but the Nurses, Orderlies, and many Support Staffers highly out number the Non-Blacks Employees. They cover for their own, and proving this is next to impossible, as they are skilled at the corruption they have mastered. When a Veteran does use the Veterans Advocates Office to get help, they are met by angry hostile racist "Black" Employees who, if you aren't a Black person, they give you piss poor assistance IF they help you at all. The Receptionist at this Veteran Assistance Office is a Militant Black Supporter and is vindictive to say the least.

I GIVE THE VA A ZERO , MY DAUGHTER HAS TRY THREE TIMES TO KILL HERSELF AND THOSE BASTARD HAS NOT HELP HER ,I WANT SOME ONES HEAD ON A CHOP BLOCK SHE'S IN ONE DAY AND RELEASE THE NEXT'S DAY WHAT THE HELL. THIS PLACE NEEDS TO GET ALL OF THOSE STUIPED DOCTORS AND KICK THEM OUT AND GET SOME REAL DOCTORS IN THERE , IT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN THIS BAD , BUT OVER THE LAST 40 ARE YEARS THERE DON'T GIVE A DAMNED ABOUT OUR SERVICE PEOPLE

So far, I've had colonoscopy (clean), Prostrate MRI, Prostrate seminar with Urologist doctor, biopsy, CAT and Bone scan, and tomorrow AM ... prostrate removal. Overall, I've talked to more doctors, longer and in more detail than at any other time in my life. Inter-departmental communications could use some improvement. In general, I am very happy with the care I've received. I'll report back after my 4 hour "robotic" prostrate surgery. If I make it.

I have not visited the place but I have to for an eye appointment. I have been waiting a month to hear from a woman who does the travel arrangements. The operators are rude and the other departments immediately hang up on you when they are done talking to you. They don't give you a chance to tell them what the problem is. Every last one of them has an attitude.

They are protected by a government system so they don't care. They can perform poorly and not have to worry about anything -and that enables them. I deserve better! Our veteran's deserve better!!!

We should all be ashamed that this place represents the best we have to offer our veterans.

Endless ringing when trying to call, hours trying to park and waiting to be seen, lost paperwork, only to then be treated worse than garbage by the people who work in healthCARE.

I don't know how these folks can look at themselves in a mirror. Disgusting.

For the amount of people seen daily. They do top notch work overall. They've saved my lif a few times

We have never had a long wait at an appointment. There is a wait at pharmacy but its actually speedy when you consider the many people waiting for their meds. All the staff employees have been wonderful to us

The Staff are very prompt and professional. I've never had a problem. I was very impressed considering the bad news that i have heard about VA Hospitals.

This is the worst place to be at at any time. All staff really suck. They don t care for vets at all. 4 hrs to get seen it s terrible.

I had great experience and doctors there are good. Hey it's a hospital and they are excellent ... I moved to Florida be happy for M DeBakey its a great place .

Update 4/20/18 This place is slowwwwww. Wasted 2 hrs here and was not seen. Got here at 6 am. Staff didnt start showing til after 7:15 am. Chiropractor shows after 8 am. Freaking appts backed up at this point. this place just too slow . Im going to have to find another chiropractor to go to. place makes me not want to come back. I try to just get the DR to refill my meds when I run out through myhealthyvet or over the phone. I would like to see more diversity in the staff that help me. Some wait times and processing are too long.

Most clinicians are great people to talk to and very helpful, especially on 6. Canteen food is okay, pizza is great. Always many activities going on in the lobby (today was a 2k sign up and Camp Hope volunteers). The admin staff has much to be desired.

I have been trying to get into Urology for sometime now with everything my doc did for me out in katy, I really appreciate it. However this hospital drops the ball frequently. Dr. Fishman or whatever his name is, in the Urology dept, messed up my consultation to see a doc in Katy. I have been chasing my tail for almost two months now trying to get thus resolved. Just seems like a lot of people who dont really care about veterans are working at this facility.

Just had a day surgery. It went well all the staff were great. Wish I could name them all.Dam good team they showed. Keep up the great work.

It took me my entire 30s to get half of my back to an MRI, and the rest results from a civilian doctor. Don t trust their smiles they don t know military injuries, don t trust Pringle, applwoodyard, Nair, and ukodama.

Feels like I was back in the military.... my interactions with the staff was very pleasant...... Smile and it becomes contagious.... They smile back!

There's a female asian technician in the mammogram department that likes play with breast.

Excellent job processing a very large amount of people daily, quality medical care and hospital staff. Excellent job! I am most impressed.

Absolute disgrace to the Veterans whom have sacrificed so much for this country. And to the dude (Anthony Richardson) that talks about complaining by vets, I have done 4 combat tours (10 years of service) in the USMC as a scout sniper, took five AK rounds in my legs and shrapnel on all extremities from an IED.Then healed up and went on another combat pump. Let me guess you served in a DAMN SUPPLY WAREHOUSE and are trying to get compensation for your ankles hurting because your 600lbs. Shut your damn mouth man. We have vets dying in waiting rooms and its losers like yourself that are clogging up the system for the rest of us who deserve to be treated. FInd your government assistance money somewhere else fat ass. The only way we change this, is to unite together and expose them for what they truly are. A bunch of incompetent, uneducated personnel whom cannot get a job in a real hospital because of their ineffectiveness. I sincerely thank you vets who have the fortitude to take the time to inform our brothers and sisters of what to expect. Corruption and incompetence

DONT GO THERE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE. THEY REALLY DON'T HAVE A PLAN AT ALL. I SHOWED UP 1230 FOR 115 APPOINTMENT AND THEY RAN OUT OF THE VACCINE BEFORE I COULD GET MINE. NO ONE FROM THE VA REALLY EVEN ADDRESSED THE SITUATION. THESE PEOPLE ARE GETTING A FREE PAYCHECK. HOUSTON WE GOTTA DO BETTER. MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO ACTUALLY GET INVOLVED WITH A REAL PLAN. I HATE THIS VA. YOU CAN TELL THEY DONT GIVE A DAMN. VETERANS STAY AWAY IF POSSIBLE...THIS PLACE IS TRASH

This is a place to go as a last resort. Any other hospital, no matter how bad, is an improvement!!!

Cuz this is a teaching Hospital and as a veteran I deserve to have a well poised and professional doctor treating me not residents and interns every hospital is a practice but at least they give you first class service at a professional level not someone who has to read a book before he come and talk to a patient

My dad really loves the staff. The doctors are a bit not down to earth.... well that one rude dentist so never mind he doesn't count

Spent 5 days in the ccu the staff was fantastic they cared about me and catered to all my needs many thanks sorry to leave jiji there need more staff like them

I called about covd19 test. They said come to hospital for test. I went to testing site they said I had to go back to entrance for evaluation. I went to entrance people all about some w no mask. A VA cop was horribly rude to me and acting hostile. It was a nightmare as usual for this unorganized hospital. Staff was rude as usual. I left and did not get tested. I am so tired of staff on phone and in person asking me for my husband's name. I am the veteran. When will this place stop being so sexist?

I live a very long way from DeBakey /VA Medical center. I recently got a notice that we all dread. I have a suspicious spot on my lung. I got an invitation for an appointment for a bracheotomy to determine whether or not it is cancer. I responded to the appointment request. So far, I have heard nothing despite repeated phone calls which are NEVER answered,and numerous e-mail requests. Typical of most VA communications. For what little they communicate, it is atrocious, especially since I have to wait forever to find out about a potentially very serious condition.

Not sure why the bad reviews, excellent care and staff. Most veterans are angry at the world, just need to relax a little, you won't get anywhere with a bad attitude.

The most unless people to contact you may as well pay for insurance and quit using the VA

THANK GOD FOR DR. JOHNSON AND MEDICAL TEAM 2014,During my stay you showed great compassion and care!

THE HOUSTON VA MEDICAL CENTER SERV ES AS A MODEL FOR WHICH ALL VA MEDICAL FACALITIES SHOULD TO STRIVE TO DUPLICATE.

HOSPITAL ADMISSION: FEB/2014-3/2014

SINCERLY: RONALD 3/11/14

Not a bad turn around time all things considered, however. Came to Houston on a 13 week contract for my job and needed a medication refilled. They refuse to give me more than a one week supply. So now I have to spend my day off coming here EVERY single week to get this medication putting my health and the health of others around me at risk. Absolutely ridiculous. Its not like its some kind of contolled substance or anything like that.

Excellent care. Truly take an interest in their patient health

The transplant team at Micael E. DeBakey saved my mother's life. Very thankful!

The staff is moody and most of them hate answering questions. The men there are aggressive and creepy. I havent had too many good experiences here. I rather drive to Katys outpatient. Im sitting in the waiting room now, 51mins past checking in and waiting when my appointment was 1000. Front desk didnt really care and they just say anything to stop people from bothering them. This is a complete waste of time and a day. Why even schedule appointments if the facility cannot keep the arrangement. I loathe coming here

Docs and caregivers are great. First contact personnel are abominable. I waited four hours to see a temporary primary care (my previous quit) WITH AN APPOINTMENT. The temp doc (Kahn) heehawed for ten minutes because i had no blood work done (I didn't know I was supposed to) then had the gall to chew me out for being "late". Waited in ER on a Sunday morning between 6 and 8 with nobody else there. As soon as shift change happened, I was seen (leading me to believe the night crew said f#$ k that guy). Mental health is great, dental is above and beyond expectations, and my permanent P.C. is sharp. Pharmacy is rude (in all fairness, most vets at that stage are too, but it's no excuse).
Federal facility with top notch care when you need it, just be prepared to deal with every form of a-hole between here and hell.

I am so tired of the lengthy wait times. 30-45 mins isn't good. There must be a way to improve this situaiton.

I am pleased with the quality of healthcare at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Dr. Babin Kurian has been my primary care doctor for seven years. I am followed by primary care, cardiology, audiology, optometry and dermatology. I have never had a problem getting an appointment.

I received a pacemaker and had a ruptured appendix removed in 2013. After the appendectomy, I spent ten days as an inpatient. I was satisfied with the quality of care on both occasions.

Patient parking lots fill up quickly in the mornings. I try to schedule my appointments for about 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. A new multilevel parking garage recently opened on Cambridge just south of Holcombe.

Being 1st visit, asked for directions from 2 women and maybe they didn't like my hat but were extremely rude. 3rd women tells me to use a kiosk. If i wanted to use a kiosk, I would have went to the kiosk. Nurse doesn't even know why I am here because Dr.'s jacked up notes! I haven't even seen the new Dr. yet but will leave this right here!

Service is good but get here at least 30 min early because parking is horrible!

One of their over the phone nurses was so rude. I just needed help and advice and I was treated with a complete lack of compassion or care. This is why so many veterans hesitate to go to the VA.

Great place. Great staff. The VA is underfunded because the GOP is trying to kill the VA Hospital system, this Hospital is understaffed. If you have complaints about this hospital may I suggest you call your Congressman or Senator.

Everything is going great, very helpful with patients and their families.

So far everyone has been wonderful here my boyfriend is having hernia operation

Impossible to change an appointment using the automated line. It just sends you back to the original welcome and you get to go around and around in circles. It happens about every other time I try to change an appointment. If it were a private business, they would be out of business by now. So frustrating.

I first went to this Hospital in the late 70's, Back then it was just a place to die with a little comfort. When they rebuilt the Hospital, Things improved much better than the old Hospital but there are some serious problems. I went in for pain so bad that I could not walk. I needed something for the pain but was told I would have to wait to see my doctor but first I had to go through a whole bunch of test. Those test took about two months because I had to make appointment's to take them and I suffered for a very long time because of it. By the time I did see the doctor, I was able to walk again and found out what my illness was. He asked me if I needed anything for pain, I said no, not now but I did two month ago so I had to just suffer. This type of red tape is hurting your Vet's. Actually hurting them. Lord knows I suffered because of this red tape. In spite of this problem. It is much better than the old hospital from back in the 70's As far as the Doctors and Nurses go, They do care and do try to help but they have to deal with the system in place to treat their patents and their hands are tied. I know because they expressed this to me and are frustrated as much as the Veterans they treat. Oh well, Smiles to my fellow Veteran brothers and sisters.

I have been using the services of the Debakey Medical center for over 5 years and never have had a complaint about the personel or services renedered. I am now being treated for pancreatic cancer with the same
respect and loving care that I have grown to expect from the personnel here.

Place is poorly ran if you have kids no one will see you, they'd rather hire convicts than veterans, my neighbor has worked for this VA for 11 years he said they even go out they way to not hire white folks lol

Most of the patients are dying. The Veterans Cemetery is filling up like garbage cans. It s so sad. I will be investigating my fathers death as he was not sick nor disable. He trusted them with his health and they failed him. Prescribing medications that are not needed or can t be taken with other known medications.

Just great, I'm trying to get back on some meds after a couple of years. I just called and it took me 57 minutes and only spoke to 1 person. The phone rang for about 55 minutes before I decided to hang up. Called again and the earliest time I can get in is on July 25? So much for trying to help vets on getting they need.

Quit thanking god and start thanking your damn doctors and nurses.

They no longer accept spouses at this facility since 2018. This unfortunate for new patients attempting to travel overseas to their new PCS. They explained that too many dependents were occupying appointment times ahead of the vets, but i feel as there could be a better solution. Also the sister facilities are following the same order. Your better option is SATX MTF.

I work here serving veterans and it's a great feeling.

Been here with pain at a 10, no meds to at least calm since registration.

No wonder vets are constantly dying at the VA.

Houston DeBakey is no different!

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Houston, Texas @ in the second floor Chaplains:
Roman Catholic Mass is offered Monday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass is held at 10:00 a.m.

Great hospital with very good people ready to serve and help the veterans in need of health care.

The bad news about the VA medical care does not apply here. The care here rivals any regular hospital I've been in.

This VA has been the absolute worst to contact. I am not exaggerating when I say that EVERY TIME I call to make an appointment/inquiry I get transferred at least 6 times. Their third party answering services are completely unprofessional, rude and no answers to anything. It is so frustrating to deal with any of them. Extremely disappointing knowing that we need to go though a circus to get the help we need.

My brother attempted suicide by overdose/self medicating after being turned away by the VA hospital system. His neurologist and psych doctors that are treating him improperly by over medication refused to meet with him at the appointment set by the doctor. He sat in an er waiting for 6-7 hours and no one would talk to him. His doctor told him to come in and then no showed - no one else would see or talk to him. Disgusted by the mental health system and the US government right now. He is a 32 year old Army combat Veteran that served in Afghanistan.

Do you guy's know that you have a racist working for your company? Her name is Octavia Johnson and she works here as a clinical psychologist.

Went to VA complaining about pain in my shoulder which I still have and they made me an appointment to the Mental Health Clinic. I still have the pain 2 months later and because I complained they all have some code or something on my file. They always give me the run around. I may be moving to California and I'm thinking maybe this code will be permanently on my file. I wish I had regular insurance but with this pain I am unable to work. Oh by the way I still haven't seen a physician.

Veterans Hospital Michael E DeBakey I've been making delivery here for the last past two years every time I go there people are Pleasant very professional and get you unloaded as quick as possible and if you get a chance walking to the hospital kind of unique place they're always taking care of the veterans great job thank you