Serious Medical Errors Rose After Private Equity Firms Bought Hospitals (infection, sores)

[Cida]

've already read quite a few articles about problems arising from private equity take-overs.

This is the latest, from JAMA study.



Serious Medical Errors Rose After Private Equity Firms Bought Hospitals
The rate of serious medical complications increased in hospitals after they were purchased by private equity investment firms, according to a major study of the effects of such acquisitions on patient care in recent years.
The study, published in JAMA on Tuesday, found that in the three years after a private equity fund bought a hospital, adverse events including surgical infections and bed sores rose by 25% among Medicare patients when compared with similar hospitals that were not bought by such investors. The researchers reported a nearly 38% increase in central line infections, a dangerous kind of infection that medical authorities say should never happen, and a 27% increase in falls by patients while staying in the hospital.
https://news.yahoo.com/serious-medic...173900028.html

[WRM20]

Not surprising when the owners are completely profit driven the quality of care drops. One reason why I think all hospitals should be non-profit entities.

[Cida]

Completely agree!

[cheka]

i heard that hmo providers get a lump sum for their gov hc patients. whatever they spend to care for a patient cuts directly into their profit margin. the monetary incentive is to deny care, esp for pricey drugs/procedures