Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
The OIG inspected the hospital following a complaint that alleged a biopsy technique and delay in treatment contributed to enlargement of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma lesion, affecting a patient’s prognosis and necessitating extensive surgical treatment and follow-up.
While the OIG did not find that the biopsy technique contributed to the lesion enlargement, the OIG did find that a delay in scheduling the patient’s dermatology clinic appointment occurred, though the delay did not contribute to the patient’s affected prognosis.
As a result, the OIG found the VA hospital did not adhere to requirements for:
1. Outlining procedures for contacting patients to schedule an appointment
2. Scheduling consults within the timeframe established by VHA
3. Defining timeliness of response from dermatology service regarding consult requests
More Articles on Patient Safety:
5 Points on Preventing Injection Errors in the Surgical Setting
USP Releases New Standards for Medication Labels to Boost Patient Safety
CDC: Meningitis Death Toll Up to 15
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
