Shining light on medical care in Sullivan

I am disappointed with the media and politicians for their presentation of the dispute between Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Crystal Run Healthcare. There seems to be a lack of genuine investigation and inquiry. The public has been fed innuendo, half-truths and public relations spin, leaving everyone choking on confusion.

After practicing in Sullivan County for the past 20 years, I can assure the public that Catskill Regional Medical Center is a fine community hospital, staffed by committed and well-meaning people. Most health problems are well diagnosed and treated here. Complex or atypical problems are frequently transferred to various tertiary centers with which local physicians have longstanding relationships.

The problem of access and availability of care is a national issue and will not be solved by the current debate in Sullivan County. Suffice it to say that CRMC is open every single hour of every day for all, regardless of ability to pay. However, not all services are available all the time at this hospital—or at any hospital. Allegations that the lack of certain services at a community hospital of this size represents “poor quality” are disingenuous.

The medical staff at CRMC is open to all qualified physicians. All physicians who practice at the hospital are expected to participate in department activities where issues are addressed. After practicing at the hospital for two years, the active physician is appointed as a full attending physician with full voting privileges. This is in accord with the vast majority of hospitals in the United States and was established based on recommendations of national accrediting organizations.

Appropriate departments, as at all hospitals, handle complaints at CRMC. As at all hospitals, there is a performance improvement department where appropriate investigations are initiated. Egregious errors or behaviors are reported to governmental agencies by mandate. Complaints forwarded to governmental agencies, before going through appropriate channels, represent a disregard for hospital procedure at best. At worst, the premature presentation of issues to these agencies could be construed as a manipulation of the system.

CRMC is a real hospital with real issues. Serious politicians and media should be participating in the continued improvement of our hospital without any other agenda.

Realize also that Crystal Run Healthcare is not some naive organization. This is a for-profit business, established in part to empower physicians economically in the face of increasing disenfranchisement by the insurance companies. This private business has been provided many tax benefits by the public sector. Hence, it is clear that much of the posturing in support of Crystal Run Healthcare ignores that theirs is an economic model that could never bear the same scrutiny that has been cast on CRMC.

In closing, it is my hope that serious people will continue to work to promote the improvement and advancement of our local hospital. To our politicians: do not be manipulated by innuendo and advertising hype. To our media: do some real research and critical thinking while enjoying the fruits of the increased advertising revenue stream.

Eric A. Shapiro, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G., F.A.C.N.

Ferndale, NY