Review of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Other Outpatient Clinics of Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
15-00114-212
VISN
State
Georgia
South Carolina
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
3
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General conducted a review of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and other outpatient clinics to evaluate for safe, consistent, and high-quality health care. The review evaluated the clinics’ compliance with selected VHA requirements for alcohol use disorder, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, and outpatient documentation. We also randomly selected the Beaufort, SC, CBOC as a representative site and evaluated the environment of care on February 3, 2015. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made three recommendations in the following focused review areas: Alcohol Use Disorder and HIV Screening.

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)
Closure Date: 9/17/2015
We recommended that clinic staff consistently complete diagnostic assessments for patients with a positive alcohol screen.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/17/2015
We recommended that clinic staff consistently document the offer of further treatment to patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians provide human immunodeficiency virus testing as part of routine medical care for patients and that compliance is monitored.