Criticism surrounding organ procurement groups continues

Oregon Procurement Organizations (OP OS) are under federal investigation for overbilling the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General is probing OP OS and VA hospitals. OP OS handle organ procurement and are reimbursed by CMS, but billing rules are unclear. Congress has scrutinized OP OS for discarding organs and failing to procure them. Research shows low organ recovery at VA centers. A new CMS measure in 2026 aims to address these issues, potentially reducing OP OS by 50%. The goal is to improve organ donation processes as 17 people die daily waiting for organs.

What is the main reason for the federal investigation into Oregon Procurement Organizations?

• Overbilling the government

• Illegal organ trade

• Failure to meet donation targets

• Mismanagement of funds

What are some of the responsibilities of Oregon Procurement Organizations?

• Procuring organs from donors

• Conducting organ transplants

• Providing healthcare insurance

• Manufacturing medical equipment

What issue did the 2022 Senate Finance review highlight about organ donations?

• Increased waiting times for transplants

• High cost of organ transplants

• Lack of donor organs

• Organs being discarded

What did the research team find about organ donations at VA medical centers?

• Only a few donations were recovered

• VA centers have the highest donation rates

• VA centers are not involved in organ donations

• VA centers have surplus organs

What is the expected impact of the new CMS measures in 2026?

• Increase in organ donation rates

• Decertification of failing OPOS

• Reduction in organ transplant costs

• Expansion of OPOS operations