West Palm Beach - VA Medical Center Review

No matter how long you have to wait, they TREAT Vets, period! Yes getting appts is sometimes hard, but they still treat Vets!

Building looks nice but they treat veterans terribly. Went with family member to emergency room. They didn't give any medicine in at, took some x rays and sent him home. He's been having chest pains on right side and they said they would send medicine. They didn't do anything. They don't care. That place needs doctors who actually care about veterans.

Worst va pharmacy ever. Gov. Rick scott helped me and is working on the pharmacy employees stealing meds from veterans.

Horrible hospital! They caused the death of my father through pure negligence

I believe its one the few places...that veterans feel at home.!!

I'm sorry, but I can't believe this has 4 stars. I'm leaving a 1 star review to bring it down a bit. To start, I contracted a bacterial infection from the water fountain. Two, I was allowed to drive home after having my eyes dilated and almost got in a car accident. Three, I was allowed to drive home after having a knee procedure. Four, I witnessed an older Veteran get beaten in the face with a baton by the VA police and a young girl get pulled out of a chair and dragged on the ground by VA police while waiting for her appointment. Five, the Pharmacy refused to fill a post-surgery prescription from the Veterans Choice Program, which led to a serious sinus infection and now I have to have surgery again as a result. Six, the pharmacy has filled prescriptions with the wrong drugs several times (I have a complaint filed with the FDA).
Finally, I saw a veteran go into cardiac arrest while waiting at the ER. I believe he died. It's not surprising 15 people were arrested there last month!

A lot of the staff are rude and ignore the Vets, lots of staff standing around talking,, while we stand on line (in pain) and wait to be checked in. Just now, I called for information in the Optometry clinic and the male agent was quite rude,, I even asked him to stop being rude,,, not helpful,,,,,
I could go on and on,, just a tip for your Vets that might be given a hard time,, for care, etc.. call your Congressman,, they will help you. In fact they were all in the lobby one day a week,,,, of course the VA made them leave so the Vets could not have quick access. Call your Congressmen or Congresswoman and they will help. My family did not believe what a Vet goes through at the VA,, until my sister accompanied me,, and she is in shock the way I was addressed, spoken to, etc,,, Shame on the Palm Beach VA! (system)--other VA's are outstanding that I have been to,

WOW!!! Exceptional service by every single employee. We interacted with at least 15 employees from different departments during the 3 hours or so that we were there and every single one of them had an outstanding attitude and a willingness to help right away. They all made the experience so pleasant, as you know going into a medical facility is not always what you may want to do. Everyone was so efficient and professional. Kudos to everyone who works there and keep up the great work.

My husband has had numerous appointments & all they do is cancel & reschedule. Apparently with the Covic 19 other areas are not urgent and pushed aside. When is the right time to schedule ??? It will never be the right time!!! Your reviews maybe for that moment were correct let's see if they feel the same after you schedule & cancel the elective surgery over 5 times!!! It is a disgrace & short staffed with some paying the price for rudeness. I never thought people were treated like they did not count!!! IT SEEMS SO HERE!!! IF YOU CAN'T SEE THEM OUTSOURCE TO ANOTHER DOCTOR THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO IF YOU CAN'T SEE PATIENTS. I DON'T SEE THIS HERE..

Like all veterans hospitals under staffed and broke

Excellent facility, on all my visits I received excellent and courteous treatment.

The gift shop at the Veterans Hospital does not take military discount how ironic is that I mean come on you fight for your country but you still can't get military vet discount.

There is upside being that they do not tax you I guess federal Offices like this is tax-exempt I don't know that's pretty cool.

And the mask sign is pretty hilarious.
The blonde chick is pretty she told me when I wasn't wearing a past you can't come in here like that instead of telling me to just put on a mask which her male counterpart did respectfully.

save my live and I appreciate everything they've done

Beyond fabulous care. Took my husband in for head pain caused from a recent car accident. Upon first impression, I was extremely happy with the cleanliness of the entire grounds and interior of the hospital and emergency room. The parking was spacious and very accessible. The staff was very helpful, caring, and kind. The entire emergency room visit went so swiftly and smoothly. They were beyond thourough with the treatment my husband needed and recieved. He had everything he could need and the staff was quick to provide so. This hospital truly treats vets with the upmost respect they deserve! Thanks for making my husband's visit comfortable and pleasant. I couldn't be happier. We left pleased. I couldn't wait to write a fantastic review! I highly reccomend this hospital.

Great staff. Very caring and the best primary care and specialty clinics. Staff and support show great professionalism.

Lindsey Occhippiti speech and language therapist provided unsatisfactory patient care.

Terrible. My primary care expects me to wait six months for my follow up when I have severe hip and back pain which he has yet to figure out what is wrong with me after about a year of treatment!! I finally find out what s wrong with me from my neurologist no thanks to my primary care!! And guess what he conveniently isn t at the office when I show up for my appointment and expects me to wait another week to see him. I m sick of the time it takes these doctors to diagnose and treat their patients. It s simply unreasonable. Your not the one struggling to make a living due to a Disabilityt the va doesn t seem to give a darn about fixing !

Extremely friendly employees work at this VA. Not a bad thing to say about the entire hospital. My VA for life!!

I swear that the reviews are solicited from people who work there.
The facility has not been upgraded in 20 years.
There are very good people working at this facility and there are terrible people who should have been fired.

Cardiology dept is phenomenal, as well as ICU staff
Urology dept is horrendous, and advise going outside VA for any urological issues.
Pre-op is a disgusting place, and you can lie in a horse stall in your bed for up to three to four hours. As for myself, I left after 3.2 hours, as the head urologist lied to me, and told me that the operating room was taken over for an emergency, when in fact the same doctor states in his notes on HealtheVet that radiology was understaffed, equipment was not available for surgery...lies, lies and more lies.
Certain Department treat a veteran with respect, but short term care staff treats you as the enemy, and will ridicule you, badger you, and read you the riot act.
Urologist states in person that I have a 15 mm kidney stone, yet two CT scans by radiologists state that the stone is 3 mm, and the second a 4 mm stone. And we should trust this doctor?
Try getting a doctor outside VA through Choice program, now run by Health Net, a private third party insurance company. In my case Choice could not find a urologist anywhere in my community, and Choice searched forty urologists within 40 miles from my home. Even doctors who had previously accepted the program, now, reject it, because the Choice requirements are too stringent, and many, many doctors are not getting paid. This program was instituted when Gen Shensecci resigned, you know for the secret list that is still going on.
Director of VA Medical Center is the typical bureaucrat, who CYA herself until her retirement in two months.
So, I guess most of the reviewers have not been to the VA Medical Center in recent time, and I wish you well trying to find the correct doctor, who truly cares about veterans, and there are some, especially the nurses, but God help you if you do not do your homework, and research their history, education, residency, experience.

Back in 2015, I had surgery for an aneurysm within my abdomen, and successfully had a stent placed within my Aorta. Great surgeon and nurses. Yet while in ICU, I was bleeding from a catherter, and on my own went outside the VA for a private urologist, after my soon departing GP notified urology as to a CT scan as being urgent, yet neither the GP or urology notified me. It took a GP nurse in cardiology to notice a cancerous mass within my bladder, and she took it upon herself to pick up the phone to tell me the bad news.
I never received the letter from my GP, or was contacted by Urology.
I immediately went to my private urologist for emergency surgery. I had a congressional investigation, and the Director CYA herself, in stating that radiology would not have notified me, because I stated this in my letter to my congressman, yet she never, ever took any responsibility for the GP not notifying me, or the urology dept.

Good Luck Veterans!

Very GREAT Physicians with care of Veterans their priority!

Some staff are professional and polite. Others will not give you the time of day even if you are waiting directly in front of them. It's not that they are busy at the time; but they are too occupied chit-chatting with co-workers.

WPB VAMC could learn a few things about respecting veterans from the Asheville, NC VAMC. Everyone there thanks the vet for their service, they do not ignore the vet like some at the WPB VAMC. Supervisors need to tighten up standards for customer service.

The professionals and service at this facility is impeccable and of the highest standards.

If you are a Veteran this is the place, one stop care. Please support our veterans.

Very efficient and friendly staff. Doctors are very thorough.

Like most V.A Hospitals. Political correctness is the SOP. I can never understand how a U.S Government Agency can prohibit 2nd Amendment Rights. Especially on Military Veterans who should be required to be Armed in the first place. Hello! V.A, Obama and Ash Carter. Do you not know we are at War? Fracking Stupid! You protect no one and only help the Jihads.

Also have to wait 4 hours sitting with a Sinus Congestion headache feeling as though my head is in a vise.

I was intimidated today going to the VA for the first time for my WWII vet father. I wanted to know what benefits he is entitled to and how do I apply since he is 101 and now living with me. Latasha Brown, Claims Examiner in bldg. 10 was not only professional and courteous, she told me about benefits my dad is entitled to, filled in forms and told me exactly what to do. The world needs more employees like her. My career was a HR director. I'd hire her in a minute.

Excellent Med Facility...Thank you for saving my life.

Frank Campbell U.S.C.G

I literally hate this place with entirety whole being, the VA makes EVERYTHING difficult.... EVERYTHING....I would literally rather kill myself than be subjected to the torture that is the VA medical center...im upset that I have tk give you 1 star, you damn sure dont deserve it.

My home VA Medical Center. Much nicer than the Miami VA.

The ER staff did a terrible job with my care. I was sent to the ER to rcv a transfusion thru my port catheter. It took 5 people, with at least two sticks each, before they finally gave up and just started an IV in my R wrist. I heard lots of excuses. They need some serious training.

My first experience with a VA facility, and I have to give it 5 stars plus.....especially over any civilian facility. They were organized, prompt, and very professional. I am sorry to read about other experiences, but so far I have not had any bad ones. I am not from the WPB area, and I have a feeling I will be judging other VA facilities by the performance of this one.

The VA is a horrible organization providing below average service for above average people.

I am grateful for the VA, I receive great medical care there.

The people or officials at this VA Hospital that took down pictures of Trump are TRAITORS!!!!! THEY DO NOT SERVE VETERANS WHO SWORE AN OATH TO SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THOSE WHO PERP'D THE ACT ARE ENEMIES OF THE STATE! *******VETERANS, IF YOU GO TO THIS VA HOSPITAL, GO TO YOUR PATIENT REP AND COMPLAIN!******* SEND EMAIL TO THE JERKS WHO TOOK DOWN THE PHOTO PLACED BY VETERANS. IF I WAS A PATIENT THERE, THE VA POLICE WOULD BE CALLED. PLEASE BE AWARE THERE MAY BE INFILTRATORS IN THAT GROUP TOO. THE VA HOSPITAL WHERE I GO, THE VA POLICE ARE ALREADY HARASSING VETS!

I have been going there for close to 10 years & love it. Doctors, staff, volunteers, services all great! One stop shopping - everything right there! Thanks VA Hospital!

Anti American establishment. Do you see hospitals removing pictures little Children have drawn? The President of the United States is our Commander, He deserves respect, so do the veterans who hung the photos. I suggest you work to remedy this problem before someone goes through all your information exposing your corrupt agenda.

Friendly helpful staff. Haven t been here in years, but I haven t had a bad experience here, yet. It s nice to be able to come in and sit down a minute to get your bearings, so many other VA Medical Centers are still in lock down so tight that you feel like a convict being lead around on a leash.

ON JUNE 10 2019. MY HUSBAND HAD A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST DOCTOR'S IN THE V.A.MEDICAL CENTER IN VERO BEACH. EXCELLENT, PROFESSIONAL, ATTENTIVE TO HIS PATIENTS.IF I COULD RECOMMEND HIM FOR A HONOR AWARD PLAQUE, I WOULD. THANK YOU DOCTOR NULL FOR YOUR EXCELLENT AND YOUR PROFESSIONALISM AS A DOCTOR AND AS A HUMAN BEEN. AND FOR AN EXCELLENT JOB.
IN THERAPY WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED, CARRINGTON IBLE. AN EXTRAORDINARY, PROFESSIONAL,ATTENTIVE, KNOWS HIS JOB, GREAT THERAPIST, DOES AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB AND MORE FOR HIS CLIENTS. THEY SHOULD MAKE AWARDS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST JUST LIKE SLIM, THERE SHOULD BE MORE THERAPIST LIKE HIM. THEY SHOULD AWARD HIM AND RAISE OF SALARY AND GIVE HIM A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR AND EXCEPTIONAL JOB .AS THE BEST THERAPIST THE V.A. VETERAN HOSPITAL IN VERO BEACH HAS. GOD BLESS YOU SLIM AND DOCTOR NULL.

the staff here was excellent...professional and provide an excellent customer service.

Despite any negativity you may hear on the news you have to hear the truth. I am a 100% disabled veteran. I have gone to the VA Hospital on Military Trail since it opened. Trust me when I tell you that not ever have I had an issue with anyone or any service there. I had cancer and they saw me through it. Thankyou Oncology for saving me. I had my right leg operated on. Thankyou Vascular department. Thanks to the Urology department for keeping me alive. Mental Health issues and counselling services are dealt with professionally and with great care. I can name all of the great doctors and personnel that work there but they are the silent heroes. If you are frustrated or have any issue with medical care at this VA Hospital just ask and you will be helped. The administration is always there to help too. Sometimes there are people that can't be helped because they are too bitter and self destructive. Go there to see how well this hospital is run. If you're still not happy then let me know.

Called to schedule an appointment on7/08/14 and was transferred to the triage nurse who said that he would give my message to the nurse on duty... it is now 7/11/14 and I am still waiting on that call back. This is the second time this has happened to me... this is possibly the worst system EVER to make appointments. The first time my eye was swollen shut, flaky and red and the triage nurse said sounds like pink eye (I've had pink eye and that it wasn't) my mom took me to her doctor where I paid out of pocket for the visit and script because I had eczema and a infection in my eye. Oh and the triage nurse called me back about that issue 3 days later. Such a shame that veterans CAN NOT get the appointments and help we need.

Have always had a good experience's at the VA, with all doctor's and other personal. You have a great cafeteria and other outlets, for food.

This is the very best, had to go to bay pines once it was very unfriendly, thank goodness I was able to stay in wpb. I live in polk county but it's worth the drive, I have a doctor that's 2nd to none she is on point on every part

I don't go to doctors very often thank goodness I'm pretty healthy. But the few times I have been to the West Palm Beach VA hospital it has always been a very good experience. Today was one of those days. I have a hearing problem. So today I went in to the audio and hearing aid office for a hearing test so they could up grade my hearing aids. I did not have an appointment but the lady at the desk said they would worked me in as a walk in with a smile on her face. My next contact was with Dr Deas who did the hearing test. Dr Deas spent time with me advising me on my hearing loss and what may help me hear better and understanding people . I told her I have a very hard time understanding programs on TV so she suggested I get a device that helps boost the sound though my hearing aids and she ordered that device along with my new hearing aids that will help my hearing problem. Thank you Dr Deas for being there and helping me and being so nice.

Michael Peters

The Parking accessibility is not the best. Service is normal Good not Great.. Follow up and the choice program is unorganized, as a patient you will have to due your due diligence.

It is a great place for vet's to get medical treatments

I'm impressed with the facility and staff... So far. Could be a FRAGO in the future but I hope for the best

Always respectful service and Doctors are very through
Very impressed with the hospital, staff, and level of care

Best darn VA this side of the Mississippi river. Thank you President Trump!

Dont go to va if you dont have to they never really helped my father with the right care at all dealing with the er was a nitemare they sent my father home and they shouldn't have avoid if you can

Pretty disgusting when a government facility refuses to hang the picture of our lawfully and constitutionally elected president because "he's not OUR President" This is unacceptable and it's time for administrators at this facility to start tendering their resignations.

So far not so good. My husband who has 100% VA compendated disability, + I are OUTSIDE the ER door filling out paperwork + waiting for bureaucracy to enter info in computer. Since we are visiting FL + this VA is not our regular hospital, we had to apply for VA benefits. He has a VA insurance card. It takes an extra 30 minutes for the red tape. NOW we wait for the ER to call him in. We would have been better off taking an ambulance to the local hospital + let them hash it out with the VA over payment.
They brought him in + would not let me go with him. I am his health care provider + his legal health power of attorney. If they ask him questions about his medicine + his conditions, he will not be able to answer with accuracy.
The service inside the ER was excellent - nurse + doctor, very professional + listened. The pharmacy took its sweet time to get the medicine to him.

My job has me moving around a lot, so I have had experience in the VA facilities in several states. My first time in the facility, I was looking for an argument. My experience is that the staff has no care for the Veteran. Not here. Nothing less than professional and courteous from the receptionist to the nurses to the physicians.
Dr. King was caring and concerned about not only my physical well being, but mental also. The nurse was very nice and all staff courteous. Out of all 7 facilities that I have been to, this is the best.
The VA organization should look at this facility as one to follow and mimic. Excellent care and professionalism.

They have helped me in ways that are worth praise. The staff have shown me their tha nks for my service

Do to the number of patients being seen at the facility may take a little longer than normal to get an appointment.

ER is open 24hrs a day.

Doctors and Staff are the best. Treated me with respect and not only cared for my little concerns, but I credit them with saving my life at least twice.
Do not go to Emergency though.... let me wait in PAIN for a procedure that took less than 3 minutes...

A short time ago I thought the va was a well oiled machine, then the va scandal hit. Things seamed to change there or maybe I payed more attention to there imperfections. A years wait for a dermatologist appointment or yearly physicals lasting 5 minutes with your primary Doctor. May be my fault for not being more proactive. This past week I had a sciatic issue. No open appointments with primary had to go thru the er. Today same issue same results. Go thru er and have to see a float Doctor. Both times doctors were wonderful. Wish when you had an immediate issue you could be fit in with your primary Doctor. I'm very thankful I/we have the va though sometimes it could be a little frustrating

Well, if you're familiar with the VA system then you're no stranger to waiting in line and being frustrated, however the staff at this VA are kind and courteous. They just have a very heavy case load, too many deadlines and bosses, and not enough time to handle everything. You will need patience when navigating these halls, but the nicer you are, and if you follow up often so that they don't forget about you, you might be okay. I have to say tho the more I go here the worse off I am....each time. This, like most things run by governmental systems, is a big expensive waste of resources and personnel. No accountability, no structure.....veterans just wait in line to eventually die here.

My experience with a colonoscopy at this hospital was much better than the private hospital that did one 10 years before. Staff was friendly, courteous and efficient. Wait time was minimal. Special salute to Dr. Kim for his service and the well deserved recognition finally awarded to him.

Chris The nurse practitioner I saw in the ER today so nice Explain everything, and the nurse I didn t get his name he also was fantastic

I have had the best experience one could have considering the situation of having to go to a doctor. Been in MRI tubes for 4 1/2 hrs, had prostate cancer and major back surgery, had my sinuses rotorooted, givin $5000.00 hearing aids, best doctors around, talented and caring. The nursing staff is the best, I only have one Doctor that makes you wait longer than i should have (no names) to . I hope all the complainers leaving 1 & 2 stars goes to the outside doctors and stays there. Thank you VA.... My only suggestion to the VA is to condider dental implants are not cosmetic but a health issue. It's hard to be healthy with no teeth.

The providers and staff are efficient and professional.

I can t even begin to describe what a horrible organization the VA has become over the past few years. There were some improvements around 2010-2012 but it has been a rapid decline ever since. The WPB location is the epitome of everything that is wrong with the VA. I have a meeting scheduled with my Congressional Representative in November about the poor quality of care.

Because it is free for qualifying veterans, you get what you get. Take a seat, and wait. Get appointments scheduled for you without your input on when they are. Wait for the surprise schedule notifications sent to your house. Get chastised for missing an appointment that you never scheduled, like the Vet should be at the call and convinance of the VA.

I think they are doing the best they can with what they have to work with.

EDDIE O!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE VA I HAVE EVER RECEIVED! AFTER MULTIPUL TRANSFERS AND MANY DEAD ENDS. EDDY JUST TOOK IT UPON HIMSELF TO INSTEAD OF TRANSFERING ME AGAIN, HELPING ME IN FAXING OVER A MUTUAL PATIENTS MRI ORDER. VERY COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR OUR VETS!! VERY GREATFUL FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU EDDIE!!! THANK YOU.

Terrible they refuse my father treatment when he went to the ER he is a veteran

I have been a patient of VAMC since 2001. I have always been treated well and with great respect by the Doctors and staff. The Doctors are excellent. I have had 6 surgical procedures here and 2 others authorized for private physicians having specialties not present at VAMC. My experience for everything has been terrific. I recommend this
VA facility very strongly. Captain USMC(R) ret, Naval Aviator.

Almost everything medical in on place and V.A. Services.

Terrible. I don t know where they find these people, they don t know what they are doing! Never Ever trust them! Always Get a Second Opinion from another Doctor Outside of the V. A. I only use the V. A. For my prescriptions.

The ER staff thought everything was as funny as could be and made me fill out forms rather than checking to see if I was in the system as I told them I'd requested a week earlier.
I was already in, but they couldn't be bothered to check.
The ER entrance had cob webs on the Drive It stucco, which hadn't even seen a dust mop in ages. (Why would a sane person put a non cleanable surface in an ER?)
The Triage OD decided I had no pressing issue and sent me out of his office (literally pointed at the door) while I was talking to a doc and then threw away a urine sample as insignificant and sent me to the walk in clinic...where an obviously excellent doc went ballistic over the ER OD thinking he's a doctor).
The surgeon they immediately assigned me to (because I obviously have cancer) pointed to the sign on his desk when we asked his name. That was about as helpful as he got, although he did turn his computer toward my sister and me and pretty much just say "That's your tumor", with little to no input other than that.. (Definitely, absolutely needs to retire...Too old/too jaded/too much above talking it out).
Everyone else I dealt with at the WPB VA was great. I hope not to impugn anyone other than those mentioned.
A week later, I'm getting ready for surgery at the Lexington, KY VA, which is the best facility I've ever been in and I was raised by a pioneering world class CV surgeon who worked with the VA as part of the UB Medical School's association with them.

Its Christmas eve, and I had the worst ear infection ever. Thankfully the VA at Riviera is always open. I braced myself for many hours to be spent waiting to be seen as with every ER visit I've had at every hospital in my life. To my surprise I was checked in, seen by a wonderful doctor, got my prescriptions and was out the door in just over one hour! Unbelievable, especially since staff was limited due to the holiday. Everyone, and I mean everyone was so curious and kind to me, thanking me for my service as I thanked them for working the holiday. I spent 24 years serving, and to day, I felt very special due to the staff and care I received. Good gob Riviera VA! And merry Christmas!

you get what you need / want if you treat everyone as your equal. demanding, loud assertive individuals get what they deserve.
love the VA and all who make her a distinguished institution and reap the benefits.