Companies Asked To Waive Right To Sue Sutter Or Forgo Discounted In-Network Prices
Many are worried that they won't be able to challenge Sutter over its prices in open court.
NPR:
California Hospitals Make Patients Sign Away Their Right To Sue
San Francisco Bay Area companies say Sutter Health is strong-arming them into a contract that would help the hospital system secure its power over prices and potentially raise the cost of medical care for their employees in the future. Dozens of companies have received a letter, via their insurance administrators, asking them to waive their rights to sue Sutter. If they don't, a fact sheet included in the letter says, the companies' employees who get care through Sutter's network of hospitals, doctors and medical services will no longer have access to discounted in-network prices. (Dembosky, 11/4)
In other hospital news —
KPBS Public Media:
Tri-City Hospital Election Challenges Voters
Voters are faced with confusing messages from the candidates running for Tri-City's Medical Center board. Tri-City Medical Center has served the North County coastal region around Oceanside, Carlsbad and Vista for 50 years. It’s one of North County’s largest employers with nearly 2,000 employees. Tri-City is a publicly-owned hospital that has evolved into a health-care district, with about 700 physicians and outpatient facilities. (St. John, 11/3)