Breadcrumb

Community Based Outpatient Clinic and Primary Care Clinic Reviews at Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, New York

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-03413-40
VISN
State
New York
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
5
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and primary care clinics (PCCs) of the Syracuse VA Medical Center. The purpose of the review was to determine whether the CBOCs and PCCs provide safe, consistent and high-quality health care for our veterans. The review covered the clinical care components of alcohol use disorder and medication management and evaluated if processes were in place for designated women’s health providers to maintain proficiency in women’s health. We also randomly selected the Oswego, NY, and Watertown, NY, CBOCs for site visits during the week of November 18, 2013, to evaluate the environments of care. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made five recommendations in the following reviews: Alcohol Use Disorder, Medication Management, and Environment of Care.

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 PII is protected by appropriately securing laboratory specimens during transport from the Watertown CBOC to the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that CBOC/PCC staff consistently document the offer of further treatment to patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that CBOC/PCC RN Care Managers receive MI and health coaching training within 12 months of appointment to PACT.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that staff document that medication reconciliation was completed at each episode of care where medications were administered, prescribed, or modified.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that CBOC staff consistently document that written medication information is provided to patients when fluoroquinolone antibiotics are prescribed.