Staff members wrote the proposal for a 50-bed unit does not realistically match the community’s need, as the current 14-bed unit is rarely at capacity.
“The emphasis to ‘fill the beds’ increases the likelihood that patients would be admitted inappropriately, and organizational pressure to keep a high census could increase the likelihood of unethical or fraudulent behaviors,” staff members wrote in the letter.
PeaceHealth spokeswoman Debra Carnes said the demand for inpatient rehabilitation beds in our region currently exceeds availability.
“With Lifepoint’s ability to invest capital, we will be able to open a 50-bed facility that addresses market demand and more than triples the current number of rehabilitation inpatients that can be cared for in our community, ensuring those that need this level of care have the ability to receive it locally,” Carnes said in an email Thursday.
Rehabilitation staff also wrote in the letter they are worried Lifepoint Health, as a for-profit business, does not align with the nonprofit values of PeaceHealth.
This is the second partnership between PeaceHealth and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a division of Lifepoint Health, which is based in Brentwood, Tenn. Lifepoint Health is a health care delivery network consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional care sites, according to its website.
In 2011, Lifepoint Health agreed to pay a settlement of around $1 million to resolve allegations of false Medicare billing at Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Ky., according to an article from Becker’s Hospital Review.
The alleged overbilling, which occurred between 2004-2010, was revealed after the U.S. Attorney’s office said a beneficiary reported to Medicare that she had been billed for inpatient treatment rather than outpatient care, which is what she received.
“Like PeaceHealth, Lifepoint Rehabilitation is a mission-driven company focused on delivering quality care,” Carnes said. “Our missions align as we are both focused on making communities healthier and ensuring that all people have access to great care close to home.”
Rehabilitation staff members said they want to remain employed with PeaceHealth, but are urging the nonprofit to reconsider the partnership, according to the letter.
Carnes said decisions around staffing, compensation, benefits and severance at the future facility have not been determined as it is very early in the process.
“As the majority owner, PeaceHealth will ensure that the facility provides access and patient care services at this new facility based on medical necessity, regardless of ability to pay,” Carnes said. “We will prioritize the well-being of our caregivers in the decision making, keeping them at the center of our focus.”
