I dont know if this is the the norm in other states but Blue Cross Blue Shield in MN has started a ranking system of hospitals in MN. The tier 1 hospitals (which cost them less) are their prefered choice. If patients choose the tier 2 hospitals they then have to pay TWICE their usual co-insurance.
Why is this signicant? The rankings released today show that the Childrens Clinics in Minneapolis and St Paul did not make the cut. These hospitals provide excellent care for premie babies. Not to mention their pedriatic care. I know-thats where I take my kids.
At Children's, for example, hospital officials argue that they are a specialty provider that deals with the youngest patients at very vulnerable stages of life.
"We don't like it. Although the tiers are based on quality and cost, the driving factor is always cost," said Becky Woitalewicz, director of managed care contracting. "As a pediatric center we do cost more. ... You have to look at acuity [condition of the patient]. Our staffing is heavier."
The other places that did not make the cut which I found just as disturbing was Regions and Hennepin County Medical Center the two LEVEL 1 Trauma centers in the twin cities. So I guess if you have a serious accident you are out of luck! Mayo Clinics in Rochester did not make their cut either which is really unfortunate since Mayo is on the cutting edge in the medical field.
Here is the link to the entire article