Louisiana hospital files for bankruptcy, blames ex-administrator for financial crisis

Doctors Hospital at Deer Creek, a physician-owned hospital in Leesville, La., entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy Oct. 18.

Advertisement

In documents filed in the bankruptcy case, Gregory D. Lord, MD, a managing member of the hospital, said a former hospital administrator is to blame for the hospital’s current financial troubles.

“The Chapter 11 filing was necessitated by a financial crisis resulting from Medicare overpayments caused by the actions of a prior administrator at the hospital,” Dr. Lord said.

The hospital is currently paying back certain overpayments, but it does not have enough cash flow to pay back further overpayments that are likely to be assessed.

“Because of this, Medicare is likely to offset the overpayments owed by withholding all future Medicare payments to DHDC,” Dr. Lord said. “Once Medicare begins offsetting the overpayments from future payments, DHDC will have to close its hospital, as there will be insufficient financial resources for the hospital to continue operations.”

DHDC leaders determined the only feasible option is to service current debts, curtail additional debts and secure a buyer. DHDC submitted a purchase proposal to the bankruptcy court.

In its bankruptcy petition, DHDC listed its assets as between $1 million and $10 million and listed its liabilities in the same range.

More articles on healthcare finance:

Walmart wants to cut healthcare costs for customers
Indiana hospital files for bankruptcy, scales back services
Missouri hospital to close

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Financial Management

Advertisement

Comments are closed.