6 New York Hospitals Face Possible Cut Backs, Closures

Six New York safety net hospitals' financial struggles are so pronounced, they may face possible cut backs or potential closures, according to a New York Post report.

The report relied on data from hospital financial reports that were submitted to the state over the last two years:

•    Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn reported a 10 percent drop in admissions over a five-year period and 10 percent operating deficit for last year. In 2009 alone, the hospital suffered $31 million in operating losses.
•    Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn had an excess debt of $88 million. The report did not disclose which year the debt was reported.
•    Brooklyn's Interfaith Medical Center's debt exceeded its assets by nearly $72 million last year.
•    Westchester Square Medical Center in the Bronx, which is currently in bankruptcy protection, was on the verge of closing before state officials declared its services were needed in the area. In 2009 alone, the hospital reported an $18 million loss.
•    Jamaica (N.Y.) Hospital Medical Center reported a $72.19 million deficit in 2009 and was delinquent in payments to union-worker benefit plans.
•    Flushing (N.Y.) Hospital, after filing for bankruptcy in 1998, reported a $35.45 million deficit in 2009.

New York Gov. Cuomo created a panel to study these and other struggling safety net hospitals and found approximately half of the hospital's emergency cases were not actual emergencies. In addition, many patients sought hospitals outside their communities for expensive surgeries.

Related Articles on Safety Net Hospitals:

Berkley Law Issues Policy Brief on Challenges Facing Safety-Net ACO Formation, Includes Policy Recommendations
Florida's Bay Medical Center Continues Affiliation Hunt Amidst Budget Cuts
HFMA Cites Several "Areas of Concern" in CMS' Readmissions Reduction Program

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