Review of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Other Outpatient Clinics of VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, Montrose, New York

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
14-04378-97
VISN
State
New York
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
7
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General conducted a review of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and other outpatient clinics to evaluate for safe, consistent, and high-quality health care. The review evaluated the clinics’ compliance with selected VHA requirements for alcohol use disorder, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, and outpatient documentation. We also randomly selected the Carmel, NY, CBOC as a representative site and evaluated the environment of care on November 17, 2014. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made seven recommendations in the following focused review areas: Alcohol Use Disorder, HIV Screening, 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 clinic staff protect patient-identifiable information on laboratory specimens during transport from the Carmel CBOC to the parent facility.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff consistently complete diagnostic assessments for patients with a positive alcohol screen.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff provide education and counseling for patients with positive alcohol screens and drinking alcohol above National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism limits.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff consistently document the offer of further treatment to patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that patients with excessive persistent alcohol use receive brief treatment or are evaluated by a specialty provider within 2 weeks of the screening.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that Clinic Registered Nurse Care Managers receive motivational interviewing and health coaching training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians provide human immunodeficiency virus testing as part of routine medical care for patients and that compliance is monitored.