The results have been released from an audit of Veteran Affairs medical facilities across the nation.
The information released Monday shows staff at 90 different sites changed appointment dates entered by veterans and the 14-day target for an appointment wait time was not realistic.
It found more than 57,000 veterans have been waiting up to three months for a medical appointment. According to the data, 13 percent of staff interviewed across 76 different sites had been instructed to schedule the medical appointment without regard to the patient’s desired date.
Senator Dan Coats (R-Indiana) sent out the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released findings of an internal audit.
“This report reaffirms a culture change at the Department of Veterans Affairs is necessary,” said Coats. “Confirmed audit findings show that Indiana veterans endured unacceptably long wait times with some never receiving an appointment. As I hear from more veterans, I continue to support an independent investigation to make sure we identify and prosecute those responsible for falsifying records and neglecting patient care. As a veteran, I expect my country to fulfill its promises to my fellow servicemen and women. As a Senator, I will seek to hold them accountable.”
