A Hospital War Reflects a Bind for Doctors in the U.S.
NEW YORK TIMES: …A little over half of the 1,400 doctors in southwestern Idaho are employed by St. Luke’s or its smaller competitor, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Many of the independent doctors complain that both hospitals, but especially St. Luke’s, have too much power over every aspect of the medical pipeline, dictating which tests and procedures to perform, how much to charge and which patients to admit. ..
Boise’s experience reflects a growing national trend toward consolidation. Across the country, doctors who sold their practices and signed on as employees have similar criticisms. In lawsuits and interviews, they describe growing pressure to meet the financial goals of their new employers — often by performing unnecessary tests and procedures or by admitting patients who do not need a hospital stay… (more)
EDITOR: Lancaster General Health now controls perhaps half of the major practices her in the county and continues to acquire more. Does this reach by a chartered ‘Public Charity’ for monopolistic control serve the community? Is it likely that the outcome for Lancaster will be different than Boise, Idaho and elsewhere across the country?
Consolidation frequently brings increased expense as the market becomes monopolized by two or three players instead of fifty. The government likes dealing with large business entities but the people that bring real value and real competitive service are the little, independent players.
Such a Shock!
Everyone locally should read this piece, because its sheds overdue light on the unethical practices of Health Management Associates, the for-profit megachain that owns two hospitals in our community. Attorney Generals in seven states are “…investigating physician referrals, including financial arrangements and the medical necessity of emergency room tests and patient admissions.” 60 Minutes broadcast a similar story this past Sunday (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50136261n)
Curious why NewsLanc’s editor didn’t note this in his comments. Surely they don’t get a pass simply because HMA is for-profit? Ask what truly motivates our for-profit hospitals (and the local physicians who invest in them). There is no profit in helping our community’s poor access medical care or supporting needle exchange programs.
EDITOR: We didn’t make the connection. Mea culpa.