Pay-to-Play, Pay-to-Cure

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Dec 15, 2008 10:50PM

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is being investigated by the U.S. attorney’s office because of its business dealings with local doctors that my have violated Medicare rules. They could be found in violation if it is proven that the hospital was paying or otherwise rewarding doctors in exchange for patient referrals, and fines for violating Medicare rules could cost the hospital tens of millions of dollars. Subpoenas were issued to the hospital and its subsidiaries. Yesterday afternoon the Tribune reported that the government has focused its investigation on the relationship between the hospital and the Northwestern Medical Faculty.

Over the years, some doctors have complained about grants Northwestern Memorial Hospital has given to support various doctors on the hospital's staff including those at the Northwestern Memorial Faculty Foundation, according to physician sources who asked not to be identified.

Essentially this means that the doctors referred patients to the highest bidder, instead of to the most qualified individuals. Pay-to-play… pay-to-cure… Oh, Chicago. We wonder what else is for sale.