Fake blood pressure readings, again

#Middlebury #Veterans

A Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Virginia has been recording fake, incorrect blood pressure readings of veterans who came in for care. A 139/89 reading was routinely entered during blood pressure rechecks. Why that number? Because a higher number would have triggered follow-up care.

Once again, it was the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that caught the pattern. Eight weeks later, the OIG discovered that nothing had been done to correct the problem. They stepped in again and wrote five recommendations for improved care, and more than 800 veterans have been notified to return for blood pressure screenings.

It’s not the first time this has happened. Last fall it was a VA clinic in Kentucky, and the blood pressure reading was 128/78. In that case the OIG discovered that by entering that particular reading, it would turn off the automatic note to physicians about whether or not the patient needed lab work, referrals or medication. It was a ploy to save work on the part of the medical staff. The OIG discovered, by calling veterans, that often no blood pressure reading had even been taken. What made it worse was that the fake readings triggered staff performance bonuses.

We need to step up and manage our health care. Take a pad and pen with you to appointments and take notes: your weight, any medications you’re to take, the results of any lab work … and your blood pressure reading. Keep these notes in a file. Compare them to previous appointment notes. If you see a pattern – in this case, if your blood pressure is the same from visit to visit – ask questions. Get a message to your doctor and let him know.

High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and more. Take care of yourself.

© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.