Cesarean Sections More Likely at For-Profit Hospitals
A recent study performed by California Watch determined that for-profit hospitals across the state are performing cesarean sections at higher rates than nonprofit hospitals. C-Section deliveries now account for 32% of all births, an increase of more than 50% since 1996. At for-profit hospitals this number is higher, with women at least 17 percent more likely to have a cesarean section at a for-profit hospital than at a nonprofit hospital from 2005 to 2007. In California in 2008, more than 180,000 C-sections were performed.
While doctors have often blamed “defensive medicine” as the reason behind the dramatic increase in C-sections, the Pacific Business Group concluded that the reason is simpler - C-sections help a hospital’s bottom line. In fact, a surgical birth can bring in twice the revenue of a vaginal delivery. In addition to profits, some hospitals perform more C-sections for non-medical reasons – including a doctor’s patience and staffing schedules.
These findings underscore anecdotal evidence from around that country that rather than “defensive medicine” and the fear of lawsuits, profit motives play a significant role in the tests ordered and services provided.
As stated by a childbirth advocate, “[t]his data is compelling and strongly suggests that there may be a provable connection between profit and the cesarean rate.” C-sections should only be used in cases of medical need. Although often c-sections are required in the case of difficult births to prevent significant and long-term damage to infants, C-sections present their own possibilities for harm and may unnecessarily place a patient at risk.
While hospitals may not explicitly push C-sections for profit, subtle incentives to increase efficiency may have the same effect.
For more information, or if you have been pressured to have any unnecessary medical procedure, contact Bostwick, Peterson & Mitchell, LLP, to find out how we can help.
