Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-00026-157
VISN
State
California
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the VA Palo Alto Health Care System’s seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the week of January 28, 2013. The purpose of the review was to assess whether the CBOCs provide veterans with consistent and safe high-quality health care. The review covered the clinical care components of women’s health cervical cancer screening and tetanus and pneumococcal vaccinations. We also randomly selected the Monterey CBOC in Seaside, CA, and the Stockton CBOC in French Camp, CA, for site visits and evaluated credentialing and privileging, environment of care, and emergency management processes. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of four recommendations to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and facility managers.

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 managers ensure that clinicians administer pneumococcal vaccinations when indicated.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians document all required pneumococcal and tetanus vaccination administration elements and that compliance is monitored.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that testing of the panic alarm system is documented at the Monterey CBOC.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that patients' PII are secured and protected at the Monterey CBOC.