Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program and Care in the Community Report: Mammography Services and Breast Cancer Care

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
23-00540-146
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
National Healthcare Review
Report Topic
Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times
Care Coordination
Community Care
Women’s Health
Major Management Challenges
Healthcare Services
Recommendations
3
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
Yes

Summary

Summary

The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act of 2022 requires the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to report on mammography services and breast cancer care provided to veterans. In accordance with this requirement, the OIG conducted an evaluation of mammography services delivered through the outpatient settings of randomly selected VA medical facilities and community providers. The OIG also assessed the performance of VA’s Women’s Oncology System of Excellence and patients’ accessibility to a comprehensive care team, for those diagnosed with breast cancer, as required by the legislation.

Because veterans receive mammography services and breast cancer care through VA and community providers, the OIG deployed teams from both its Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) and Care in the Community (CITC) program to gather data for this inspection.

The OIG issued three recommendations for improvement to the Under Secretary for Health, VISN directors, facility leaders, and National Oncology Program staff to ensure:
1.    Facility leaders and staff are aware of the services offered to veterans diagnosed with breast cancer through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence.
2.   The Under Secretary for Health and National Oncology Program staff offer a range of services for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, including rehabilitative services, through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence.
3.   Staff enter data into the local cancer registry database in a timely manner.
 

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)

The Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with the National Oncology Program and Veterans Integrated Service Network directors, ensure facility leaders and staff are aware of the services offered to veterans diagnosed with breast cancer through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Under Secretary for Health and National Oncology Program staff offer a range of services for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, including rehabilitative services, through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Integrated Service Network directors, and facility leaders ensure staff enter data into the local cancer registry database in a timely manner.