Improper Pay to Fee-Basis Providers Adequately Addressed by VA San Diego Healthcare System

Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG) sent this bulletin at 06/24/2020 11:41 AM EDT

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Improper Pay to Fee-Basis Providers Adequately Addressed by VA San Diego Healthcare System
06/23/2020 08:00 PM EDT

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigated allegations that the VA San Diego Healthcare System staff manipulated the time cards for seven fee-basis medical providers in order to pay these individuals on a salary or wage basis rather than a per-procedure basis. In addition, the allegations contended that a fee-basis care provider was told he would be converted to a full-time employee after working full time as a fee-basis provider for one year. The OIG substantiated that certain fee-basis care providers at the VA San Diego Healthcare System were being paid for their time improperly, rather than on a per-procedure basis as required. The OIG did not substantiate that a fee-basis professional had been promised conversion to full-time status. The OIG did not make any recommendations because the medical center took corrective action, including disciplinary action with respect to the supervisor who was accountable for this conduct.