Nearly all Long Island hospitals face penalties from Medicare for rates of infections, injuries and hospital readmissions that exceed federal standards.
Kaiser Health News reported the federal government has withheld millions of dollars to 22 hospitals on the island, including Northwell Health, Stony Brook University Hospital and other major healthcare systems. Medicare did not provide details about the total financial impact.
Medicare reduced its reimbursement rates by 1% for hospitals that rank the worst in preventing hospital acquired infections and injuries. The reimbursement rates are reduced by up to 3% for readmission penalties.
The penalties are intended to push hospitals to improve patient care. This year’s penalties are based on hospital performance from before the pandemic.
Stony Brook University Hospital, including Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, is one of 55 hospitals nationwide that has been penalized for higher rate of hospital-acquired problems eight years in a row.
A hospital spokesperson told Newsday that they are constantly seeking opportunities for improvement and implementing best practices.
