Combined Assessment Program Review of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle, Washington

The purpose of the review was to evaluate selected operations, focusing on patient care administration and quality management (QM). During the review, we provided fraud and integrity awareness briefings to 255 employees. This review focused on eight operational activities. The system complied with selected standards in the following four activities: (1) environment of care, (2) medication management, (3) physician credentialing and privileging, and (4) suicide prevention safety plans. We identified the system’s comprehensive cancer care program and receipt of the Under Secretary for Health Customer Service Award as organizational strengths. We made recommendations for improvements in the following four activities: QM. Magnetic resonance imaging safety. Reusable medical equipment. Coordination of care.