Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews Fort Smith, AR; Lafayette, LA; Denton and Tyler, TX

The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed four Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the weeks of March 19 and 26, 2012. CBOCs were reviewed in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16 at Fort Smith, AR, and Lafayette, LA; and, in VISN 17, at Denton and Tyler, TX. The purpose of the review was to assess whether CBOCs are operated in a manner that provides veterans with consistent, safe, high-quality health care. The review covered the following focused topic areas: women’s health, management of diabetes mellitus-lower limb peripheral vascular disease, heart failure follow-up, credentialing and privileging, environment and emergency management, and CBOC contracts. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of 9 recommendations to the VISN and facility managers.