Many hospitals are zeroing in on their philanthropy efforts, but a column in the Los Angeles Times shows how some patients can find these solicitations for voluntary donations off-putting.
Columnist David Lazarus includes an anecdote from Evelyn Stern, 75, who has received care at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles for the past few years. Ms. Stern received a solicitation from the hospital's division of geriatrics for a donation. The form included boxes to check for contributions up to $10,000, but patients who donated at least $1,000 would be listed as "Friends of Geriatrics," according to the column.
"I get it if the L.A. Philharmonic sends you a letter to support the orchestra," Ms. Stern said in the column. "It's a little peculiar when you get such a letter from someone you rely on for your well-being." She also said the hospital's facilities and state-of-the-art resources suggest it is not hurting for money.
One quandary raised in the column is whether patient donors will receive preferential treatment from hospitals. Another worrisome question is that of whether those who don't opt to donate will see repercussions.
A spokesperson for UCLA Health Sciences told Mr. Lazarus that the letter seeking donations was worded to "ensure there can be no perception that donors are given any different level of care or treatment than non-donors." He contended that he did not see an explicit reference to "such a sentiment."
Mr. Lazarus' concluded his column by noting that Americans already pay more for their healthcare than people elsewhere in the world. "Hitting patients up for even more money isn't just counterproductive — it's offensive."
Thoughts on this issue? Please email Molly Gamble at mgamble@beckershealthcare.com
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