3 ms·

I think the article is leaving out critical details: > We can only provide the best care with the cooperation and consent of the patient. We do our best to con

I think the article is leaving out critical details: > We can only provide the best care with the cooperation and consent of the patient. We do our best to connect patients in need with ... social service organizations to provide appropriate after-hospital care. Is this a failure of local social services? The patient clearly was ready to move to a different facility; and according to the hospital, refused assistance at placement. Were local social services involved? What were the conversations with Medicare? We may not know, because HIPPA could keep the real story confidential. Hospitals are often stuck in a hard spot: Often, people are admitted to the hospital because there is no other place for the person to go. My wife was a pediatrics resident, and sometimes social services would admit children to the hospital until the local foster care system could find them a place. Furthermore, patients leave against medial advice all the time. I wouldn't read too deep into this without knowing more about what the hospital did to place the patient.

rp1 5y ago
Did you miss this statement by a hospital employee? > Freeman said the 68-year-old man was discharged from the hospital Thursday. A hospital employee told officers that the man had been at the hospital for 35 days and that Medicare would not continue to pay for his treatment. The employee said that security dressed the man and walked him out. Freeman said an officer was told the man was cleared as “fit to leave” by two doctors and the hospital wanted him gone.
- gwbas1c 5y ago
  > Medicare would not continue to pay for his treatment. You just made my point. Remember, the hospital tried to advise the patient. We don't know the exact advice, because it's confidential due to HIPPA. I suspect that the patient was offered to be transferred to a facility like a nursing home, rehab center, or home care. The hospital can't transfer the patient against their will, nor can they continue to bill for treating someone who's condition is stable enough for cheaper treatment at a less expensive facility. It's a beuracratic nightmare. Without knowing more, I wouldn't cast blame on anyone.

rp1 5y ago

Did you miss this statement by a hospital employee? > Freeman said the 68-year-old man was discharged from the hospital Thursday. A hospital employee told officers that the man had been at the hospital for 35 days and that Medicare would not continue to pay for his treatment. The employee said that security dressed the man and walked him out. Freeman said an officer was told the man was cleared as “fit to leave” by two doctors and the hospital wanted him gone.

gwbas1c 5y ago
> Medicare would not continue to pay for his treatment. You just made my point. Remember, the hospital tried to advise the patient. We don't know the exact advice, because it's confidential due to HIPPA. I suspect that the patient was offered to be transferred to a facility like a nursing home, rehab center, or home care. The hospital can't transfer the patient against their will, nor can they continue to bill for treating someone who's condition is stable enough for cheaper treatment at a less expensive facility. It's a beuracratic nightmare. Without knowing more, I wouldn't cast blame on anyone.