Grand Forks health care officials still fear rising costs after Supreme Court ruling
June 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm in Grand Forks Herald
At the headquarters of the northern Red River Valley’s largest health care system Thursday morning, executives watched the Supreme Court’s decision on a national health care law but their focus was elsewhere. Continue Reading
They don’t FEAR rising costs…they expect the profit margins to increase.
Altru may be a non-profit by IRS regulations, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t hiding enormous profits in the No-Choice Fitness Center and elsewhere.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
42 
25
Stay after them Schurkey.
Hot debate. What do you think?
19 
17
The investments Altru made in Choice (GF Park District) and the YMCA are part of reinvesting back into the community (and it’s only a small part if you look at all the other ways Altru gives back in the region). It’s a good thing for The Grand Cities.
Hot debate. What do you think?
22 
28
You didn’t mention the fact that Altru bought out a brand new hospital and eliminated the jobs and revenue from it. So they’re a detriment to our city as well.
The sky isn’t cloudless for Altru, like so many would like it to be. It’s overcast.
Hot debate. What do you think?
26 
15
“The investments Altru made in Choice (GF Park District) and the YMCA are part of reinvesting back into the community (and it’s only a small part if you look at all the other ways Altru gives back in the region). It’s a good thing for The Grand Cities.”
If they weren’t over-charging, they wouldn’t have to buy positive public relations. Every dime they “give back” to the region is money taken from their clients; or taken on behalf of their clients. It is PROFIT, cleverly disguised as charity and good-will.
Here’s a novel concept: How ’bout Altru knocks off the charity and good-will publicity stunts, and 1) Actually pays the nursing and support staff; and 2) reduces costs for the patients.
Hot debate. What do you think?
26 
12
Non-profit hospital means excessive administrator and doctor salaries. If you think the administrators and doctors collectively have anything other than their own self-interest in mind you are naive. Sure there are some altruistic administrators and doctors, but there are a lot more that are in it to maximize their income.
Like or Dislike:
10 
2
“People have insurance so they’ll have a better ability to see a doctor,” he said. “Capacity is going to be a big one. We’re already increasing our capacity.”
This is a good thing…..
Like or Dislike:
19 
9
And yet, I recall an article in the recent past where grand forks hospitals were carrying roughly 8% or more of their costs on their accounts due to treating uninsured people. Now those costs will be covered by insurance. just sayin.
Like or Dislike:
16 
10
Those are just journal entries. Altru jacks its prices up to compensate for lack of payment. Why do you think BC/BS negotiates such a lower rate, and Altru still makes a profit?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
24 
7
Holy crap, the Herald accidentally used the OLD Altru logo on the front page banner. Surprised Altru hasn’t raced to make them fix it already.
In the poll, there should be a third option that says “I don’t care, because I’m never going back there.”
Hot debate. What do you think?
20 
10
Thanks to Altru I was able to overcome my fear of driving on the interstates in the Twin Cities. I now know the Metro Area quite well. Thanks Altru!
Like or Dislike:
13 
7
Go to Chicago a couple tiomes and you’ll think the cities are just a minor annoyance by comparison…….But I know what you mean…The first couple times there if you’re not used to big city driving it could be a bit daunting……
Now if you want a bit of a challenge though…Try going through the middle of Kansas City (Especially on I35) There’s so many quick switch offs where the different freeways merged and split that if you don’t pay close attention you’ll get dumped down town.
Other than the tight turns going through down town in the cities….And those damn clover leafs that are on I94, I35 and the bypass loop connections (Man I hate clover leafs with a big truck) The cities are set up pretty basic for getting around. If they finish the job and make the bypass loop six lanes all the way around then they’ll really improve things…
Like or Dislike:
6 
3
That’s interesting Tundra…on our trip from the hospital in Edina to the Hope Lodge in Mpls we have to travel on I-94, 35W, and H62 all within 11 miles. After a week of doing that we found another route where we can avoid all highway traffic. It’s an enjoyable trip through downtown Mpls and the neighborhoods along South Lyndale Drive. There are several local restaurants, food co-ops, and small mom and pop shops along the way. It’s a nice change from shopping at Wal-mart and eating at chain restaurants. Be safe Tundra.
Like or Dislike:
3 
3
Sounds good…..I generally only see nice little resturants and shops go by because there’s usually not much room for a big truck to park…..The old truck needs some shop work so I’ll be home a few days….Too damn hot out there for this old beast from the Tundra….
Like or Dislike:
3 
2
I hate Kansas City.. I really do.. I used to live further south and when I came home I had to traverse that nightmare.. I was never so happy for (I think its called this, its been a few years) 635 bypass in my life.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
I’ve been through it several times so I’m used to it now, but the first few times I missed switch offs and had to wing it to find my way to where I needed to be…..You’re right…It’s really easy to hate….
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thank you Altru for working to provide us with the best possible care and expanding health care access within our region! Please keep up the good work and hold your head high, I am happy to know we have such an excellent medical facility that I can bring my family to in times of need.
Thank you.
Hot debate. What do you think?
15 
20
The administrators at Altru will do anything to prevent a Stanford takeover. Why – because the first thing Standford does is consolidate administrative functions to reduce cost. Administrators act in their own self interest to protect 300-500K salaries.
Like or Dislike:
7 
2
If you don’t know the difference between Sanford and Stanford (University in CA) you probably don’t know that Sanford’s CEO earns about 5-6x what Altru’s CEO earns. Sanford can’t “take over” Altru because it isn’t for sale-thank God. If you want to belly ache about health care monopolies, look around in every direction and you will see Sanford’s presence throughout ND,SD and MN. That should make you very uncomfortable.
Like or Dislike:
4 
4
Good luck, Chad, bringing your family to a medical facility that swallows the competition so it doesn’t have to be any better than it wants to be.
Hot debate. What do you think?
17 
14
For all those who are still one deminsional about this…Read the letter to the editor from Sally Stutlien today. She really shows the positive about this bill
Like or Dislike:
2 
0