Since I recently had to visit our local hospital, I was amazed at all the changes. What I knew as Healthcare and duty to care was a completely different aspect today. Especially for patients on Medicare!
My observations were shocking and caused me to record notes so I would not be mistaken. Since I was fairly semi-conscious for the first five days.
In my career first, as a Nurse, then as a Healthcare administrator, and finally as an Elder abuse investigator, I was not at all prepared for the antics, lack of professionalism, plus general disregard for patient safety, well-being, and duty to care. This had to be a joke! Allow me to explain what shocked me.
I will recount these instances in steps as they occurred, to reduce the confusion.
This hospital appears to be the remnants of a former facility that performed well above the present rules, regulations, and expectations of Medicaid/ Medicare. This was a private hospital with religious affiliations. It was run properly and was a wonderful asset to the community.
Unfortunately, like many smaller private hospitals, it became increasingly harder to keep the doors open. What, with insurance companies limiting payment amounts for procedures and so many non-pays, the task became increasingly difficult. The hospital finally was sold to a private equity company.
As we all know private equity companies are experts , when it comes to making top dollar and giving the least amount of services. They are also known for "padding the bill", Diagnosing conditions they are able to simulate with medications, Siphoning off Medicare with all seniors over the age of sixty-five, keeping hospitals short staffed,cutting back on supplies ,such as cleaning materials, and of course all hiring is done through a sister company of staffing .In short, they are the elite of screwing over Medicare, Insurance companies and patients. These companies do just enough to pass the very least standards.
They are usually run by third world country doctor groups and could care less about anyone's health. These of course are my own personal observations and opinions as an elder care investigator.
If you ever have time you need to look up how these firms operate. Unfortunately, most of them buy out religiously affiliated hospitals and operate on that religious groups good reputation and good name for several years while fleecing the coffers. They make their money back plus a great profit in very few short years. Believe me when I say "the mafia could have learned a lot from them!"
Because of the above reasons you should always,, always get a copy of your bill. Scrutinize it carefully. How many times did they charge for the same test? How many times did they charge for insulin and how much? Did they charge for the rehabilitation you did not receive? TelePrompTer visits are one of their favorite, sneaky charges. How many times did you talk to a Doctor on a TelePrompTer? How many are listed on your bill? My favorite is the charge of over four hundred dollars to watch you dress, wash and brush your teeth, it is called self addressing ADL's. The other one is when someone comes in and puts a gait belt on you and you walk to the window and back, that is four hundred and fifteen dollars! Then of course they want to send you to their nursing facility which coincidentally provides " Rehab". This is especially if you are over sixty-five. There is a better chance they will keep you after they give you an Adderall cocktail daily. Thus, they are able to fill up the beds at their long term care facility! What a duel edged sword, they have. All this and End of life therapy sessions to bill Medicare. What a Golden egg you have become!