THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9409150487
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATRICIA HUANG, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Alarmed at what they see as an attempted corporate takeover of local medical care, more than 70 physicians of Chesapeake General Hospital have declared their anger over monopolizing health organizations.
Their concern is prompted by Sentara Health System's attempt to win a contract to provide health care for city employees. Since the city government is Chesapeake's largest employer, area doctors believe a switch to Sentara would rob them of their patients, weakening the hospital and making it ripe for takeover by Sentara, which dominates the local health care market.
``We feel sad when we see our colleagues sell their practices to health organizations out of fear of loss of patients. We feel angry when health organizations direct our longstanding patients to other doctors who are on their `lists,' '' said Louis N. Carideo, who read to the City Council from a declaration he had posted on the door of a doctor's lounge at Chesapeake General. The signatures of more than 70 doctors backed the statement.
Control of Chesapeake's whole medical care establishment is at stake, Carideo told the council. ``We were taught that monopolies are bad . . . The way I was raised, you earn patients,'' he said.
The controversy ignited last month after City Manager James W. Rein signed a letter of intent with Sentara, agreeing that it would become the sole provider of health care for the city's more than 2,000 employees.
``We were looking for a carrier that could provide all the health care under one umbrella. The idea was to reduce the cost of the health care while giving the same level of quality,'' said Clarence I. Cuffee, deputy city manager. ``So we looked at (Sentara's) proposal strictly as a business deal. We didn't even think of Sentara's desire to take over the hospital. We're simply looking for a way to reduce the cost.''
Under the present system, city employees have their choice of providers, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Sentara and Optima.
Rein rescinded the initial agreement with Sentara, after it was questioned by members of the City Council. Cuffee said the city is now requesting proposals from Sentara and other health maintenance organizations.
``There's no question that Sentara wants Chesapeake General. So it would be lucrative for them to give the city a good deal on health care . . . '' Councilman Robert T. Nance said. ``I want it to stay competitive. That's the only way to have good quality health care.''
Deborah Myers, director of public affairs for Sentara, said she doesn't believe the doctors have a valid argument.
``We have 1,400 physicians and in Chesapeake there are at least 60 Optima primary care physicians and 120 specialists. And if any doctor would like to participate in the plan they can apply,'' she said. ``I don't see how this relates to the hospital. We don't want to take over the hospital . . . We just thought that we submitted a very competitive bid that will provide quality health care to the city of Chesapeake.''
Still, feelings against Sentara run deep in Chesapeake. Citizens are resentful that Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara's predecessor, tried mightily to prevent Chesapeake General from being formed in the 1960s and 1970s, and wounds are still fresh over an attempt by Sentara two years ago to merge Chesapeake General into its vast holdings.
Area doctors still feel controlled, Carideo said. Their anger stems from their fear of losing autonomy and being dictated to by health organizations like Sentara.
``Nowadays insurance companies give you these lists of doctors and you have to go to their panel of doctors. They get to the point where they almost own patients,'' he said. ``It disturbs me to see the old way of choosing doctors going down the chute. Quality and reputation is being replaced by these lists.'' by CNB