Healthcare Inspection: Delay in Cancer Diagnosis Iowa City VA Medical Center Iowa City, Iowa

摘要

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Healthcare Inspections conducted an inspection to determine the validity of allegations regarding a delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and quality of care issues at the Iowa City VA Medical Center (the medical center) in Iowa City, Iowa. Family members of a veteran alleged that physicians failed to order appropriate tests in response to the veterans symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The family also alleged that managers refused a request for chemotherapy treatment near the veterans home and provided incorrect information regarding pay for travel to Omaha, Nebraska, for a second opinion at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. We substantiated that 52 days elapsed from the time the patients initial computed tomography scan showed an abnormality to the biopsy which showed pancreatic cancer, and also substantiated that the patient was misinformed regarding non-VA care and reimbursement for travel. We recommended that the Acting Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director ensure that the Acting Medical Center Director monitors reporting of abnormal tests and makes provisions for staff to refer patients to the appropriate administrative support offices when there are questions related to eligibility and travel pay. The Acting VISN and Acting Medical Center Directors concurred with the recommendations.