Hospitals are increasingly facing financial penalties from federal regulators for reporting high rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), prompting some to discourage necessary testing. This troubling trend has emerged as healthcare providers balance patient care with the risk of incurring heavy fines that can reach millions of dollars.
In an environment where the focus is often on financial performance, some hospital administrators have opted to limit testing for infections, knowing that a lack of reported cases can shield them from penalties. This approach, however, compromises patient care, as timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing infections effectively. Reports indicate that some executives have even pressured staff to underreport infection rates, further exacerbating the issue.
Despite awareness of this problematic behavior for over a decade, neither Medicare nor Congress has implemented measures to address the underlying incentives that drive these practices. Carol McLay, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, describes this situation as “health care’s dirty little secret,” highlighting the need for systemic change to prioritize patient safety over financial considerations.
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