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Health system CEOs defended their prices at a congressional hearing on healthcare affordability Tuesday, instead blaming health insurer policies, sicker patients, expensive supplies, and administrative and regulatory burdens for the rising cost of their services.
In particular, the CEOs from HCA Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, New York-Presbyterian and ECU Health said hospitals should be paid more for the same procedures than when they are delivered at physician offices.
“There are aspects to hospitals that reimbursement covers beyond just the procedure and that’s 24/7, 365 readiness” as well as disasters and uncompensated care, HCA CEO Sam Hazen said. He conceded that there are some instances where the gaps between hospital and surgery center prices are too wide. |