More cardiology discontent
As a follow-up to yesterday’s cardiology discussion, I was informed by one of my colleagues that Floyd sent some of the cardiologists to out-of-town facilities to train on a new type of CT machine that does angiography. This is basically a non-invasive way to look for blockages in the coronary arteries without having to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization. It is ultimately safer for patients but has not gotten widespread use because of insurance reimbursements to hospitals.
The cardiologist took time away from their office, patients and families to train on this certain machine and now that they have returned, they were informed the Hospital decided to buy a different machine than the one they trained on.
They never asked for input or direction; they just made another unilateral decision.
This is very similar to the other incidents within the past year or so where they had asked the ER doctors for input on the computer system in their department, sent them out to other facilities to evaluate but never informed them they had already purchased it before they went.
Or when they replaced the orthopedic equipment without input from the orthopedic surgeons or when they asked the radiologists for their input on the systems in their department but then chose the system they least liked.
It didn’t matter that they wasted the physician’s time and cost him money.
It is just another example of poor communication, lack of respect for physicians, and another way to show how little they value relationships.
The trend continues!
ADDENDUM: 2:15 pm
Trying to be factually accurate, I did recieve input this afternoon that the actual purchase of the ER system was after the physicians visited the site. The ER doctors perception remains that the decision to purchase the system was made before the site visit.
The cardiologist took time away from their office, patients and families to train on this certain machine and now that they have returned, they were informed the Hospital decided to buy a different machine than the one they trained on.
They never asked for input or direction; they just made another unilateral decision.
This is very similar to the other incidents within the past year or so where they had asked the ER doctors for input on the computer system in their department, sent them out to other facilities to evaluate but never informed them they had already purchased it before they went.
Or when they replaced the orthopedic equipment without input from the orthopedic surgeons or when they asked the radiologists for their input on the systems in their department but then chose the system they least liked.
It didn’t matter that they wasted the physician’s time and cost him money.
It is just another example of poor communication, lack of respect for physicians, and another way to show how little they value relationships.
The trend continues!
ADDENDUM: 2:15 pm
Trying to be factually accurate, I did recieve input this afternoon that the actual purchase of the ER system was after the physicians visited the site. The ER doctors perception remains that the decision to purchase the system was made before the site visit.
posted by Anonymous at 6:45 AM
4 Comments:
The docs that gave me the info are always wondering what else goes on behind the scenes to seal these deals.
What are the real perks and who is getting them?
Thank goodness the sainted profession of medical doctors does not engage in that sort of behavior. They are way too busy talking to and investing in new hospitals and specialty service companies that compete with their community-owned hospitals. And, of course, they are always above board and open about their dealings and potential conflicts of interest.
diogenestrainee, our community-based hospital spent upwards of $200,000 in legal fees to slow down the new hospital enough to get its new cardio wing open. With its cost of capital based on the county's bond rating, Floyd shouldn't be that worried about a 42 bed start-up. I'm guessing that Southern Indiana physicians currently have far more than 42 patients in Louisville hospitals right now.
There are truly a lot of questions when it comes to purchasing arrangements. Floyd uses VHA which the CEO has been very involved with over the years.
When the Board brought up the idea of looking into other group purchasing companies and compare prices, he nearly "had a cow" and it never went anywhere becuase he controlled the majority of the Board.
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