Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews at the Fargo VA Health Care System, Fargo, ND

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-00026-317
VISN
State
Minnesota
North Dakota
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
6
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the Fargo VA Health Care System’s seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the week of July 22, 2013. The purpose of the review was to assess whether the CBOCs provide veterans with consistent and safe high-quality health care. The review covered the clinical care components of women’s health cervical cancer screening and tetanus and pneumococcal vaccinations. We also randomly selected the Bemidji, MN, and Fergus Falls, MN, CBOCs for site visits and evaluated credentialing and privileging, environment of care, and emergency management processes. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of six recommendations to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and facility managers.

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that patients with normal cervical cancer screening results are notified of results within the required timeframe and that notification is documented in the EHR.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians administer pneumococcal vaccines when indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians document all required tetanus vaccine administration elements and that compliance is monitored.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that auditory privacy is maintained during the check-in process at the Bemidji and Fergus Falls CBOCs.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Chief of OI&T implements required measures at the Bemidji and Fergus Falls CBOCs.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers develop a local policy for MH emergencies that reflects the current risk, practice, and capability at the Bemidji CBOC.