The recent Veterans Affairs controversy over patient waiting lists and resource management also extended to its ASCs, according to a Valley Morning Star report.
The physician alleged the facility —part of the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen, Texas — was lacking in proper equipment and that staff had not been provided with adequate training. The VA responded "minor findings were discovered," but that there was no data to substantiate the physician's claims.
As a result of the alleged equipment deficiencies, the physician said he was not allowed to conduct certain procedures at the facility. He was instead told to refer patients to private practice settings.
The physician had apparently come forward during summer of 2011 and reported the deficiencies to the acting chief of staff at the surgery center, who alleged he had been fired soon after complaining about the problems, according to the report.
The incident is another in the long list of allegations of misconduct that has yet to lead to any firings but has resulted in the resignation of Robert Petzel, the former VA undersecretary for health.
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The physician alleged the facility —part of the Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen, Texas — was lacking in proper equipment and that staff had not been provided with adequate training. The VA responded "minor findings were discovered," but that there was no data to substantiate the physician's claims.
As a result of the alleged equipment deficiencies, the physician said he was not allowed to conduct certain procedures at the facility. He was instead told to refer patients to private practice settings.
The physician had apparently come forward during summer of 2011 and reported the deficiencies to the acting chief of staff at the surgery center, who alleged he had been fired soon after complaining about the problems, according to the report.
The incident is another in the long list of allegations of misconduct that has yet to lead to any firings but has resulted in the resignation of Robert Petzel, the former VA undersecretary for health.
More Articles on ASCs:
Combining Forces: Are ASC Mergers the Answer to the Challenging Healthcare Environment
4 Recent Joint Venture ASC Openings, Plans & Expansions
8 ASC Company Q1 Financial Results: Stormy, But Promising Start to 2014