Question

Case Study- I surveyed more than 500 hospitals. At one point I asked not to be placed on Veterans hospital accreditation surveys. Not all but some of the Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals were very argumentative fearing the possibility of written citations. So much so that on a ride from one VA hospital in Pennsylvania to a Pittsburgh VA the referring VA hospital sent 3 staff members to chauffeur me to the Pittsburgh VA. They all argued my concerns that a veteran on a 6-month waiting list for neurological consult was too long. They kept arguing, not discussing, that if he needed immediate attention he would have been referred to a local civilian hospital for care. I said, "In my opinion, if he needs a neurological consult, he needs it now. Not six months from now.

Based on your research, describe how different types of facilities (private nonprofit or private for-profit) might handle this type of patient. Briefly define advantages and disadvantages for each as a potential healthcare administrator who has been recruited by the state to take over one of these facilities. Assess how you as a healthcare administrator for the VA would handle this. What ethical issues are present in this situation? Based on your research, describe how different types of facilities (private nonprofit or private for-profit) might handle this facility.

Answer 1

Private non-profit HCOs work for community benefit. So, in this case, they might will schedule the consultation immediately so that the individual gets diagnosed and treated early. Private for profit HCOs might take it as an opportunity for making profits. If the individual is able to pay higher fees, he may get a consultation immediately. If the individual does not have the capacity to pay such high, he will be asked to wait for months.

Advantages of Private non-profit HCO

• Work for community benefit
• Offers low cost services
• Unprofitable care is provided to the needy
• Innovative approach for community care is employed

Disadvantages of Private non-profit HCO

• Funding opportunities are limited
• Not able to provide the best in field physicians
• High cost treatments may not be affordable

Advantages of Private for Profit HCO

• Specialized care and treatment offered
• Funding opportunities are not limited

Disadvantages of Private for Profit HCO

• Works mostly with profit objective
• Sometimes, a serious case may get delayed due to lack of funds