[not_apathetic_anymore]

Most hospitals have to deal with these two entities, that tell the hospitals how much they'll pay, damn the costs. Then the government forces these hospitals to serve illegals, which don't pay a dime. It's amazing to me that we have any healthcare system left in this nation.

It's just gonna get worse too. I think there is an emerging trend for boutique hospitals or short stay centers. The patients who are being referred to those locations seem to be the better insured patients leaving only Medicare Medicaid and very ill high acuity patients to be cared for at traditional hospitals. With all of the attendant services needed for the very sick population they have high expenses and will not be recouping those with Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates.

The next 10 years are going to be very interesting.

[DoughtyOne]

I agree with your comments. That is the trend and it will indeed be an interesting ten years. Also, hospitals are only one manifestation of this national illness IMO.