Review of VHA's Alleged Mismanagement of The Villages Outpatient Clinic, Marion County, Florida

A hotline complainant alleged the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System of the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network underutilized The Villages Outpatient Clinic in Florida. OIG assessed the allegation that four operating rooms intended for minor surgeries and three procedure rooms had not been used since the clinic opened, in October 2010. We substantiated the allegation that The Villages Outpatient Clinic was underutilized during the first 18 months of operation. We found primary care, mental health, and specialty care were not being provided as planned. The surgical suite had not been used since the facility opened and the nuclear medicine suite was underutilized. As a result, VHA spent $1.9 million on this underutilized facility and equipment costs as well as on staff salaries and benefits. These funds represent a lost opportunity to provide veterans with additional access to medical care in an underserved area of need. We recommended VHA conduct a utilization review to ensure facility resources efficiently meet the medical needs of the most underserved veterans. VHA agreed with our finding and recommendations.