VA Long Beach Healthcare System Reviews

I relocated to a New State.
My entire file is 70% blank I was told when I went to transfer from Long Beach to Nevada. They need to get it together in California.

They have been very good for my dad for the past five years he's been there.

They try hard to do a good job. My care is alway good.

The most unaccountable and incapable facility I've ever been to. From lying to cover up the mistakes of fellow co-workers to no one ever knowing where anyone is or who to talk to for certain issues. I tried to reach out to find out why my rights were violated and how to go about fixing the mistake THEY made. Instead people like Melvin Berkley literally insinuate you're lying for genuinely trying to right their wrong. I had my healthcare turned off abruptly for no reason while Homeless by a VA Liaison at an offsite facility recommended BY this VA. When I tried to express the complexity of my situation, that I was not given a written notice or a 60 day process to appeal as is stated as any Veteran's right, he simply told me to go back to a VA in another state and deal with them.

Not the VA I'm registered at, not the VA I had already had appointments at. He tried to convince me that a VA who had no control over my situation at that point changed my status. Regardless of the fact that I told him of who did it. That the VA Liaison at US Vets at Cabrillo did it (HE LITERALLY TOLD ME HE WAS DOING IT, against my objections, because he thought potentially saving money was more important than getting help for being a Suicidal Vet) That this was a direct violation of my rights. I am in process of filing with the Office of the Inspector General.

I have been hospitalized, unable to work, and cannot get the help for issues CAUSED my by time in service. So now, I'm risking being back on the street because I can't work, or prove that I can't work because I can't see a doctor!

You wonder why 20 Vets kill themselves a day?

Because you don't provide them help, that's why.

I have always been treated very well at this hospital. Modern facility, trained staff.

I am a chronic relapsing drug addict. I went through hell and back.. burned every bridge laid out to me.. constantly struggling with my disease. I didn't know what to do. SATC saves lives every day. Teddy is one of the best counselors I've ever known and doesn't judge anyone. Dr. Restrepo is a great psychiatrist. Dr Lai is awesome. Dr. Katz is the man! Marta Perez has a registered ticket to heaven.. SATC saved my life and deserves the best of any reviews. Unsung heroes that are the best in support. Thanks Uncle Sam. The VA gives us vets the hope of a better tomorrow. One day at a time... HOAH!

I feel very very comfortable with my primary doctor

Just got back from the Emergency Room at Long Beach. It wasn't too busy, maybe 10 people waiting at 1am. Saw the intake person after about 15 minutes there. He was very helpful. Waited for over two hours while every person was seen who was before me, and then 5 more who came way after I did. The staff were indifferent when I asked how much longer it would be. Said they would check, but 30 minutes later no one got back to me. I asked again and they checked and said they didn't know how much more time it would take. I finally left without even seeing a Physician's Assistant, never mind a doctor. They still need to improve!

Took forever to get through and make a appointment and to find out they cancelled it without notifying me at all.. seriously!

Every clinic is good but the eye clinic sucks to all hell!!!!!!!!!!!! get your primary doc to send you to west
la

Equipped with the latest and best technology and the best medical personnel.

Truly a shinning star in Americas medical system. The hospital staff in the SCI clinic are excellent, competent and friendly. All my questions were answered fully in a warm and respectful manner. There maybe some substandard Veterans Medical facilities, but this is definitely one of the best medical facilities I've been to, private or otherwise.

Staff is helpful and friendly. Everytime I've been going i get treated with respect and in a timely manner. There are some improvements that could make things better, but so far so good

This is where I get my primary and emergency care at. They do a great job and I love the improvements I have seen in the last ten years.

I haven't had an issue with the hospital since I moved to Southern California in April of 2020. I have been there twice and have been helped each time. My three star review is more about response time to needed information regarding my CT scan. It was a hit and miss with getting to talk to somebody regarding my results, and finally they reached out to me, but at 1:40am, waking me up from my needed sleep, because I had to get up at 5am to start work. 1:40am,l I received a call from a nurse only to be told I had to call back Tuesday, after the Columbus Day holiday, to call the doctor for the results. No apology for waking me up, no asking if it was a good time to talk, nothing. Plus she had to ask me the COVID questions at the end. Goodness! LOL! Guys and gals, it's not that I minded or didn't mind, but 1:40am just to tell me I had to call back another day?

I visited Dr Rick today. He and his nurse Dina are always friendly and attentive, as is everyone who works here. This is the best medical care I have every received and I highly recommend VA Long Beach Healthcare to all Vets.

Has to be one the most unorganized system trying to service Veteran's heathcare. They are overwhelmed always backed up and not to mention the parking is horrible. I have been late to an appointment because it took 25 mins to find a parking spot.
Came in at 8am for a walk-in appt bcause I was in pain. 1030 I got seen. Referred to Xrays. Their wait was a minimum of 2.5 hours. Unbelieable that by 230p I still was waiting. It seems like I have to take a full day off from work just to be seen at the VA.
If this was not a service connected injury I could have just gone to urgent care on my own dime and been done in 3 hours at most. I would have not mind if this was a single incident but rather a reocurring story for when I try to get health care here. The Director or some agency needs to come in and show them how to streamline streamline their procdures/ wo r kload.. Efficiency is not a key role in trying to get patients seen and on their way home. If you walk around you will see the same faces for hours walking through the halls taking care of their diability/injury at diffrent sections in the hospital.
Word to wise, make the VA your only choice left to get health care unless you plan on wasting a full day at the hospital!

Not the service I expect a Veteran to receive. Doctor's giving the run around, canceling appointment, sending you to others who send you somewhere else.... when your foot is numb and now having others issues like a pinched nerve because they are not sending you to the right person, and giving you like 2 weeks to wait, only for that doctor to say you need to go somewhere else. I am very disappointed and feel helpless for my husband.

Staff are great and awesome when it comes to taking care of patients

Every visit to their E.R. has been met with friendly, skilled & knowledgeable staff. Everyone has always been warm & caring. They listen far better than ANY private practice Dr office. Not once did I ever feel rushed or like I was just a number. The only negative about the place is the parking. LoL But considering the size of the facility, it is well managed.

Local to veterans and their families. Clean and all services in one location.

My main complaint about this facility that every person on the line when I call always have an attitude, I wish they would be taught something about customer service. I wish they had a online chat service to avoid hearing their voices and save myself the aggravation of dealing with their attitudes over the phone.

What is the point of having a person pick up the phone lines before 8am if they cannot give you appointment details(location, dr etc)nor be able to access the appointment system?
Every person I spoke with at this hospital answered so rudely and we're not helpful at. would it kill you to put a smile on when you answer or sound a little less depressed?

I'm a veteran and I always hear horror stories about the VA. Just wanted to write a review on the long Beach VA and say how professional and awesome this hospital is. Every time I have been there I have been helped and any questions I have had have been answered. Great people work here that really care about the veterans and it is great to see.

I've been coming to the VA Hospital and Long Beach for about 10 years now. They have offered me nothing but the best medical care, and if not able to provide an appointment within a reasonable amount of time would be referred out to a non VA provider in Long Beach. I love the fact that they have many events for holidays and "just to have them" days ! Veterans and their families and friends can always enjoy delicious food snd entertainment, just to name a few things! There's always plenty to do for the kids also!

They have come a long way since I first started. Everyone is congenial and they do have problems but not bad enough to give them anything but 5 stars.

I did have to wait for about 2 hours at 2am with sever swollen throat. I was the only one in the waiting room but once they got me in the back I was out of there with meds and a shot within an hour.

Good staff of mostly vets. My brother has always been treated with courtesy and respect. Quality is top notch, even during ongoing construction.

Everyone is so helpful and kind here. I really feel like I'm getting better physically and mentally because of the Long Beach VA. Thank you all who work here you all always go above and beyond!

THE WORST hospital EVER, Dont waste your time especialy if its an emergency! I waited over 7 hours with broken arm.I had to seek help elsewhere. I'm a 100% sevice injury connected veteran, they treat you with distain. I will be happy if they bulldoze this worthless place, I wonder how many brave veterans have died WAITING

The care isn't that bad if you can get in. I called to schedule an appointment and was told that the next availability for my doctor was 3 1/2 months away but they could not schedule the appointment because the system only allows appointments to be scheduled up to three months in advance. I was told to call back later to schedule. call back a month later and given the same response. It's been over a year since I have seen my doctor...

I had the honor of serving my internship at VAMC Long Beach. Fine staff, dedicated professionals.

someone in patient business center was extremely rude because he couldn't hear me very well dude to a bad connection and it makes me not want to call back!

Long Beach has been fantastic in getting me back on my feet after my spinal injury last year. I highly recommend this facility to any veterans needing spinal cord treatment.

Staff, Nurses and Doctors have always been nice and professional to me. I've had major heart surgery (quadruple bypass)(started in LB and then transferred to W LA VA) and pacemaker surgery and recovery with such remarkable care that words couldn't express my gratitude.

The Veterans who fought for freedom and The Bill of Rights have been discraced. The public relations officer Richard Beam has violated the rights of two public citizens legally filming in a public lobby. They were quietly filming for 25 minutes. When He and the Police showed up and after some back and forth arrested them for disturbance. One that he had caused by interrupting their 1st Amendment right to film unhindered. The two citizens were hurt during the arrest, then denied heath care IN A HOSPITAL. I would say watch the mail for various deposition paperwork. Richard Beam is incompetent and should definitely be fired as he is about to cost our Veterans money that would be much better spent on heathcare

Haven't had any problems with VA so far but just one incident where I called in the people that take pictures in order to get your Vet health identication card and called to see what time they closed and was told they closed at 4 so I leave work early and make the drive only to arrive and the guy is gone by 330 and the man up front with the glasses...didn't get his name but has a I don't give a F attitude and don't care next kind of guy but other then that love the VA so far

Since 93 drs berman and house and staff has always watched over me with great love and respect. I have lived in many places under the vets healthcare. Here I am again living in Cali. Looking forward to seeing my old friends for care. I am very lucky and thankful.

I m good with it. It s great. I ve been to some really bad VA facilities. Long Beach is one of the best in US

My brother had throat cancer in 2012. They surgery to remove his larnyx was performed by Dr Ge in June of 2012. His care in ICU before and after his surgery was stellar. The doctors, the nurses and anyone we came in contact with was professional friendly and knew their job. His follow up care in the last two years has been the same great care. He had to learn how to swallow again, how to eat, how to speak and this was all done in speech therapy. They sent nurses and caregivers out to the house to check on him, install handles in his shower so he could feel safe. I've never expected the kind of care he received from any medical facility. I find it odd when I hear of people that dislike the VA as our experience there was nothing short of exceptional. Because of the nature of his surgery they still see him about 4 times a month and are just as nice and make sure that he is always ok as he can be now.

I have been going to some clinics for this past year for a work related
Injuries they are a joke compared to the VA. The VA may not be perfect but they are 100% better than most clinics I have been to .Because of the VA I'm still alive !!!

The Dr's and Nurse's are the friendlest and most knowledgeable of any I've encountered anywhere.

Hi morning all your stories I found all your new stories well Kansas works at the clarity office in Nevada nose and Wells she works in the volunteers America in your office she makes letter she changes ideas and names I'm done it's closed its Federal shutdown eyemed the ice California to buy my money and supposed to get for my direct express funding for this month I haven't got it they're making out on a Visa with the middle initial so you're closing to buy thank you so much bye for now

Thank you VA Long Beach for saving my life. Staff is friendly and very accomadating. Therapy has been super. Proud to be an American Veteran at Long Beach.

Everyone was very friendly. Didn't have to wait long for doctors appt or blood work.

Sgt Barnes have me a ticket for a suspended, It's because of him I spent 90 days in federal prison, talking about V.A. police finest officer, I'm 100% disabled, I didn't deserve that.

SHUT IT DOWN! I can promise you that most veterans would rather have this place shut down and have to go to a regular hospital instead. This Hospital has no Hospitality, 95% of the employees just want to come to work, try to get away with doing minimal work and go home as soon as possible. The employees that aren t veterans have no clue how thin that line is between us keeping it together and us smashing you face in. DO BETTER!!!

Mostly patience is required for finding assistance at our Veterans Hospital. Over 30 years of use I would recommend this facility and primary caregivers a solid 8 plus.

This is the best VA I have ever been to in America!

We have gone to the West LA VA for yrs after my husband left the army, with only a feeling of nothing getting done and nothing moving forward. Went to the VA Long Beach and BAM! The ball started rolling and my husbands veteran needs finally were met and accomplished. A huge difference, the staff are friendlier and are so willing to help you with anything you need. Maybe its the ocean are but wow what a difference. I love you Long Beach VA!

poor hospitality by looking at the youtube video just a bunch of tyrants especially from the pio

Don't come to the ER they are severely understaffed you can expect to wait for hours and hours before being seen and that's giving them an 8-10 on a pain scale. I feel sorry for those that have this as their only option for medical treatment. This is awful. Once you're seen 50% staff is great, the other 50% might need some additional customer service, empathy, professional training.

As a 7 year veteran I chose The VA Long Beach Hospital because of it's modernized architechtual design with the latest technological advantages.

I am a patient at this hospital. Much better than other VA hospitals. I get better service here and they are always upgrading. Never any parking though, unless you get there before 8am.

Going back as far as 2007, when the lines were long, service wasn't bad, but hard to come by, then after being put on the spot light because everybody was getting back it started to get better. The solution they came up with was the Patriot Act. Op out on seeing a doctor at the V.A. Hospital and cut your drive time. The back seat idea was it would cut the waiting time for the ones that remained. The problems that the Act created and exsiting grow was the money spent on the Act should of went to the V.A. because that was the problem. We are now seeing and will continue to see cut backs in all areas of the V.A. healthcare system because lack of funds, a shrinking budget and growing patients. A growing Hep C epedimic when it costs $60,000 to treat and a no serve policy until the exsoldier shows signs of liver failure is a prime exaple. They should of asked the veteran before the polititions spent the money. Im not one to want more laws and rules but think we veteran should create a law that says next time ask us first.
U.S.ARMY VET JEFF HAIRABEDIAN

Took my father for eye exam. No issues with the place or Dr. Went smoothly as hoped. Just always crowded..

Since my husband has been there he is showing some improvement. !!!

I work here as a nurse. One of the best and most professional places I have ever worked at

Had the pleasure of being admitted to the ED. Was placed on a bed sitting in the hallway to find a dribble of blood next to my face.. not my blood.
Then I tried calling for some follow up services to have people hang up on me before I could even get a word in. Took about four times to actually get to talk to someone.. and to be called dumb because I asked for the Registration office building number? Wow.. so the VA employees treat their Veterans as such was pretty neat. I'm pretty dang thankful to have my own alternate means of health insurance and not have to rely on the VA for my immediate medical needs.

Good staff of mostly vets. My brother has always been treated with courtesy and respect. Quality is top notch, even during ongoing construction

My dear brother (James Feuer) was admitted there several weeks ago. He passed away Jan.17th. I want everyone to know that the staff there was absolutely wonderful to him (and to us). I thank God for each and every one of them.

US NAVY and US Anderson.No me.William Robert Torres Anderson.us Navy See All.

it's been, generally, a good experience. When I had kidney Stones everything went well. When I had a major motorcycle accident, the treatment for my wrist might have been better [maybe] but it's hard to fix crushed bones. BUT ... then my long term doctor retired & I was sent to a Transition clinic. Last year I couldn't even get a simple work note for a partial tear of shoulder tendon & a diagnosed neck issue.
... but the specialty clinics have been good lately & I'm getting accurate info for treatment.
so ... {4}stars since I can't give 3.5 ...

Emergency is top notch but it's always very busy. Great care. I've been going there for many years

While it can be maddeningly slow to get to see a specialist, the staff is very competent and their customer service is LIGHT YEARS ahead of where it was 20 years ago.

They ve saved my father several times over with their skills and technology. Super nice staff in most cases, everyone has an off day but they ve always been top notch.

Best example of Socialized Medicine being successful!

I've been going here since Feb 2017, and I must say that it has been an awesome experience. I love my doctors they all are genuinely concerned, and respond to my needs expeditiously. There is no excessive wait times for my appointments. They get me in and out. Love the free valet parking, and the free bag lunches. Wish every VA was like this one.

I have been an outpatient here for 19 years. I worked as a medical specialist during my service. This hospital has a great staff and provide fantastic care.

Excellent service. The building names and numbers can be confusing but every employee (even doctors) I have asked for help in direction has done an excellent job helping us find our way around. Our family really appreciates the care and attention and friendliness of ALL staff.

The medical service has just begun for us so I cannot comment on how that is but I am really impressed by everything so far I felt they deserved a positive review for that.

I am grateful to have the care provided on the medical side. I would recommend going elsewhere for anything psych related though. They will ruin your life. They mis-diagnosed me, put me on the wrong meds, and told me lies causing the loss of my career, family, and retirement savings. Indeed, they almost killed me, and left me pretty much wishing they had.

They don't pick up the phone in the travel office- can't reach an advocate, they are either on vacation or out of the office and don't return calls. Same VA bullshit always.

I called this location for some questions about my medications and Mr. Joey answered the phone and was by far the most helpful individual i ever had the pleasure to speak with. For that thank you.

After several years of basic services, this site has improved drastically. Thank you all who has made this possible

I ll give you that as VA hospitals go this is one of the better ones but to get the health care that the VA System is advertising you as a Veteran MUST be a proactive patient. I now see all the doctors I need and what s even better is I can walk the halls of the hospital and the nurses/techs stop me to make sure I m feeling okay. I LOVE MY VA MEDICAL CENTER

I wish to thank some healthcare providers that took care of me at Long Beach VA. I was admitted Mon. November 25th. The emergency people were extraordinary. The 10th floor Ward South were remarkable professionals with heart. Dr. Elsbeth C. Lo was my physician who worked with a team
that was led by Dr. Junejan, also Dr. Calvin Lui, also Elliott Dorson, and 3rd year medical students
Chirag Desat and Armen Bedrosian. And the ward personnel, Mary Jean Henderson,Dionesha,
Christiana, Special Forces Lt. Danny LVN,Novetta Gatewood, Sean Ashby,Scong Lee, Heather
Deroko, Marjorie Mandisha, Valerie Cullors,Grenemar Balicita. If I have missed anyone on the 10th floor South I apologize. Also if I have mis-spelt any names I apologize. I wish to thank them all and Long Beach VA healthcare system for their healing loving support of this veteran. Yours very respectfully Stewart Wavell-Smith

I'm a retiring Marine Corps senior officer (prior enlisted) with 28 years of service. Just had my first experience with the Veterans Affairs Department in Long Beach and, unfortunately, it was not a positive one. After waiting nearly two hours to get a simple photo for an ID, I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Malbrough, the gentleman 'in charge' of the camera. Attitude was extremely unpleasant and acted as if he was doing you a favor by taking your picture. That's not the best part though... Robert, while in the process of inputting my information in his computer, took a photo via a remote digital camera without the simple courtesy of giving me notice. My head was turned sideways and was mid-sentence when it was taken. I was surprised and asked Robert if he could retake the photo. Robert flatly said "No, I'm not going to do that" as if he were talking to a five year-old. It's a tight job market out there and, no doubt, there are many far better people to hire in place of Robert Malbrough. I don't simply place the blame on Robert though; also culpable are the human resources personnel that hired him, as well as the individual that decided it was a good idea to put Robert in a customer service position.

This is a first impression following my initial visit today. Welcome any feedback from other veterans. Is this the norm or an isolated incident?... The other staff I interacted with (other than Robert Malbrough) seemed friendly.

I've been going here since 2003. The staff are all great. I don't know what I'd do without my VA!

I love this place! All the staff are super friendly and the vets are some funny people! Anybody will go out of their way to help you. Thank you VA Long Beach!

Today I went to the Long Beach Veterans Hospital to register for Veterans benefits/healthcare. I was pleasantly surprised by the service i received.
Registering with Mr. Tim Gilbert who was a very competent and extremely pleasant with a great attitude. He directed me to Grace .. she was very professional and pleasant to complete my registration. All done in about 1 hour.

Awesome, to Volunteer great place friendly atmosphere