While calling on regional providers to work together in providing healthcare for the poor, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) specifically criticized Cleveland Clinic for not providing its "fair share" of uncompensated care, according to a Cleveland Plain Dealer report.
Rep. Kucinich's criticism comes after MetroHealth System announced 450 job cuts due to high levels of uncompensated care. He released a report of regional hospital providers' levels of uncompensated care, arguing Cleveland Clinic should have provided $44 million more in uncompensated care from 2006-2009. By comparison, MetroHealth and University Hospitals provided $20 million and $23 million "more than their fair share" in uncompensated care during that time, according to the report.
Cleveland Clinic officials have fired back, arguing Rep. Kucinich only takes uncompensated care into account when measuring community benefits and overlooks the provider's level of education and research, according to the report.
Rep. Kucinich has asked for a meeting with leaders from Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals to discuss the issue.
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Rep. Kucinich's criticism comes after MetroHealth System announced 450 job cuts due to high levels of uncompensated care. He released a report of regional hospital providers' levels of uncompensated care, arguing Cleveland Clinic should have provided $44 million more in uncompensated care from 2006-2009. By comparison, MetroHealth and University Hospitals provided $20 million and $23 million "more than their fair share" in uncompensated care during that time, according to the report.
Cleveland Clinic officials have fired back, arguing Rep. Kucinich only takes uncompensated care into account when measuring community benefits and overlooks the provider's level of education and research, according to the report.
Rep. Kucinich has asked for a meeting with leaders from Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals to discuss the issue.
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