Houston hospital’s heart transplant program is losing Medicare status
HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston hospital that in early June suspended its heart transplant program for two weeks amid scrutiny over patient deaths loses Medicare funding next month.
The Houston Chronicle reports Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center officials are considering whether to appeal the order from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A hospital statement Tuesday said the unwavering focus is to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
A Houston Chronicle and ProPublica investigation focused on two patient deaths this year. Federal officials raised concerns about patient care and whether program improvements were adequate.
The hospital on June 22 learned of federal plans to halt Medicare. St. Luke’s, which said it’s taking corrective steps, was ordered Monday to let patients know the Medicare suspension begins Aug. 17 even with an appeal.
___
Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
