Tag Archive for: hca healthcare
Hospital competitors in Southwest Florida have filed petitions to oppose three new hospitals that state regulators approved June 1.
The challenges were filed to contest the state Agency for Health Care Administration’s decisions on license applications from Lee Health, HCA Healthcare, and Braden Clinic. The petitions seek formal hearings.
For residents of Estero and Ave Maria, where the hospitals would be built, the legal wrangling means delays and the potential of project approvals getting overturned or dropped.
Once an administrative judge has been assigned, the hearings must begin within six months and a continuation is only allowed when the judge finds extraordinary circumstances, according to state law. In general, hearings are held in Tallahassee. It is likely the petitions involving the Lee County projects will be consolidated.
The publicly operated Lee Health was approved for an 82-bed hospital at its Coconut Point outpatient campus in Estero. HCA’s 80-bed hospital was approved for a site near Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41. Ten of the HCA beds would be for inpatient psychiatric care. Lee Health and HCA are fighting each other’s projects.
The state’s approval of both projects in the same region contrasts with its 2013 denial of Lee Health’s bid for an 80-bed hospital at Coconut Point.
The NCH Healthcare System and Physicians Regional Healthcare System, both in Collier County, are opposing the two Lee County projects.
NCH also is fighting the state’s approval of a 25-bed hospital by Braden Clinic in Ave Maria.
The challenges reiterate objections the competitors filed earlier this spring after the three applications were submitted. The objections say more beds will harm the existing hospitals, will result in higher health care costs, and will dilute the quality of care provided by health professionals.
The petitions also raise questions about whether the state properly balanced statutory criteria in evaluating the applications. The state may face greater scrutiny because it approved all three applications for Southwest Florida. The agency also green-lighted hospital projects in Marion, Volusia and Orange counties.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
For residents of Estero and Ave Maria, where the hospitals would be built, the legal wrangling means delays and the potential of project approvals getting overturned or dropped.
Once an administrative judge has been assigned, the hearings must begin within six months and a continuation is only allowed when the judge finds extraordinary circumstances, according to state law. In general, hearings are held in Tallahassee. It is likely the petitions involving the Lee County projects will be consolidated.
The publicly operated Lee Health was approved for an 82-bed hospital at its Coconut Point outpatient campus in Estero. HCA’s 80-bed hospital was approved for a site near Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41. Ten of the HCA beds would be for inpatient psychiatric care. Lee Health and HCA are fighting each other’s projects.
The state’s approval of both projects in the same region contrasts with its 2013 denial of Lee Health’s bid for an 80-bed hospital at Coconut Point.
The NCH Healthcare System and Physicians Regional Healthcare System, both in Collier County, are opposing the two Lee County projects.
NCH also is fighting the state’s approval of a 25-bed hospital by Braden Clinic in Ave Maria.
The challenges reiterate objections the competitors filed earlier this spring after the three applications were submitted. The objections say more beds will harm the existing hospitals, will result in higher health care costs, and will dilute the quality of care provided by health professionals.
The petitions also raise questions about whether the state properly balanced statutory criteria in evaluating the applications. The state may face greater scrutiny because it approved all three applications for Southwest Florida. The agency also green-lighted hospital projects in Marion, Volusia and Orange counties.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
The publicly operated Lee Health was approved for an 82-bed hospital at its Coconut Point outpatient campus in Estero. HCA’s 80-bed hospital was approved for a site near Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41. Ten of the HCA beds would be for inpatient psychiatric care. Lee Health and HCA are fighting each other’s projects.
The state’s approval of both projects in the same region contrasts with its 2013 denial of Lee Health’s bid for an 80-bed hospital at Coconut Point.
The NCH Healthcare System and Physicians Regional Healthcare System, both in Collier County, are opposing the two Lee County projects.
NCH also is fighting the state’s approval of a 25-bed hospital by Braden Clinic in Ave Maria.
The challenges reiterate objections the competitors filed earlier this spring after the three applications were submitted. The objections say more beds will harm the existing hospitals, will result in higher health care costs, and will dilute the quality of care provided by health professionals.
The petitions also raise questions about whether the state properly balanced statutory criteria in evaluating the applications. The state may face greater scrutiny because it approved all three applications for Southwest Florida. The agency also green-lighted hospital projects in Marion, Volusia and Orange counties.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
The NCH Healthcare System and Physicians Regional Healthcare System, both in Collier County, are opposing the two Lee County projects.
NCH also is fighting the state’s approval of a 25-bed hospital by Braden Clinic in Ave Maria.
The challenges reiterate objections the competitors filed earlier this spring after the three applications were submitted. The objections say more beds will harm the existing hospitals, will result in higher health care costs, and will dilute the quality of care provided by health professionals.
The petitions also raise questions about whether the state properly balanced statutory criteria in evaluating the applications. The state may face greater scrutiny because it approved all three applications for Southwest Florida. The agency also green-lighted hospital projects in Marion, Volusia and Orange counties.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
The challenges reiterate objections the competitors filed earlier this spring after the three applications were submitted. The objections say more beds will harm the existing hospitals, will result in higher health care costs, and will dilute the quality of care provided by health professionals.
The petitions also raise questions about whether the state properly balanced statutory criteria in evaluating the applications. The state may face greater scrutiny because it approved all three applications for Southwest Florida. The agency also green-lighted hospital projects in Marion, Volusia and Orange counties.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare sold two hospitals in Fort Myers in 2006 to Lee Health. One was closed and the other, Gulf Coast Hospital, was expanded and renamed Gulf Coast Medical Center. In its argument against HCA aiming to re-enter the market, Lee Health says HCA “abandoned” the community in 2006.
Physicians Regional similarly said the monopoly that Lee Health has today is due in large part because HCA left the county in 2006. Physicians Regional said HCA should not be allowed to build a hospital and potentially divest again to the benefit of Lee Health.
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
In its objection to the Lee Health project, HCA said the abandonment argument is irrelevant and the issue is whether Lee Health should be permitted to expand its market dominance.
“The clear answer to this question is that Lee County residents should have the same degree of choice of inpatient providers as is available in other Florida counties and that enhanced competition will be beneficial to residents, the medical community, and payors of health care services,” HCA said.
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
Lee Health controls 95 percent of hospital beds in the county and handled 85 percent of all admissions, HCA said.
Lee Health spokeswoman Mary Briggs said the system’s project is the best choice for Estero.
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
“Our hospital will be built adjacent to Lee Health — Coconut Point, which opens later this year,” she said. “An acute care bed tower will naturally complement the emergency room, surgery center and other comprehensive outpatient services to be offered at that location.”
In its opposition to the planned 25-bed Braden hospital, NCH said the rural hospital proposed off Arthrex Commerce Drive near Oil Well Road would face numerous challenges.
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
“The area remains a medically underserved area, lacking necessary support services as well as sufficient health care professionals,” NCH said. “That lack of support raises issues as to 24-hour staffing and adequate emergency coverage for a hospital, and the sustainability of a rural hospital with 25 beds.”
Braden Clinic opened outpatient services for Ave Maria in 2015. The hospital application included letters of support from 650 residents, community leaders and businesses.
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
NCH took issue with the hospital planning to have an emergency room, but the hospital would not offer inpatient surgery.
“The lack of inpatient surgery, when explicit statements occur as to full emergency care, overreaches as to the capability of the proposed hospital,” NCH said.
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
Financial documents included in Braden’s application said investors would be tapped to help build the $34.5 million hospital, or $1.4 million per bed. Braden clinic showed net revenues of $525,000, and a net loss of $86,000 at the end of 2017. NCH raised questions about whether investors would have a controlling role in the hospital.
Braden officials issued a statement that its project has widespread support and that a new hospital is overdue in the community. Supporters include Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and the Collier County Rural Health Network, Braden said.
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
“Everyone knows that eastern Collier County is in dire need of a hospital that actually serves our patient base,” the statement reads. “The state healthcare administrative body has ruled in favor of our application. The community is supportive at every level.”
Braden officials said only NCH is challenging the new hospital based on its own financial interests.
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
“Shame on the powerful executives, lawyers, and governing bodies of NCH for suing the state of Florida in a sad attempt to protect their market share,” the statement reads.
Source: Naples Daily News
Florida regulators have approved plans for three new hospitals in Lee and Collier counties, a decision that reverses the state’s view four years ago that no new health centers were needed in the region.
This means that Lee Health may proceed with plans to build an 82-bed hospital on a medical campus it is already building in Estero.
But it also means that HCA Healthcare, which left Southwest Florida more than a decade ago, may open its own 80-bed hospital and inpatient psychiatric facility near Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41 in that same community. The hospital also would become Lee County’s third receiving facility for people undergoing involuntary mental health evaluations under the state’s Baker Act.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s ruling on Friday said that both hospitals are needed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing county and to diversify its health care offerings:
“The Agency finds that approval of both applicants, collectively, will increase accessibility and availability of inpatient services while enhancing health care and fostering competition to promote quality and cost effectiveness to residents of the subdistrict.”
A third approved plan from Braden Clinic in Ave Maria calls for the construction of a 25-bed health center in that community.
NCH Healthcare System, which operates the largest hospitals in Collier County and competes with Lee Health for patients in south Lee County, had opposed all three bids.
None of the hospital systems had commented on the decision as of Friday morning.
The Players
The 102-year-old Lee Health, formerly known as Lee Memorial Health System, is a public hospital system governed by an elected 10-person governing board. It operates four acute-care hospitals in Lee County and a variety of specialty clinics and health centers, including The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Lee Health also operates the only trauma center between Sarasota and Miami.
It frequently faces criticism for being a “monopoly” because it operates roughly 95 percent of the adult acute-care hospital beds in Lee County. For now, its only competitor is the 88-bed Lehigh Regional Medical Center in Lehigh Acres.
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is the nation’s largest hospital operator with 179 hospitals, 120 freestanding surgery centers and a number of medical facilities in 20 states and the United Kingdom.
Its Florida holdings include Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Englewood Community Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota.
Gov. Rick Scott led what was then known as Columbia/HCA between 1987 and 1997. He left amid a federal investigation into its Medicare billing practices, which ultimately forced the company to pay $1.7 billion in penalties and fines between 2000 and 2002.
At the time, it was the largest health care fraud in the nation’s history, according to Politifact.
HCA formerly operated the now-demolished Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center and what was once known as Gulf Coast Hospital. Lee Health acquired both in 2006 in a $535 million deal.
Braden Clinic has been in Ave Maria for several years and provides a number of outpatient medical services, including primary medical care, urgent care and pediatric care. It also offers lab services.
Its hospital would serve Ave Maria, Immokalee and the surrounding rural communities, according to its website. It is expected to offer 24/7 emergency services, a pharmacy, a lab, rehabilitation care, imaging, an infusion center and cardiorespiratory.
Source: Naples Daily News
In Florida, a long-running healthcare industry legal battle could be coming to an end, thanks to the rare feat of passing bipartisan legislation affecting trauma centers.
The legislature this week passed a bill that will change how trauma centers are distributed throughout the state. It will also designate some HCA facilities as trauma centers, thus ending several legal challenges. And it will establish an advisory council that can help resolve future conflicts.
What exactly is a trauma center?
“Emergency rooms are not trauma centers,” according to the Florida Committee on Trauma. Whereas any emergency room has staff who can treat a broken bone or mild burn, a facility that is designated as a trauma center “has highly trained specialists in-house or immediately available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
Trauma centers must meet certain state standards and are specially prepared to handle things like major car accidents, severe burns and gunshot wounds. A trauma center can be part of a hospital or in some cases, a stand-alone facility.
Like it or not, healthcare in America is a business, and hospitals must compete for patients, their paying customers. Because hospitals are expensive to run, the state wants enough of them to serve the population, but no so many that patients are spread thin and rates increase. Like about 30 other states, Florida regulates how many hospitals can open, and where. The state regulates trauma centers in similar fashion.
There are 303 hospitals in Florida, 209 of them with emergency departments, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Yet the state has only 27 trauma centers.
Under current regulations, which have been in place for 26 years, a hospital can receive a designation as a Level I, Level II, pediatric or provisional trauma center depending on its offerings. Florida’s 67 counties are divided into 19 “trauma service areas” and only a certain number of trauma centers are allowed in each.
In recent years, for-profit HCA Healthcare pushed to open trauma centers at more of its hospitals. Competitors balked, filing legal challenges that have wound through the courts for a decade.
Some have argued the market should be opened and hospitals should be allowed to open more trauma centers in crowded or lucrative areas. Others have argued that such a move would siphon patients from needier areas and disadvantage rural and community hospitals.
Legislators this year, after exhaustive meetings with hospital industry leaders, said they have finally worked out a compromise. New rules would dictate that no service area can have more than five trauma centers, nor more than one stand-alone pediatric trauma center. The service area borders would be adjusted and the number of areas would drop from 19 to 18. The Department of Health would establish an 11-member Florida Trauma System Advisory Council, which would begin meeting in 2019.
The new rules would also settle the litigation by approving three HCA trauma centers: at Kendall Regional Medical Center, Orange Park Medical Center and Aventura Hospital & Medical Center. One HCA facility, Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, would not be allowed to proceed with trauma center designation.
The bill passed the state House and Senate unanimously and will go to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
Income from red-light camera violations has helped fund trauma centers in Florida to the tune of $12.6M in 2012. Following a mass shooting incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Feb. 14, state lawmakers have been considering measures that would take money collected from applications for firearm licenses and direct those funds to trauma centers as well.
Source: Bisnow
