Here are five observations:
1. The VA is investigating Jack Hetrick, who oversees VA centers across Ohio, Indiana and Michigan as the director of Veterans Integrated Network 10. Mr. Hetrick is based in Cincinnati.
2. Cincinnati-based WCPO-TV found as a result of the VA cutting costs, the center has limited patients’ access to experienced surgeons, putting patients at risk.
3. WCPO also claims Barbara Temeck, MD, acting chief of staff for Cincinnati VA Medical Center, prescribed Mr. Hetrick’s wife pain medication without having the proper license.
4. A Cincinnati VA spokeswoman said the medical center could not comment as two VA investigations are underway. However, the spokeswoman highlighted the center’s high marks for healthcare quality in VA surveys. The center ranked in the top 20 out of 146 VA hospitals around the nation.
5. Although Mr. Hetrick was removed from oversight of the Cincinnati VA, he still oversees other facilities including the Dayton (Ohio) VA Medical Center.
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