Reference no: EM133435042

Hospitals are categorized as for profit or are considered nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit hospitals are considered charities by the IRS. They do not need to pay property tax, state or federal income tax or sales tax. For profit hospitals look to make the most profit for their shareholders. For profit hospitals do not have the same agreement with IRS. A comparison of the two show that nonprofit hospitals charge lower rates.

Nonprofit hospitals and for-profit hospitals can serve everyone in a community. For profit hospitals do not have any obligation to the patient once they are stable. If the patient cannot pay for services, the for-profit hospital can discharge the patient. Nonprofit hospitals have an obligation to treat all conditions of a patient. Many patients who may not be able to afford the care they need, could go to a nonprofit hospital, and still get good care.

Quality of care tends to go in favor of the nonprofit hospital. Many believe that because a nonprofit hospital does not need to constantly look at the budget, they are able to focus more time and energy into the care of the patient. This does not mean that for profit hospitals do not give good care. For profit hospitals also tend to have the latest and updated technology which gives them an advantage.

I believe that many for profit organizations can lose sight of what is truly important, the patient. I am seeing it happen now due to a shortage of nurses in the field. Hospitals are mandating nurses work at a higher nurse to patient ratio which causes decreased quality care. I have never worked for or been involved with a nonprofit organization. However, in doing research on both, I would think a nonprofit organization would be a better choice. They are more patient focused and community focused.

Question: Based on your research of the topic, can you speak about Emergency Services? In a nonprofit, a patient can't be turned away for inability to pay if there is a life-threatening emergency. What about a for-profit hospital? Do they routinely have ERs? Do they have the same level of commitment?