Charlotte, NC – A new report released this week from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirms that over 3,000 veterans waited for radiology exams at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Backlog data reviewed by inspectors confirmed that the number of pending radiology exam orders reached a high of 3,205 as of January 9, 2014. This fact supported the initial allegation that a large backlog of pending radiology exams existed at the Salisbury VA at some point early in 2014.
Just last week in North Carolina, another OIG healthcare inspection report verified that improper preoperative evaluations occurred from 2014 to 2015 at the Fayetteville VA. These improper evaluations caused preventable surgical delays and cancellations. Even worse, patient deaths occurring within thirty days of surgery were not reported or reviewed by the required oversight groups.
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) North Carolina State Director John Byrnes issued the following statement:
“Just like VAs in Phoenix and Fayetteville, the Salisbury VA continues to let down the veterans community it serves. Failing to provide a basic diagnostic service can be life-threatening for patients. If you risk your life for America overseas, you shouldn’t have to risk your life on bad VA healthcare at home. Backlog reports like this underscore our point that the entire VA system is in desperate need of choice and accountability reforms.“
This week, an OIG report exposed that hundreds of veterans died waiting for care at the Phoenix VA – over two years after the 2014 wait list scandal began at the Phoenix VA.
The Caring for Our Heroes for Our Heroes in the 21st Century Act, draft legislation introduced by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) would give the veteran more choice, flexibility and speedier access to care. The aim of the draft legislation is to provide more options for veterans who find that, for whatever reason, the VA system does not meet their needs.
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