Healthcare Inspection – Alleged Misdiagnosis, Hudson Valley Health Care System, Castle Point, NY

OIG evaluated allegations regarding alleged misdiagnosis at the Hudson Valley Health Care System (facility), Castle Point, NY. Specifically, the complainant alleged a patient initially told by staff he had pancreatic cancer was later advised that he did not due to a mix-up with the laboratory results. In addition, the complainant alleged another patient was never informed of positive pancreatic cancer test results. We did not substantiate the allegation that a patient was misdiagnosed with pancreatic cancer or that a patient was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and not notified. We reviewed the electronic health record of the identified patient and found no mention of pancreatic cancer or reports of emotional distress related to such. The facility had no new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed during the relevant timeframe and we found no documentation suggestive of a missed or delayed pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It appears unlikely that a laboratory “mix-up” occurred. We made no recommendations.