New York's health care system is very expensive and doesn't deliver good hospital care. That's according to the New York Public Interest Research Group in a report called "Code Blue: New York Hospitals' Poor Quality Performance."
According to NYPIRG, federal data used for the report shows the state is filled with hospitals that don't deliver high-quality care comparable to states across the country. Executive Director Blair Horner told a news conference that state leaders don't seem to be paying attention, but he argues this is the year to pay attention.
"Health care is a huge problem in terms of the funding of the state government," Horner said. "The state is facing a $6+ billion budget deficit, primarily as a result of increased cost in the Medicaid program and we think that as that issue gets addressed, the important thing is to ensure that high-quality care is being delivered in New York State hospitals. We believe not only is it good for patients, but it's cheaper."
The federal data says weak hospital performance is a problem across the state, not just in some regions. Lookout Hill Public Research Associates Glenn von Nostitz said medical care problems like patient readmission is a statewide issue.
"Ninety-seven percent of the hospitals in New York State—87% of the Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and 49% of the Upstate hospitals—have 'below the national average," von Nostitz said. "Looking at safety of care, 69% of New York City's, 60% of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and 40% of Upstate hospitals were rated below the national average."
The report is available at NYPIRG.org.
