Healthcare Inspection Delays in Cancer Care West Palm Beach VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida

OIG conducted an inspection to determine the validity of allegations of delayed cancer care at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL. OIG reviewed allegations that patients did not receive timely treatment after a diagnosis of lung or renal cancer; these patients did not receive timely cardiac risk assessment prior to surgery; and management was aware of, but unresponsive to, these issues. While no pattern of delays in care for those patients diagnosed with lung cancer were found, OIG substantiated the allegation that there were delays in treatment for patients diagnosed with renal cancer. OIG found that renal cancer patients referred to the Miami VA Medical Center waited between 3 and 5 months from confirmed diagnosis for their treatment. OIG substantiated the allegation that VA Medical Center management was aware of problems with timely renal cancer care for one patient, but made no effort to follow up on this. OIG did not substantiate the allegation that there were delays in obtaining cardiology risk assessments for lung and renal cancer patients scheduled for surgery. The VISN and Medical Center Directors agreed with the findings and recommendations and provided acceptable action plans.