Table 1.

Survey Items and Interview Questions About Veterans Choice Program

Survey items

Have you received healthcare services outside of the VA through the Veterans Choice Program?

Yes, I received healthcare services outside of the VA through the Veterans Choice Program

No, but I plan to receive healthcare services outside of the VA through the Veterans Choice Program

No, I did not receive healthcare services outside of the VA through the Veterans Choice Program and I do not plan to

I am not sure

Other

What is your main reason for using or planning to use the Veterans Choice Program to get healthcare services outside of the VA? CHECK ONLY ONE

I could not see my regular VA provider

I wanted to access care closer to my home

I was frustrated with having to wait for an appointment at the VA

I was frustrated with the level of care at the VA for certain services

It was hard to get in contact with the right person when calling the VA

I needed specialty care services that were not available at my closest VA facility

I was encouraged to use the Program by someone I talked to at the VA or someone affiliated with the VA

I had medical issue(s) that needed immediate attention and the wait time was too long at my VA facility

Other

Interview questions

How familiar are you with the Veterans Choice Act or VCA? Did you sign-up to receive healthcare services outside of VA through the Veterans Choice Act or VCA?

Tell me about your reasons for signing up/not signing up for health services through VCA?

Of these reasons, which are the most important to you or had the greatest influence on your decision?

How do the healthcare services you receive in VA compared to those you receive outside of VA?

Are there steps that you take, as a patient, to help your VA providers and non-VA providers talk to each other about your care?

How do your different providers from inside and outside the VA talk with one another?