AHA, FAH to Congress: Keep ban on self-referral to physician-owned hospitals

The AHA and the Federation of American Hospitals today urged Congress to oppose any legislation that would repeal current law limiting self-referral to physician-owned hospitals. The AHA and FAH cited data that physician-owned hospitals cherry-pick patients by avoiding Medicaid and uninsured patients; treat fewer medically complex patients; and increase utilization and costs to businesses and taxpayers. “The law as it stands protects patients, businesses and taxpayers,” AHA and FAH said. “It also helps ensure that community hospitals can continue to fulfill their mission to provide quality care to all the patients in their communities. We urge you to oppose any and all attempts to weaken it.”