So Davita strikes again...

[dialysis.sucks]

(Sorry if this is the wrong forum - mod please feel free to move at will)

I believe I already mentioned in another thread how my independent center got bought out by Davita... Along with the nice things, like Wifi (and well thats about it) they've made a TON of new changes. The new one (bomb drop) is removing the hypafix bandages in order to use gauze and simple tape. Now this of course is a "cost saving" measure by Davita. What it means to the patients is a MUCH higher risk of infection. I don't know about you but gauze and tape lasts, MAYBE, until about an hour or two after I get home from a treatment before the tape starts to peel off. Exposed catheters are no good for nobody. And the cost saving for them? A whopping $18.72 PER patient, PER year, RETAIL.

Now realistically I think you would have to figure about half of that as the actual "davita cost" for the amount of bulk that a company like Davita could purchase these more comfortable (and more importantly) MUCH more stable forms of catheter care for. A whopping .06 to .13 CENTS per treatment per patient. How much do they get from Medicare on average? $450 PER treatment? What is that 1% of 1%? I at least have support around me that allows me to get things like this when places like Davita "cut costs"... I would say most patients, at least at my center, unfortunately, do not.

That's why Davita cost cutting be damned... I'm buying enough Hypafix (did I mention the staff prefers it as well for catheter care?) to keep all of the patients with catheters in these for the next year. While Davita will only make out with more savings (the .02 cents for the tape and gauze) the other patients and I, I think, will ultimately be better off.

Look Im all for a company being profitable and cutting costs where appropriate, but when it comes to patient comfort and safety... that is NO place to be cutting costs *Rant Over*

[geoffcamp]

I've taken to ordering my waterproof cat bandages from a medical supply company!  I NEVER EVER let any one at my center touch my site except the ends of tubes to hook me up. I learned my lessons fast!  My clinic is owned by Fercenius and has same policy. I simply can not allow them to risk infection to save a few pennies!!  I usually order my bandages in bulk about once a quarter. I've not had any infection issues since I've taken control over taking care of my site. I'm even scared to have them uncover it in the center!  Tape and gauze are simply not adequate care for a cath site. It's sad I must take this on but it's for my own safety and well being. I would suggest you might consider doing the same as taking on "big brother" companies is rarely going to see a benefit of change. Good luck and I completely understand your frustration. G.

[Rerun]

That is just crazy!

               

[rocker]

Yep.  The US medical system is pretty much drowning in profit.  Our money.  Every few cents they save on you is additional millions in some executive's annual bonus.  And why would it matter to them?  Infections don't cost them a dime - that's someone else's problem.  Medicare will pay.

Everyone should head over to Time Magazine's website and read "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us".  Well, everyone except those with cardiac issues.  The article will give you a heart attack.

 - rocker

[dialysis.sucks]

Yep.  The US medical system is pretty much drowning in profit.  Our money.  Every few cents they save on you is additional millions in some executive's annual bonus.  And why would it matter to them?  Infections don't cost them a dime - that's someone else's problem.  Medicare will pay.

Everyone should head over to Time Magazine's website and read "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us".  Well, everyone except those with cardiac issues.  The article will give you a heart attack.

 - rocker

I'm not real big on labeling everyone, millions of people, in the entire health care industry with how one company chooses to do business. I've come across companies and doctors that put patients first. However, Davita has, apparently, from what I read here, a rather long history of putting profits before lives

[rocker]

I'm not real big on labeling everyone, millions of people, in the entire health care industry with how one company chooses to do business. I've come across companies and doctors that put patients first. However, Davita has, apparently, from what I read here, a rather long history of putting profits before lives

Did you read the article?

[ms2116]

Medicare pays less than 200.00 a treatment...this includes the cost of the building, machines, staff, and supplies including medications and soon binders.

[Jean]

Pardon my ignorance, but, are there people who do PD at a care center???