This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
A series in the New York Times titled “Profits Over Patients” has presented a flawed narrative of America’s hospitals — specifically not-for-profit health systems. The three articles that have run to date have examined billing practices and charity care, the use of the 340B drug pricing program, and most recently, workforce shortages and staffing.
INCOMPLETE AND FLAWED
The series presents an incomplete and flawed view of the hospital field and fails to address many significant challenges hospitals and health systems face, the American Hospital Association (AHA) says. AHA and CHA will continue to push back on these incomplete storylines.
The reality is hospitals are the backbone for health care in their communities, provide life-saving care, and broadly support health and wellness efforts. AHA and CHA will continue to highlight the critical work hospitals and health systems across the country do to advance the health of patients and communities.
Given this attention, AHA and CHA want to share a set of resources and talking points that can help hospitals discuss these issues.
RESOURCES
- A report detailing the significant financial challenges hospitals and health systems are facing and how 2022 will be the most difficult year since the start of the pandemic
- A report highlighting the costs of caring for patients and the many factors that go into providing care
- A new web page with reports, videos, and other resources that highlight the significant challenges hospitals and health systems are currently facing
- Resources, including content that can be used on social media, to help hospitals highlight the crucial role they play in their communities
- Billing guidelines and principles that outline how hospitals and health systems are working with patients to navigate health care billing and their insurance coverage
- Studies and resources on how patients and communities benefit when hospitals come together
- Data and examples of how hospitals invest in community benefit activities to support the health of their communities
- An infographic that highlights the value of health systems during the pandemic, as well as case studies from health systems across the country
- A series of resources and reports to help strengthen the health care workforce today and in the future
NEXT STEPS
- Share this advisory with the appropriate colleagues, including communications and government affairs teams.
- Continue to share the incredible work hospitals or health systems perform every day to care for patients and communities. Share good stories with CHA so they can be amplified. In addition, share these stories with lawmakers and local media and use social media to directly reach people.
- Review policies and practices as they relate to helping patients navigate the billing system and highlight a hospital’s community benefit activities.
