VAMC Northport, NY Review

I've been treated here for 17 year . Good Doctors, great care and wonderful staff

Just like any government run operation there is a lot of red tape and rules to get past. But staff on all levels are genuinely concerned about the patients and go above and beyond treating the veterans with the respect they deserve. If you watch the news you know the VA hospitals are in serious financial trouble due to poor management and corruption. Facilities and working staff need volunteers to help them keep up with demand. If you have 4 hours a week to give they can use your help. I'm in the process of volunteering now, I'm newly retired and looking for something to keep me busy during the winter months.

Clean n friendly ER. Veterans only so never crowded.

This place is ridiculous. Call to make an appointment because i have a giant lump on my wrist and instead they send my doctor a message to contact me... the guy on the phone was so disgustingly rude. Id rather die than deal with these people.
Went to visit my uncle up there on the 3rd floor a few months ago. He had to pee and had a broken femur and couldnt walk. Ask the nurse to get him a pee bowl since he cant get up to go to the bathroom and she has the audacity to roll her eyes.
If you dont like helping people DONT WORK IN HEALTHCARE.
I seriously have had 0 good experiences at this place and ive been going here since 2014.
Was in the hospital once on the 2nd floor, being there were only 2 females there, our room was directly in front of the nurses station. Mind you this is the psych ward so they are supposed to be watching what goes on around there. Tell me why i woke up to man in my bathroom?
Majority of the people who work there are useless and its no shock to me why we have 22 a day.
Its a damn shame how people who fought for this country are treated.

My husband & I both get excellent care here. From the respect the staff & Medical professionals extend to the actual care given. The valet parking is a life saver for those who can't walk far. For those who take busses , the busses leave at 10 so those patients are seen first. It's not a big hospital but it does it's service members proud. With a Thank you for your service never in short order. Northport VA -Thank you for your service.!

This is one of the best hospitals in the entire VA system. I had heard this but had nothing to compare it to and was fairly satisfied. I went to Montrose VA in Westchester and was apalled at the care I received while there, getting a hematoma just giving blood.

The Northport VA is THE VA to go to if you are a Veteran. It is true that the food isn't the best when an inpatient so if you are going to be have a family member bring you better food but the care is usually very good. Of course there are times when any VA isn't what it could be but overall this is an excellent hospital.

If I could give zero stars I would. These "doctors" are rude, unprofessional, and completely apathetic to their patients. I can't believe this is the kind of treatment they feel vets deserve. It's embarrassing and a waste of time trying to receive actual attention and care here.

For me, " It's the best Hospital I've experienced,!!! The doctors are very
interested in resolving all your medical problems, and some take extra
care to the fullest; to help you with your medical needs...
It takes me one hour to travel to NORTH VA Hospital I could go to
ST. ALB. VA HOSP 18 MIN AWAY ! but the service and are not the same!!!

do yourself a favor and use VA in NYC on 23rd st ***** stars. completely different culture, the employees will help without seeming to resent it, I have not been lied to, not been disrespected or passed from one employee to another.

Here is my analysis of the Northport VA Medical Center, based on my own personal experiences...

THE PROS:
1) The ER staff at the VA is always kind and, courteous, and professional (and oftentimes a bit entertaining!).
2) The typical wait time in the ER is significantly shorter at the VA than the typical wait time in the ER at most private hospitals. I have waited 3-4 hours for treatment in the ER at Good Sam and LIJ on numerous occasions, however, never have I ever had this issue at the VA.
3) The Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation counselors at the VA are caring and on point, and will go out of their way to help veterans find meaningful work with a respectable wage.
4) There is a decent library with Wi-Fi and internet access at the VA for those that need it. Did I also mention most of the VA campus has Wi-Fi?
5) The pool at the VA is heated and available to veterans for recreational swimming, need I say more?
6) Most doctors at the VA are much more laid back, friendly, and understanding than the private sector doctors I have previously encountered.
7) There are plenty of events going on at the VA on a regular basis to you well-informed and entertained (e.g. the "Veteran's Stand-Downs", and the Summer concert series every Wednesday, to name a few).
8) The VA host tons of activities on-campus that available to veterans on a daily basis, including: swimming, kayaking, archery, music lessons, and painting.

THE CONS:
1) The VA has yet to adapt and update its hours of operation in light of the fact that most of our nations OEF/OIF/OND cannot get treatment during the day due to work, school, or familial obligations. Nighttime and Saturday availability in key clinics could adequately address this issue going forward.
2) Why isn't a schedule for all of the VA's recreational programs (e.g. swimming, kayaking, archery, music lessons, and painting) posted to the VA website? Posting this schedule to the VA website is a no brainer if the VA wants the programs to have better attendance, it would also help to bring younger veterans into the fold at the VA which helps to ensure future funding when older veteran's begin to "age out".
3) Some of the buildings at the VA are old, outdated, and in disrepair. They should obtain funding to build brand new buildings and not waste any money trying to repair the existing buildings.

Very kind and professional staff. They work with other doctors outside and do what it takes to help me.

In 2018 we have systems STILL not communicating with each other.. Not only was I transferred 11 times to departments had nothing to do with my initial line of inquiry.. Finally I had a 3 way call with an Insurance provider and a VA rep.

Rep- "Yes, he is eligible for your veterans insurance program"
Provider-"Well we checked his eligibility with your systems and it says he is not"
Rep-"I have his file in front of me, He is eligible"
Provider-"That's not what our system says"
Rep-(To me) Well Sir It seems as though there is some sort of hick-up in the system but you are covered and eligible"
Provider-(to me) "Sir if you could get a letter from the VA with a verified eligibility status"
Rep-(To Me) We can send you a letter of verification.
Provider-(to me) You can then send that letter to us and we can enroll you in the program"
Me... .Face palm... "You are on the phone with each other right now. Why am I suffering because your systems aren't communicating with each other?"

Rep & Provider .. "Oh we are very sorry...." false sympathy and fake empathy ect...ect

Me-"I guess Ill just go fcuk myself then, thanks guys... "

EVERY TIME I DEAL WITH THESE FCUKING PEOPLE.... EVERY GOD DAMN TIME..

Never had an issue. My case manager is great, as well as Voc Rehab counselor. I will prefer that gastro doctors are not just there on Thursdays.

This dav transportation system is a nitemare i make appointments for 2 weeks out set up date for pickup no one shows up this is not the first time it has happened perfect example yesterday spoke to VA trans for appt on Oct 6thth verified also for the 19th and 20th of sept said i was in the system for the 19th to be picked up no one called no one showed up then couldn't find the 20th which i did 2 weeks ago so he put it in for the 20th which i am sure no one will show up again every time they dont show up they are in dangering vets and when you call them because no one showed up its basically sorry tough luck drivers determine who gets picked up and called i guess these drivers are qualified doctors who determines who lives and dies i realize that most are old retired vets who are volunteers but if they cant handle the job and the way some drive are dangerous they shouldn't be doing it need to find a better way and the dav tran phone network is a joke

I honestly had a great experience and made a lot of buddies there. Obviously, it's just a transition place, and one has got to realise that to fully appreciate the benefits. "Captain Ricky" & Debbie-social worker were my favorite pple! However All the desk crew, & I mean "all" (coz i reffuse to leave out anyone) made One Beacon House a place to call home while I was there-Hoorah!!!

I have been going to Northport VA for few years now, and this VA is exceptionally excellent!!!! The woman's clinic is excellent, great care and wonderful staff.

I wish negative stars was a rating. I was placed on hold for 45 minutes once I was put on the phone with BRANDON the call magically dropped I call back, and the number they put me through to, is disconnected I m currently on attempt 3 over an hour + to ask a simple question and this is not the first time I have been through this. If you are a veteran and are reading this just get private healthcare these people don t know their right from their left and it s extremely irritating. I d have less stress if I d paid the hospital out of pocket these people are ridiculous.

I use this VA facility frequently and have nothing but praise for everyone connected with this hospital. I have NEVER run into any VA employee who was anything but gracious and polite.

Plus, the Starbucks stand in the main lobby has the nicest people around and fantastic coffee.

This place is a nightmare. They do no appropriately follow up on their medical treatment. Recently he had a lump biopsied.He was given a follow up appointment for one week and then called as the VA had to cancel the appointment and offered him an appointment two weeks later. Luckily for us we have private insurance and he will see our private md. His primary MD at the VA does not return calls, does not contact him with test results and his staff is rude and incompetent.

I take care of my veteran relative and he is really sick. His lungs are filling with fluid. When this happened last year I took tohim to the ER. he would have died if I didnt. Now they are not taking him in when he is in the same condition. He can't even walk in a straight line and can hear his lungs filling with fluid Justthst he isn't breathing properly. doing blood work which doesn't clear his lungs. This is very unprofessional and uncaring of the VA doctors.

Services need to be updated for influx of veterans coming home from overseas. Existing facilities and buildings need upgrading. The professional and medical staffing need to acquire the medical knowledge to treat prolonged combat and chemical gas exposure from the middle eastern war on terror.

Been here 5 times to try and diagnose what issues I'm having, every time they get it wrong. Currently waiting on an appointment scheduled for 2:10pm and it's 3pm. Older Veteran just got up and asked why he's not seen after an hour and a half wait, gets told be patient you'll be seen when you get seen. Secretaries in Quad 2H working on 11/29 should be fired. They started insulting the man while sitting behind a desk. Male says I should just jump over this desk and continues to tell story about how he once got threatened by a veteran with a shotgun. Rude, uneducated, unprofessional, and most importantly can't get it right. You'd probably get treated better if you went to a 3rd world country. They want to perform surgeries to get the students from stony brook university through school. I got cleared from hernia but they told me to come in for pre surgery. I explained I was cleared of hernia but they insisted I go through with it. I have nothing better to do because I'm still sitting here waiting. They just started the 2pm appointments and are hopeful they'll be able to see the 2:10 appointments. 3:20 and keeping my fingers crossed.

I have been in many hospitals in the past 30 yrs and will put the VA on top everytime, Jean in cardio is 2nd to none

Its great its for my dad. I bring him their all the time. He likes and I like

Dont trust those va police they are corrupt they work when they want to they only help you if they want too

When I returned from my tour of duty in Iraq I started having my medical issues addressed at the Northport VA Center. I had a good experience there and the attention was given with dignity, respect and TLC. All my medical issues were taken care of with no hesitation. I am grateful to be treated at the Northport VA center. All military service men, women and vets are treated well there.
Thank you for your support.

I have been using Northport for several years.
Never a problem.
I moved to NC. 8 months ago.
I called Fayetteville VA 6 times to get a new primary care Dr. They never answered the phone at eligibility, only answer machine if that was on. Left messages every time. Never one call back. The worst ever.
So I called Durham an extra 45 miles further. After several calls I was told they will call me back. They did but had no appointments. All I wanted was to be assigned a primary doctor.
They sent me to Vets Choice I said fine. 30 days later the vets choice called and said had no Drs near me BS.
They then assigned me to a VA hospital 155 miles from my home.

Are they kidding?

I called Northport explained how its been 7 months trying to get a doctor. With no luck.
I told them we would be back in NY on certain dates and they gave me two appointments for the same day with different clinics.

Just kept calling Durham VA and finally got an appointment in
FEBRUARY
Northport VA people are the best!!

The VA heads should see what Northport does and demand the other hospitals do the same.

They treat me with a lot of respect... And I get great care..

I ve been going to this hospital since the 70 s . I have never been disappointed or disrespected. The staff, an I mean everyone is helpful and go out of their way to take care of the veterans . New systems are coming online and I feel the staff is dedicated to their particular task of updating the care they give. I just wish there was more parking !

I am a disabled veteran. The healthcare I receive here is beyond reproach. Are they perfect? Is there any human being besides Jesus Christ who is? No, but I believe they strive to be better and better every day. There is every reason to tell them how appreciated they are.

It's a veteran hospital. Everybody is treated very well there.

This place is HORRIBLE, I would give 0 stars if I could. On 2 occasions I've had to wait over 7 hours to be seen in the emergency room (one time 7 hours one time 8). Their equipment is also broken. I fractured my ribs in jiu-jitsu class and had difficulty breathing but they told me that my ribs were perfectly fine, I probably just tore a muscle. (I didn't know torn muscles made it difficult to breathe) I've also been x-rayed for a curve spine due to separation from service and they have said that my spine is normal, however when i went to a local chiropractor they have said that my spine is curved. This place is just a fraud to receive money from the government and does just enough to get by inspection. Many veterans have problems here but this is the only place they have. This VA should be under investigation with the amount of EEO complaints they receive as well.

I have been going to Northport VA for 13 years. I have always received my primary care from Dr. Dennis from Nassau County Medical Center. The treatment and other services that I have received have always been outstanding. Especially Dr. Dennis is Top Notch Doctor. Even though I have private insurance I see him 5 STARS! Northport is a long drive but the VA compensates you if you have an appointment in their system. Thank you Northport VA for 13 outstanding years!

Veterans get a lot of their medical needs met here at the VA . Most Doctors are done around 4:30 but the emergency room is open 24/7

It s been my experience, that VA medical center northport is the best!! Caring, concerned and respectful!! Dr.s Amy Scott and Ed Weissman are the best!!You be hard pressed to find better professionals! I ve recently moved TO Georgia, You would receive better care in Mexico vs VA healthcare in Georgia! In my opinion the VA at Northport is the John Hopkins of the VA healthcare system! 15 year patient of The VA northport!

This was the worst place to be a Vet. I had a hip replacement and had the worst Doctors. They screwed my hip up and for months I was in the worst pain ever and no help from the Doctors in the VA. I had to go outside the VA to a Dr in Community Care and they did a fabulous job fixing and redoing a new hip. Now I still in Community Care and paying out of my pocket for medication and has been 9 months and they owe me $1000 and more every 2 weeks and have only paid me $100 so far. This is not good care from a Veterans s Hospital. I contacted patient advocate and been promised the world and no call back or help from them. Terrible health care. I have been holding while writing this for 44 mins on the phone and no answer. This place has to do better!

I saw a very talented and efficient audiologist dr. Rachel Pokorney. She adjusted my new hearing aids. She did all the work, from initial diagnosis to the molds. I can hear clearly now. This is the latest and newest hearing aid. (Starkey ) after 2 or 3 minutes I don't know that I have them in my ears. Retail value about 5 to 7 thousand dollars. My out of pocket was zero. Thank you VA.
I can hear clearly now.

Every single time, doesn't matter what clinic it is, I sit for over an hour with an appointment. This place is an absolute disgrace.

Rude staff (including Dr. Mack the Chief of Medicine), long waits, terrible parking. Dissolve the VA and issue all disabled veterans a government credit card so we can choose our own provider at a convenient location. VA doctors don't even have to be board certified!

I've used the Northport VA for over 20 years. I've seen a giant change since the late 90's. The entire system has been revamped. Easily made appointments. Short wait to see your DR. Friendly staff seem to go out of their way to help you. A nice cafeteria (Cafe 200) to have a quick lunch. They can arrange transportation if you can't drive there. A VA Shuttle bus will pick you up at your home and return you there safely. Fill your scripts right there. A little wait but they are serving many vets. They will mail your scripts if you can't wait for them. You now can get free hearing aids if you need them. Like anywhere else, one or two vets might have a grudge against the VA but you can't please everyone, every time. Some vets will always complain about everything.. I think the Northport VA is valuable service for the Vets on Long Island. If you haven't sign up to use their facility, you're cheating yourself of a good service you've earned.

I love it there it saved my life thank you very much for your service I'll be indebted to you for life. David Murphy in camp Lejeune North Carolina love all you guys.

Wonderful place for the care of our veterans. The podiatry department is the best.

Provide good service excellence service with my experience being helped at nortport hospital for years iam proved to be a American of thanks God for help and the love from the service l prayer very day for all veterans to get help from there country USA

Everyone was very friendly and I was in and out way faster than any other hospital i've ever been to.

Waiting for ever. Fast is not an option here. Hours for general treatment are banker hours if that and not available or convenient for working Veterans

I see the negative reviews here, and I have no reason to doubt their veracity. I'm sorry for my brothers and sisters who have received less than stellar treatment and even worse attention. All I can say is that I've been there a few times now--trying to transition over from my wife's work insurance because she wants to retire very soon and to keep the family plan is costly, so if I use the VA she can hold onto a single coverage plan offered by her workplace, a large non-profit agency, in her retirement. So far, I have had nothing but the most pleasant and efficient treatment and consultation at Northport. I hope it improves for y'all, and I hope I never have to come back on here and amend this positive review.

Best care anywhere. My first visit to the Northport. VA was when I was on active duty, home on leave and needed care. That was in the mid 1980's. The entire staff that I came into contact with, couldn't be more accommodating. It is November 2016. I have continued to visit the Northport VA Medical Center to this day. I thank each and every member of the staff at the NORTHPORT VETERANS HOSPITAL. Mike Gerner, Northport, NY

this is terrible i need transportation and can never get anyone always 2 or 3rd on the phone ahead of me 10 min 20 min 30 min even waited 40 never got anyone missed three appt so far 2 of them pain management and have another with surgeon on 29th of this month and still cant get anyone what the heck is going on these last 3 weeks?

I have no complaints, everyone seems to be helpful and compassionate and knowledgeable.

The veterans are treated well, the facility is up to date. The health care is exceptional.

One stop shopping for my 90 year old dad. It's not easy to get a older infirm man to different appointments. The Northport VA makes it easy to see many professionals and have many tests done in the same day. God Bless the staff at the Northport VA.

A very helpful and human people here ready to help.

The worst place to work for. Terrible staff. Rude and disrespectful. I have family that served in the military and I am ashamed to have worked for the VA.

I have been a going there for years and never once did I have to complain about anything. The staff, Doctors and even the people from the outside are very kind and caring. They have came along way as far as making it better for us Veterans and continue on to upgrade the Hospital and outpatient services. Thank you. Va . Northport.

Takes forever for any kind of service. Took them 5 months to tell me my ankle was broken. Most of the staff was rude, and they keep loosing my papers. I get regularly disconnected when waiting on hold

One of the best VA's I've been to or visited. They are always very good to me.

The restaurant has no quality and everything is overly expensive. This contributes to the fact that the government and the administration prefer only out side contractors that only think of earnings and not the welfare of the employees or the veterans.
The hospital staff is very helpful and do all they can for the veterans whenever possible.