Fayetteville, Ark.-based Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks reviewed 7,482 cases for misdiagnosis after an investigation found an impaired pathologist had treated patients, KNWA reports.
VA pathologists reviewed 2,925 of the cases, and non-VA pathologists reviewed the rest.
A Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks pathologist was found to be "impaired" in March 2016, according to Kelvin Parks, interim director of the VA medical center. The hospital immediately removed the pathologist from clinical care.
But more than a year later, in October 2017, the pathologist was suspended again after reports of possible impairment. After these accusations, Mr. Parks said another investigation determined the pathologist was deemed "unsafe to work" and was subsequently fired.
The issue was publicized June 18, when the VA sent letters to patients who may have been misdiagnosed.
The facility will be focusing on its "zero-tolerance policy" to ensure all medical professionals have proper credentials and the credentials are regularly reviewed, Mr. Parks told local TV station KHBS.
VA leaders will continue to answer questions from patients and their families during the process, Mr. Parks said.