Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews Framingham, New Bedford, and Springfield, MA; Elmira, NY

The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed four Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the week of October 17, 2011. CBOCs were reviewed in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1 at Framingham, New Bedford, and Springfield, MA; and in VISN 2 at Elmira NY. The purpose of the review was to assess whether CBOCs are operated in a manner that provides veterans with consistent, safe, high-quality health care. The review covered the following focused topic areas: management of diabetes mellitus-lower limb peripheral vascular disease, short-term fee basis care, women’s health, credentialing and privileging, environment and emergency management, heart failure follow-up, and CBOC contracts. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of 16 recommendations to the VISN and facility managers.