Some EDs Provide Speedier Care to "VIP Patients"

Some emergency departments may be providing special attention or expedited care to patients who could potentially help the hospital, such as corporate donors, families and friends or hospital administrators, according to an MSNBC report.

Several studies suggest the practice occurs. A.J. Smally, MD, of Hartford (Conn.) Hospital, for example, wrote in the Annals of Emergency Medicine that more than half of Connecticut ED medical directors offer quicker medical attention to "influential people," preventing those influential people from spending the usual three or four hours in the hospital's waiting room, according to the report.

Other hospitals, such as Norwalk (Conn.) Hospital, also admit to paying special attention to influential patients. In fact, Norwalk providers not only pay quicker medical attention to patients who donate at least $100,000 (also called "Navigators") but also provide special attention to their needs, such as charging low-battery phones.

However, Dr. Smally quickly noted the quicker care or special attention has no bearing on the quality of care provided to influential people or traditional patients and not all healthcare providers condone such preferential treatment.

"It is true, we pay attention to our donors," Bill McGinly, president and CEO of AHP, said in the report. "They’ve gone above and beyond. We recognize that their contributions can make a difference to the community."

Related Articles on Patient Satisfaction:

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