American Hospital Association President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock criticized members of Congress who propose reducing Medicare payments for hospital outpatient services in an editorial published in U.S. News and World Report.
Mr. Umbdenstock said hospitals must maintain costly "stand-by capacity," like emergency rooms, and spread those costs around to other types of services, such as outpatient care. For many types of outpatient treatments that are not available from local physician's offices or clinics, hospitals "represent the only place that those who cannot afford lifesaving healthcare, especially the elderly and poor, can turn to in times of need," he wrote.
"Cutting payment for hospital facility fees could threaten vital patient care," he added.
CMS to Develop Patient Experience Surveys for Outpatient Surgery, Hospice Care
Ending the Era of Super-sized Health Care Facilities
Mr. Umbdenstock said hospitals must maintain costly "stand-by capacity," like emergency rooms, and spread those costs around to other types of services, such as outpatient care. For many types of outpatient treatments that are not available from local physician's offices or clinics, hospitals "represent the only place that those who cannot afford lifesaving healthcare, especially the elderly and poor, can turn to in times of need," he wrote.
"Cutting payment for hospital facility fees could threaten vital patient care," he added.
More Articles on Hospital Outpatient Care:
CMS Seeks Information on CAHPS Surveys for Outpatient Surgery, Hospice CareCMS to Develop Patient Experience Surveys for Outpatient Surgery, Hospice Care
Ending the Era of Super-sized Health Care Facilities