Warring hospitals put money first, patients second

After reading in The Bee about the multiple lawsuits involving Valley Children’s Hospital, Saint Agnes Hospital and the Community Hospital system, I am not sure which one of the hospitals will prevail.

I do know, however, who has already lost: my patients!

If any of these institutions and administrators perceived patient care as more than a politically expedient tool to protect their power and income, the money being spent on lawyers could be be used instead on improving health care.

I have served my patients as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Fresno and Madera since 1985 at all of the local hospitals. The first question I always ask is, “What would I do if this was my family?” Where would I want them to go? Even though they all do their best, each of our local hospitals excels in addressing different types of problems.

The hospitals are asking for exclusivity through their foundations in order to “capture” your doctor. The hospital systems will continue to force this change, directly affecting your family’s health.

You should be able to make a choice. I want my patients and their families to have that choice.

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This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 6:16 AM with the headline "Warring hospitals put money first, patients second."