CMS Investigates Kaiser Kidney Program
CMS on Monday began a surprise inspection of Kaiser Permanente's kidney transplant program in San Francisco after a Los Angeles Times investigation found that problems within the program led to transplant delays, the Times reports.
Inspectors are reviewing patient charts and internal documents, as well as interviewing staff to determine whether the program should continue receiving federal funding, according to CMS regional administrator Jeff Flick. Flick said he did not know how long the inspection would take.
Kaiser spokesperson Rick Malaspina said the hospital is cooperating with the investigation (Ornstein/Weber, Los Angeles Times, 5/9).