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Review of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Other Outpatient Clinics of Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
15-00132-430
VISN
State
Texas
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 Central Texas Veterans 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 care, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, outpatient documentation, and outpatient lab results management. We also randomly selected the Brownwood, TX, CBOC as a representative site and evaluated the environment of care on April 15, 2015. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made seven recommendations in the following focused review areas: Alcohol Use Disorder Care, Outpatient Lab Results 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 the staff at theBrownwood CBOC receive regular information/updates on their responsibilities in emergency response operations.
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 alcohol consumption 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 staffconsistently 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 ClinicRegistered Nurse Care Managers receive motivational interviewing training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that providers in theoutpatient clinics receive 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 consistently notify patients of their laboratory results within the timeframe set by local policy.