Former X-ray technologist says exposing VA radiology problems ‘wrecked my life’
A former X-ray technologist who raised alarms about breakdowns and mismanagement at one Veterans Affairs hospital says the ensuing experience has ruined his life, the Gazette reported Sept. 24.
Back in 2017, Jeff Dettbarn alerted supervisors about diagnostic imaging exams being canceled without doctors' orders at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. That problem turned up across nine other VAs in Tampa, Los Angeles, and other cities.
Dettbarn eventually testified before Congress and a 2019 audit found 17% of routine imaging exams and 25% of urgent ones were not being finished in mandatory time frames.
After sustaining a pay cut and being reassigned outside the radiology department in 2017, Dettbarn said the VA was going to send him back into his old work area. Following a lawsuit and emails to U.S. lawmakers, he did not return and is in mediation with the Iowa City medical center.
“It’s wrecked my life and there’s no way to move forward because it’s still ongoing,” he told the news outlet. “They say there are whistleblower protections, but nobody stands behind it.”
The Iowa City VA said the following in a statement to the Gazette:
“The Iowa City VA Health Care System does not tolerate retaliation and abides by whistleblower protection laws. Any of our employees who feel they are experiencing retaliation should contact the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.”
Read the entire story below.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.