| Page 3 of 3 < |
Uninsured Help Sap Finances Of Hospital
Derrick Washington was at Prince George's Hospital Center five weeks. Costs hit $250,000 before he was "out of the dark," his aunt says.
(By James M. Thresher -- The Washington Post)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Another costly problem is that many patients arrive from homeless shelters or off the streets and occupy their beds long after doctors have treated them as social workers try to find somewhere for them to go after their release.
"We're a pretty good example of how bad the health-care system is in this country," said Debbie Wilkes, a neonatology nurse who has worked at the hospital for three decades.
Doctors, nurses and some patients say that if there were more money for marketing, they could get the word out about the excellent care they say they provide, despite difficulties, to some of the region's sickest and neediest patients.
"I keep telling people, if you don't have experience, don't say a word, until you taste it," said Mercy Peterson, 35, who was rushed to the hospital in August, when she woke up in the middle of the night after six months of pregnancy, bleeding profusely.
An ambulance took her from her Lanham home to the hospital, where she was convinced that she would lose the baby. Instead, Chisom was delivered by Caesarean section at 1 pound, 7 ounces. Peterson remained in the neonatal unit for more than three months before bringing her daughter home in December at 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
"We don't know the value of what we have until it is gone," said Peterson, who is insured. "P.G. Hospital is one of a kind."
In Annapolis, legislators and Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) are trying to find a long-term solution for the hospital's problems but have not made a financial commitment.
"Shouldn't it be the number one priority to keep a hospital open?" asked Washington, who is trying to adjust to life with a disability.
Mobile
Email