tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post6193668056134655108..comments2024-03-26T00:25:34.026-04:00Comments on Not Running a Hospital: Thanks for nothingPaul Levyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065446378970179507noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-32081686913109565372012-01-23T12:39:30.104-05:002012-01-23T12:39:30.104-05:00As to anon 9:27's remarks ,it's difficult ...As to anon 9:27's remarks ,it's difficult to understand why, after the big hullabaloo over the Attorney General's findings and all the hearings, etc.; that the subject has dropped into a black hole. Surely the governor and legislators can do simple math also? Surely they are not unaware of Partners' strategy of painting them into a corner? One wonders what political connections must be preventing further action. And Bostonians don't help, confusing MGH with Mecca. Perhaps when their insurance plans eventually exclude them from such an expensive place, they will clamor for change.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-80325957198613265092012-01-23T09:27:18.471-05:002012-01-23T09:27:18.471-05:00You are exactly right. Their strategy is obviousl...You are exactly right. Their strategy is obviously to give up something near-term for two more years at guaranteed rates with a huge differential to the market. Then when pressure comes to equalize provider rates, they’ll dare the legislature to try to supersede existing contracts. Good strategy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-27048191156525720942012-01-22T20:11:25.408-05:002012-01-22T20:11:25.408-05:00Paul, you are a rock star! Thanks for yet another...Paul, you are a rock star! Thanks for yet another expose. I learn so much from you, although granted little of it is pleasant. ;-)Mike Langloishttp://gamertherapist.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-29033018419140406802012-01-22T16:29:01.522-05:002012-01-22T16:29:01.522-05:00Your characterization of Partners' impact as a...Your characterization of Partners' impact as a tax is unexpected but thought-provoking; I never thought of it that way before. It is especially ironic, given that Partners is, of course, a 'nonprofit' and therefore pays no taxes. Talk about double taxation.<br /><br />nonlocalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-35170093313563611822012-01-22T09:11:16.603-05:002012-01-22T09:11:16.603-05:00This is how a free marketplace works. Presumably h...This is how a free marketplace works. Presumably higher fees mean better service. Payors have countered the higher fees at PHS Hospitals by charging a higher co-pay to subscribers. If subscribers don't want to pay the higher fees, they will go to other institutions for services. That is a free market. The alternative is to have the government regulate fees. Is that the solution? Perhaps?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-39841167421906075752012-01-22T00:43:04.444-05:002012-01-22T00:43:04.444-05:00Yes, its obvious that for PHS, FFS to ACO is a 3-c...Yes, its obvious that for PHS, FFS to ACO is a 3-card monte.<br /><br />But then what is the solution for this state? <br /><br />Is this the evidence to show that there first needs to be a level playing field before any "real" savings occur? Must Tufts-Caregroup-Lahey finally join forces on paper creating a new "Partner"ship without the pitfalls of combining hospitals to maintain margins? Where does Cerebrus now fit?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com