VA Patient Wait Time Problems at SC Veterans Administration Hospitals

A nationwide audit of VA patient wait times at VA hospitals reveals continuing  patient wait problems at several facilities, including Dorn VA in Columbia, SC.

According to the audit, new patients waiting for just a first visit with a primary care doctor at the Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center in Columbia, SC, wait an average of 77 days – more than 3 months – for their first visit. That is five times longer than the veterans’ administration’s goal, which is only 14 days, or two weeks.

The federal audit data on VA patient wait time was released on Monday, June 9th.

The audit came in response to reports of patient deaths and unreasonably long wait times at Veterans Administration hospitals across the country, with problems particularly focused on the Phoenix VA, which had secret wait lists of patients to make the hospital appear to decrease wait times. The review looked at practices at 731 Veterans Administration hospitals and large outpatient clinics, and found that the complicated appointment and intake process confused VA staff and supervisors.

The Dorn Veterans Administration has the 6th highest wait time in the country; the longest wait time on record per this audit is 145 days, at the Honolulu, Hawaii VA.

However, the average wait time at Dorn does not cover all of the problems for veterans. Nationally, more than 57,000 veterans have waited 90 days or more for medical appointments, with an additional 64,000 who enrolled in care with a Veterans Administration hospital never receiving care once over a period of 10 years. At Dorn VA, 900 patients have reported waiting more than 90 days for treatment, and at the Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital more than 100 patients said that it took more than 90 days before they saw their first doctor.

U.S. Senator Tim Scott released a statement saying: “Last week, I engaged in a statewide listening tour to hear veterans’ firsthand concerns about the VA and the services it is supposed to provide. After hearing many troubling stories from veterans and their families throughout the state and seeing initial reports about the audit data released today, I remain concerned South Carolina’s veterans may not be getting the best possible care.”

Because of problems with Veterans Administration hospitals in South Carolina, the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA have all been flagged for further review.

The Veterans Administration auditors also reported that, nationally, 42 VA hospitals are under review for falsifying their wait time records. The total number of facilities flagged for review rose to 81.

Despite problems at Veterans Administration hospitals across the country and in South Carolina specifically, including budgeting woes and understaffing, the auditors revealed that over $108.7 million in bonuses were awarded to executives and employees at Veterans Administration facilities in the past three years.

Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., who represents portions of southern Ocean County, said the bonuses to VA executives were “outrageous” in light of severe problems with patient care. “It hasn’t been working and the more information that comes to light, the more outrageous it is. I know everyone has to be innocent until proven guilty, but I think criminal pursuit should take place here,” LoBiondo said. “You can’t have veterans die and just say it was mismanagement.”

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with VA Wrongful Death and Delayed Treatment Cases

The Veterans Benefit Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. work with veterans to file claims for a variety of disabilities and can assist you in filing your claims with the Veterans Administration. Veterans Disability can be complex.  Not understanding the basics and not having counsel may leave you in a bind.  We understand that you and your family need your benefits.  We will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the Veterans Benefits Attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your case. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential discussion. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803) 252-4800.