NPR: CEOs earn big bucks at nonprofit hospitals. But does that benefit patients?
"Nearly half of hospitals in the U.S. are nonprofits, which means they don’t pay local, state or federal taxes. In return, the hospitals provide medical care, a social benefit, to their communities."
On Houston Public Media: Ho discusses healthcare prices in Houston
Houston Public Media hosted Vivian Ho to discuss her co-authored report that compared price and quality at Houston-area hospitals. It suggested hospitals with a higher cost may not necessarily provide better quality care.
More People Are Delaying Medical Care Due to Cost, Federal Reserve Finds
“Because of inflation, I think people have to make tough choices,” Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics, said. “They have to decide, am I going to pay the rent? Am I going to buy food? Or am I going to get medical care that I could have now or later?”
Some Hospitals Struggle as Borrowing Gets More Expensive
Some hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open as borrowing costs increase. For rural hospitals that have to borrow to cover expenses, “the higher interest rates are going to be very difficult for them to manage,” said Vivan Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics.
Why Urgent Care Centers Are Popping Up Everywhere
“It’s a reasonable solution for people with minor conditions that can’t wait for primary care providers,” said Vivan Ho, Chair in Health Economics, of the boom in urgent care centers. “When you need constant management of a chronic illness, you should not go there.”