Veterans Affairs Department

Every person’s view is different here. some have good experience and some have bad… be here long enough you’ll have both… this hospital is not that bad considering it serves several thousand vets and families. I had pretty good experience here. Some clinics improved and other seems like they just done care… it seems like there is a simple solution but no one wants to fix it… dang hire me ill fix it…

I think it’s an excellent hospital. I just wish the Emergency Room had more staff. The level of care is very good and the people are very respectful, knowledgeable and caring.

This is an excellent facility. They have everything you need to keep you alive. There are long wait times until you are in-​processed. After that docs and meds are available. You can do everything you need at a single location by going to different departments. The providers care about the Vets. Parking is an art. You need to know when to go and where to park.

It amazes me that the level of service here seems ridiculous. Some of the doctors simply dismiss their patients even though on average the VA doctors see much fewer patients on a daily basis. However, this isn’t necessarily the worst problem.
The major problem here, as well as with any other VA hospital, is the customer service. The people checking you in act as if they’re doing you a favor and that it is a hassle for them to do their jobs. The reality is that they would not even have a job if it wasn’t for vets. This completely goes against their oath of office to serve vets. I don’t need anyone to kiss my butt, but I will be treated with a level of respect and dignity that any human being deserves. In addition, even Veterans advocates don’t call you back not to mention the OIF/​OEF returning vet case managers.
Although the doctors may be good, unfortunately, they fall under the dark shadow of a poor administrative and scheduling team. Awful service, bad attitudes, and poor scheduling. You will often be scheduled for an appointment without knowing about it. Heaven forbid you should call and let them know it’s a conflict just to be responded to rudely and given another appointment months later. Simply unacceptable. Shame on the VA Long Beach. I’m simply disgusted by the ridiculous process and people involved with getting basic medical care. I simply go see my primary physician instead now to deal with the medical issues that should be handled through the VA since they’re service related. What a joke.
On a final note, if I have an appointment at 8:30am and am required to check in at 8am, I expect to be seen at 8:30 or within about 10 mins. Not forced to wait an extra half an hour to an hour. Simply ridiculous, not everyone has the opportunity or wants to spend all day at the VA for a simple appointment that should have gone off on time.