Delays at VA Keep More than 57,000 Veterans Waiting to Be Seen

An internal audit by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revealed that more than 57,000 new patients have waited nearly three months for appointments at VA hospitals and clinics, the Washington Post reports.

The audit was ordered by former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who resigned amid a scandal that alleged VA hospital system employees falsified appointment records to cover up treatment delays.

Results of the audit reveal the size and scope of the cover-ups. Based on interviews with 3,772 VA staff at 731 facilities, the audit’s findings show that 13 percent of staff and 76 percent of facilities reported entering treatment dates incorrectly to give the impression of shorter wait times, while 8 percent of schedulers and 70 percent of facilities used unofficial patient-tracking lists that kept the most extensive treatment delays off the books.

“This audit is absolutely infuriating, and underscores the depth of this scandal,” Paul Rieckhoff, the chief executive of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told the Washington Post.

The audit concludes that “[t]his behavior runs counter to the VA’s core values” and recommends a total overhaul of the Veterans Health Administration’s performance management system, education, and communication systems.

Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said in a statement that the problems “demand immediate action.”

Actions outlined in the report include accelerating care for veterans currently waiting for care, ending the VA’s goal of providing an initial appointment within 14 days of a request, and implementing regular inspection and reporting.

According to a senior VA official, the department will provide around $300 million over the next 2 to 3 months to help accelerate care. It will also evaluate staffing levels to determine whether there are any shortages. Frontline staff members interviewed for the audit indicated that limited clerical staffing was a significant obstacle to timely access to care, although the greatest challenge identified was a lack of provider slots.

In a separate but related move, the Senate has proposed spending $500 million to address VA health-care problems. The money would be used to hire more doctors and nurses, provide veterans with access to non-VA facilities, and give future VA secretaries stronger firing powers.

At Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC we have recovered compensation for military veterans and their families in cases concerning delayed and mismanaged care by VA providers. We are experienced in navigating the system for bringing medical malpractice claims against the VA, and will work to bring justice for our clients. If you are concerned about delays or errors in your VA care, do not hesitate to call us or contact us using our online form.

Sources:

• Washington Post – VA says more than 57,000 patients are waiting for first visit
• Department of Veterans Affairs – Access Audit: System-Wide Review of Access
• Washington Post – Senators reach bipartisan deal on bill to fix VA