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A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health takes a look at the demographic health inequalities that correlate with the best and worst hospitals. The results are not very surprising: the worst and most costly institutions are far more likely to cater to minorities and the poor. But this information informs us about what might be some of the consequences of a new nationwide system that mostly benefits the most successful hospitals.
The study combed through 3200 of the nation's hospitals. The 122 hospitals in the top quartile of least expensive and highest quality were labeled "best," while the 178 hospitals in the bottom quartile of most expensive and lowest quality were labeled, "worst."
Patients at the worst hospitals were more likely to be black, more likely to die from heart attack or pneumonia, and less likely to be treated if on Medicare. The worst hospitals were more likely smaller and located in the South.
In 2013, Medicare payments will be increased for better and more-improved hospitals, and will be cut to those below the fold. But the "worst" hospitals are already seeing their funding in decline, thereby making their ability to improve that much more difficult.
The study also looked at high-quality, high-cost hospitals, which were seen to be high-quality because they were high-cost. If they try to be more financially efficient, they may lose their quality, and may therefore also lose funding.
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