Opinion: Providers Must Not Fail Like Federal Debt Panel
"At minimum," the federal debt panel's failure to reach an agreement on a deficit-reduction plan "means more uncertainty for another year and more challenges as [health care providers] continue to plan for future changes and reimbursement reductions," Chris Van Gorder -- president and CEO of Scripps Health -- writes in a San Diego Union-Tribune opinion piece. "As health care providers, we know that cuts are coming. The only question that remains is by how much," Van Gorder writes, adding, "The financial challenges get larger but our patients and communities expect and deserve high-quality care." He concludes, "So, we move on with our important work. Unlike Congress and the supercommittee, we can't afford to fail. Because if we fail, people can die."
- "Unlike Politicians, Health Care Can't Afford Failure" (Van Gorder, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/27).