Endoscopic Notification (Miami)

Why is the VA offering free screenings to patients who have had colonoscopies at the Bruce W. Carter Medical Center?

• In December and January, all VA facilities were required to review their processes related to endoscopy equipment after a discrepancy was found in December 2008 at a G.I. clinic in Tennessee.
• After a complete review, VA's National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) found that a tube that was supposed to be cleaned after each colonoscopy was instead cleaned at the end of each day at the Miami VA Bruce W. Carter Medical Center.
• Because of potential cross contamination issues, all patients who received colonoscopies at the Bruce W. Carter Medical Center in Miami, Florida between May 2004 and March 2009 should come in for precautionary testing.

How many veterans may have been affected?

Miami Administrative Board of Investigation Report 

An Administrative Board of Investigation (ABI), is a formal process used by VA to look into a complex situation. ABIs consist of a team of experts who conduct formal administrative hearings in which witnesses provide testimony under oath, documents are received and reviewed and a formal report is written. The senior leader who convenes (establishes) an ABI to look into a situation uses the report to determine what next steps to take.
A redacted Miami ABI report has personally identifiable information removed to protect individual privacy.

Have I been exposed to an infection because of my colonoscopy?

• If you had a colonoscopy performed between May 2004 and March 12, 2009, there is a small risk of infection due to your procedure.
• There is no increased risk to patients who had this procedure outside of these dates.
• Notification of this occurrence and testing is precautionary, and is part of an extremely conservative approach to ensure our veterans have not been exposed to a risk of infection.

What steps do I need to take to get my precautionary screening?

• If you have been notified by certified letter, please call the Special Care Call Center at (305) 575-7256 or 1-877-575-7256. The call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Staff members at this call center will schedule an appointment for blood testing at your convenience.
• You can also call the Special Care Call Center for any questions you may have on this issue.

I don't live in Miami. Can I still receive a precautionary screening?

• Yes. Special Care Clinics are also available at Broward County VA Clinic, the Homestead VA Clinic and the Key West VA Clinic.
• If you have been notified and have moved outside of the South Florida area, the Miami VA will arrange for you to have the precautionary blood tests at a location convenient for you.
• Please call the Special Care Call Center at (305) 575-7256 or 1-877-575-7256 to make an appointment.

Will there be any cost involved for precautionary blood tests or appointments?

• No. There is no cost or co-payment to any Veteran for testing, or for subsequent care involved with health issues regarding this occurrence.

Will I be reimbursed for travel to have my precautionary blood tests?

• If you are a Veteran who is eligible for travel reimbursement, you will be paid your normal cost of travel to attend appointment(s) related to this occurrence.

Who do I call if I have questions regarding my colonoscopy procedure or risk of infection?

• Please call the Special Care Call Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (305) 575-7256 or 1-877-575-7256.
• A Miami VA staff member will assist you with questions or scheduling needs.
• Please only use this number if you have received notification of this issue by mail.

I had my colonoscopy performed at another South Florida area VA medical center. Am I at risk because of this?

• No. If you had a colonoscopy procedure performed at a different medical center, this does not affect you. This issue was isolated to the Bruce W. Carter Medical Center.

Are the results of my colonoscopy accurate or will I have to have another colonoscopy performed?

• The results of your colonoscopy were not affected. This particular incident did not prevent accurate results of the procedure.