Women Veterans increasingly access emergency care, with a majority utilizing VA emergency departments (EDs), especially for low acuity and behavioral health conditions.
Racially and ethnically minoritized women Veterans show higher likelihood of using VA EDs compared to White women.
Geographic distance from VA facilities and the acuity of emergency visits significantly influence the choice between VA and Community Care EDs.
Women Veterans with complex medical, mental health, and social needs, including homelessness, are more likely to rely on VA EDs, highlighting opportunities to optimize care coordination.
