Healthcare Inspection Wound Care Management Boise VA Medical Center Boise, Idaho

he VA Office of Inspector General Office of Healthcare Inspections evaluated the validity of allegations that VA physicians at the Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, Idaho, self-referred patients for wound care to private practices and skilled nursing facilities in violation of conflict of interest rules. The complainant’s allegations were not substantiated. The inspection revealed that there is only one community facility capable of providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans within 160 miles. VA physicians employed by the community facility providing HBOT and wound care were salaried employees. The facility staff had previously reviewed conflict of interest concerns and involved Regional Counsel in the decision to utilize this community facility. There were no recommendations.