Review of Radiology Staffing and Services at the VA Washington DC Healthcare System

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated a healthcare inspection in August 2025 at the VA Washington DC Healthcare System (facility) following allegations that radiologist departures caused delays in radiologic studies, creating backlogs and increased community care referrals. The OIG began virtual interviews in September 2025, completed an on-site visit in December, and conducted follow up interviews through January 2026.

The OIG substantiated that most diagnostic radiologists resigned between July and December 2025, which contributed to delays in completion of radiologic studies. Facility radiologist staffing shortages led to service interruptions, the curtailment of body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services and a backlog of computed tomography (CT) scans. Facility leaders created action plans to address staffing shortages and the backlog, which included recruitment of radiologists, use of community care, and the utilization of other Veterans Health Administration (VHA) radiologists. In late January 2026, leaders reported the CT backlog was resolved. 

VHA policy requires leaders to report actual or potential harm from incomplete radiologic studies to quality management for local tracking; however, facility leaders did not notify quality management or locally track incomplete studies as required. The OIG reviewed six patient cases, found concerns related to delayed radiologic studies, and communicated the concerns to facility and Veterans Integrated Service Network leaders, who were unaware of the cases. In response, facility leaders reviewed the cases, revealing no patient harm, and shared a plan to implement tracking processes. 

The OIG made two recommendations to the Under Secretary for Health about radiology workforce planning, standardization of workflows, improving image sharing, evaluating clinical impacts from delayed radiology service, and reporting of potential or actual harm. Additionally, the OIG made one recommendation to the Facility Director related to reporting potential or actual patient harm from incomplete radiologic studies to quality management.