ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Veterans receiving care through the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System have given their primary care providers the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The recognition comes from the VA’s Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients, known as SHEP, which measures veterans’ perceptions of the care they receive. Among 170 VA medical centers nationwide, patients rated primary care providers at the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System No. 1 overall.
VA officials said the rankings reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships between veterans and their health care teams while improving the overall patient experience.
In a message to facility leadership, the VA’s Veterans Experience Office praised the system’s performance, noting it stood out during a national review used to identify best practices and inform Veterans Health Administration leadership.
“This honor is so much more than a statistic,” said Dr. Keith Novak, chief of primary care at the Charles George VA Medical Center. “It’s a testament to the deep compassion, dedication and genuine care our entire team brings to the lives of those who have served our country.”
Novak credited physicians, nurses and support staff for helping create a culture focused on veterans’ needs and experiences.
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System serves thousands of veterans across the region through the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and a network of outpatient clinics.
VA leaders said the top ranking reflects both measurable improvements in patient satisfaction and the day-to-day work of employees committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
“I am honored to serve alongside such committed primary care providers making our facility a leader in patient satisfaction across the VA,” Novak said. “Together, we will keep striving for excellence and continue ensuring that our veterans always receive the highest quality care they deserve.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of praise from veterans, family members and supporters on social media.
Several commenters described the Asheville VA as the best VA facility they have used, while others said the quality of care was a major reason they chose to remain in the area. Family members of employees also expressed pride in the recognition, and several commenters thanked staff members for their service to veterans.
Others shared personal experiences, saying the facility had provided exceptional care to their loved ones over the years. One commenter summed up the sentiment shared by many, calling the Asheville VA’s primary care teams “the best of the best.”
The recognition places Western North Carolina’s VA primary care program at the top of a nationwide network that serves millions of veterans each year.