Healthcare Inspection – Emergency Department Concerns, Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center, Leavenworth, Kansas

OIG conducted an inspection to assess the validity of an allegation concerning the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center (VAMC) Emergency Department (ED), Leavenworth, Kansas, part of the Eastern Kansas Health Care System, Topeka, Kansas. We substantiated the allegation that some patients who sought care at the Leavenworth VAMC ED did not receive a required medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition existed. We also determined Leavenworth VAMC ED registered nurse triage staff did not always use required ED documentation templates, and ED and Primary Care Clinic nursing staff did not consistently document required assessments. We recommended that the Eastern Kansas Health Care System Director ensure all patients who present to the Leavenworth VAMC ED requesting an examination or treatment receive a medical screening examination, that Leavenworth VAMC ED and Primary Care Clinic nursing staff document required assessments, and that compliance be monitored.