Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program and Care in the Community Report: Mammography Services and Breast Cancer Care

The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act of 2022 requires the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to report on mammography services and breast cancer care provided to veterans. In accordance with this requirement, the OIG conducted an evaluation of mammography services delivered through the outpatient settings of randomly selected VA medical facilities and community providers. The OIG also assessed the performance of VA’s Women’s Oncology System of Excellence and patients’ accessibility to a comprehensive care team, for those diagnosed with breast cancer, as required by the legislation. Because veterans receive mammography services and breast cancer care through VA and community providers, the OIG deployed teams from both its Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) and Care in the Community (CITC) program to gather data for this inspection. The OIG issued three recommendations for improvement to the Under Secretary for Health, VISN directors, facility leaders, and National Oncology Program staff to ensure: 1. Facility leaders and staff are aware of the services offered to veterans diagnosed with breast cancer through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence. 2. The Under Secretary for Health and National Oncology Program staff offer a range of services for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, including rehabilitative services, through the Women’s Oncology System of Excellence. 3. Staff enter data into the local cancer registry database in a timely manner.