Health care delivery in the U.S. is complicated. So, like any other complex topic, people take their unanswered questions about the intricacies of hospital operations to Google.
We sat down with several Texas hospital leaders to get their answers to some of the most-asked questions related to hospital operations, finance and patient care via Google Search.
Why are hospitals so cold?
Cooler temperatures create a more controlled, sterile environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of infections within the facility.
Additionally, cooler temperatures help preserve the integrity and effectiveness of certain medications, such as vaccines, antibiotics and biologics, and medical equipment, which are more sensitive to heat.
Why are hospital bills so high?
Hospitals have considerable overhead costs. Unlike other types of businesses, hospitals must operate 24/7, have surge capacity to accommodate a sudden influx of patients during an emergency, employ highly specialized personnel to staff facilities around the clock and keep up with the rising cost of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and technology.
Hospitals also foot the bill of uncompensated care. Under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) that governs nearly all hospitals, patients who seek emergency medical treatment must be stabilized regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.
Uncompensated care drives up the cost of health care because hospitals need to cover the financial losses associated with treating patients who are unable to pay. Uncompensated care includes both charity care, where services are provided for free or at a reduced cost to patients in financial hardship, and bad debt, where payment is expected but not received. Hospitals also incur losses from patients enrolled in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which pay below hospitals’ costs of care. When hospitals incur these losses, they need to find ways to make up the difference to remain financially viable.
These reasons apply to all hospitals in the U.S., but the effects are compounded further in Texas, which has the highest number and percentage of uninsured patients.
Texas Hospitals Going Above and Beyond on Charity, Indigent Care
Everyone needs and deserves medical care. Texas hospitals understand that as well as anyone. And in a state with the country’s highest uninsured rate, where charity care and indigent care are a fact of life – from the Panhandle to Port Isabel, from El Paso to Houston – our hospitals fulfill that need.
Do hospitals still use pagers?
Despite the widespread availability of more modern communication technologies like smartphones, pagers are still used in many hospitals today. Unlike smartphones, pagers are highly-reliable – especially in environments where cell service is limited – and cost effective to operate and maintain for a large number of staff.
Are all hospitals non-profit?
No, Texas has a mix of non-profit, for-profit and public (government-owned) hospitals.
- Non-Profit Hospitals: These hospitals are typically owned by community groups, religious organizations or charitable institutions. If they have surplus revenue, it’s reinvested back into the hospital to improve services, expand facilities, and support community health initiatives.
- For-Profit Hospitals: These hospitals are owned by private companies or investors and operate as businesses with the goal of generating profit. Any surplus revenue is distributed to shareholders or reinvested in the business.
- Public Hospitals: These are government-owned and operated hospitals, often funded by local, state, or federal government sources. They typically provide care for underserved populations, including those without insurance or with limited financial resources.
Why do hospitals smell weird?
The distinct “hospital smell” is mostly attributed to disinfectants and cleaning agents. Hospitals are rigorously cleaned and disinfected to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of infections. Hospitals also inevitably deal with biological waste. While this is carefully managed, its presence can sometimes contribute to the overall smell.
Do all hospitals have emergency rooms?
Yes, Texas hospitals (general or special) must have at least one emergency treatment room in order to be licensed. Specialty or rural hospitals will likely have smaller emergency facilities than a general or urban hospital.
Why do hospitals always serve Jell-O?
Jell-O is a popular and practical staple in hospitals because it’s easily digestible. Jell-O is an ideal food for patients who are struggling to digest more complex food, especially if they are recovering from surgery, and Jell-O is usually very palatable for patients with reduced appetites or nausea. The carbohydrates from the sugar and sweetener in Jell-O also give recovering patients a source of energy to support immune function.
Why are hospitals closing?
Texas leads the nation in hospital closures, particularly in rural areas. The factors contributing to these closures include financial difficulties, high rates of uninsured patients, the lack of Medicaid expansion, and challenges in maintaining a sustainable health care workforce.
Reeling in Rural Texas
Hospitals in remote parts of the state need help from lawmakers on several fronts.
Hospitals are businesses, and like any other business, hospitals are susceptible to closure if placed under prolonged financial strain.
Which state has the best hospitals?
Admittedly, determining which state has the “best” hospitals can be subjective, as it’s highly dependent on the criteria used to determine hospital quality.
Despite the challenges Texas hospitals face, this state is home to world-renowned medical institutions, cutting-edge research facilities and a robust health care infrastructure that serves the state’s growing population. The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the largest medical complex in the world, home to hospitals like Houston Methodist, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Texas Children’s Hospital, all of which consistently rank among the top in their fields nationally and globally. Texas also offers a wide range of health care services, from urban centers to rural areas, ensuring that quality care is accessible across the state.
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