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I think no one but a few moderately rich Canadians consider US hospitals 5-star. In my experience, most US hospitals, as soon as they find out you have a little

by yardie 9y ago

I think no one but a few moderately rich Canadians consider US hospitals 5-star. In my experience, most US hospitals, as soon as they find out you have a little money try to do services add. The ambulance ride, nurse, specialist, radiologist, MRI, bed, CATV, telephone, and meals all add up on that bill. And once they've exhausted your insurance or personal finances then they kick you out.

DaiPlusPlus 9y ago
I live in Western Washington and Swedish Medical operates a number of hospitals in the area and they are very, very nice and plush on the inside. Their Issaquah hospital has carved stone entrances to the operating theatres - it's crazy: https://www.daycpm.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-campus/ https://www.daycpm.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-campus/ https://www.alights.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-center-0 https://www.alights.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-center-0 Google Image Search for "Swedish Seattle birthing" and the childbirth suites resemble 5-star hotel rooms, complete with in-room hot spa.
mywittyname 9y ago
He's referring to the fact that insurance companies have shifted towards a system where "patient satisfaction" is a key driver of payment. This has caused a bit of a crisis in hospitals as executives push BS programs intended to improve these scores and they often come at the expense of actual care. It's becoming a huge issue in US hospitals
- moduspol 9y ago
  It's not too surprising. The patient doesn't care what's being charged! We'd see the same thing in other industries if market interference led to the customer not being price sensitive. Like higher ed.
  - mywittyname 9y ago
    My understanding is that it's really just one more way insurance companies try to avoid paying for hospital bills. My partner works in revenue recovery for a regional hospital and it's staggering how awful insurance companies are. I've heard many stories where waiting for insurance authorizations would have literally cost people their lives, but the insurance has grounds to refuse payment without it, so the hospital ends up eating the entire cost of the person's care. The system is so incredibly fucked up. Far beyond what most people think. That being said, maternity wards are apparently the college campus of the hospital world, which is why you see so many of them being built in rich areas. They are insanely profitable.

by yardie 9y ago

DaiPlusPlus 9y ago

I live in Western Washington and Swedish Medical operates a number of hospitals in the area and they are very, very nice and plush on the inside. Their Issaquah hospital has carved stone entrances to the operating theatres - it's crazy: https://www.daycpm.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-campus/ https://www.daycpm.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-campus/ https://www.alights.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-center-0 https://www.alights.com/swedish-issaquah-medical-center-0 Google Image Search for "Swedish Seattle birthing" and the childbirth suites resemble 5-star hotel rooms, complete with in-room hot spa.

mywittyname 9y ago

He's referring to the fact that insurance companies have shifted towards a system where "patient satisfaction" is a key driver of payment. This has caused a bit of a crisis in hospitals as executives push BS programs intended to improve these scores and they often come at the expense of actual care. It's becoming a huge issue in US hospitals

moduspol 9y ago
It's not too surprising. The patient doesn't care what's being charged! We'd see the same thing in other industries if market interference led to the customer not being price sensitive. Like higher ed.
- mywittyname 9y ago
  My understanding is that it's really just one more way insurance companies try to avoid paying for hospital bills. My partner works in revenue recovery for a regional hospital and it's staggering how awful insurance companies are. I've heard many stories where waiting for insurance authorizations would have literally cost people their lives, but the insurance has grounds to refuse payment without it, so the hospital ends up eating the entire cost of the person's care. The system is so incredibly fucked up. Far beyond what most people think. That being said, maternity wards are apparently the college campus of the hospital world, which is why you see so many of them being built in rich areas. They are insanely profitable.