Healthcare Inspection Mammography, Cardiology, and Colonoscopy Management Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Muskogee, Oklahoma

This review was done at the request of Senator James Inhofe to determine the validity of allegations regarding delays in mammography services, cardiology consult responses, and scheduling colonoscopy procedures at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. We determined that in 2007 patients did not consistently receive mammograms in a timely manner, cardiology consultation requests were not always scheduled within the required timeframe, and waiting times for scheduling colonoscopies was generally excessive. We substantiated that a subject colonoscopy patient did not receive a screening colonoscopy as requested and that a diagnostic colonoscopy was not scheduled within 60 days. We could not substantiate or refute whether primary care providers were notified regarding the status of requests from the three services. Prior to our visit, management had already implemented initiatives to correct the issues regarding delays. However, management needed to discuss the subject patient colonoscopy concern with Regional Counsel to determine whether this case met disclosure requirements. Management and the Regional Counsel have since determined that the case did not require disclosure; we consider this case closed.