Community Based Outpatient Clinic Reviews at Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, NY

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-00026-189
VISN
State
New York
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
9
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the Northport VA Medical Center’s six Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during the week of January 21, 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 Patchogue, NY CBOC for a site visit and evaluated credentialing and privileging, environment of care, and emergency management processes. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made a total of nine 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 screen patients for tetanus vaccinations.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians administer tetanus vaccinations when indicated.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians administer pneumococcal vaccinations when indicated.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers ensure that clinicians document all required pneumococcal vaccination administration elements and that compliance is monitored.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that access is improved for disabled veterans.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that staff are trained in accessing MSDS for hazardous chemicals in the clinical area.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that computer screens are secured to eliminate viewing of PII by unauthorized individuals.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that laboratory specimens are secured during transport from the CBOC to the parent facility.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the server closet is maintained according to IT safety and security standards.