(Re: A Hospital War Reflects a Bind for Doctors in the U.S.)
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.
Now if we could just get 60 Minutes to investigate PSP, the CC/Hotel fiasco, and all the ‘behind closed doors’ manipulations that took place by the ‘power elite’ to bring this misguided finanical albatross for city/county taxpayers into existence. What a story it could be!!!!