Local Doctors Fight to Keep Emergency Rooms in Oregon Hands
Emergency physicians at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend have publicly voiced their desire to remain with the hospital system, even as a contract change looms. The group, Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP), has worked with PeaceHealth for 35 years, but will be replaced by Atlanta-based ApolloMD.
A 35-Year Partnership Comes to an End
For decades, EEP has been a cornerstone of emergency care in the region, serving generations of families. The hospital system announced on February 3rd that it would not renew EEP’s contract, citing a necessitate to improve patient flow and reduce wait times. PeaceHealth believes ApolloMD is the partner to achieve these goals.
Physician Concerns and a Pledge to Patients
The decision has sparked concern among EEP’s 41 medical professionals – 32 doctors and 9 physician assistants. All have signed a pledge not to work with ApolloMD for at least 90 days, with some indicating they may not return at all. Concerns center around potential impacts to physician treatment and the quality of patient care.
On February 16th, Dr. Scott Williams, a physician with EEP, released a public letter on behalf of the group. The letter expresses gratitude for the years of service and a willingness to continue serving the community under a locally-based structure.
“We would wholeheartedly welcome a path forward with PeaceHealth that allows us to continue practicing here under a local banner and staffing all of their Oregon Emergency Departments. We want to stay in the places we call home, in the roles we love, doing meaningful and vitally important work.”
PeaceHealth’s Response and ApolloMD’s Arrival
PeaceHealth spokesperson Joe Waltasti stated the hospital hopes the physicians will choose to remain with the system, noting that contract discussions are between the individual physicians and ApolloMD. ApolloMD leaders have already begun meeting with hospital staff, including nurses, physicians, and administrators.
The Broader Trend: Outsourcing in Healthcare
This situation reflects a growing trend in healthcare: the outsourcing of specialized services. Hospitals, facing financial pressures and staffing shortages, are increasingly turning to management companies like ApolloMD to run departments. This practice isn’t unique to PeaceHealth; similar decisions have been made across the country.
Though, the reliance on out-of-state contractors raises questions about local expertise and community ties. Dr. Dave Schwartz, a hospitalist at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, pointed out that EEP has been a consistent, invested presence for 35 years. The concern is that companies focused on numbers and profits may prioritize efficiency over personalized patient care.
What’s at Stake for Emergency Medicine?
The shift towards contracted emergency services could have several implications for the future of emergency medicine:
- Potential for Increased Efficiency: ApolloMD aims to improve patient flow and reduce wait times, which could benefit patients.
- Impact on Physician Autonomy: Contracted physicians may have less control over treatment decisions and hospital policies.
- Loss of Local Expertise: Replacing local groups with national companies could diminish the understanding of specific community health needs.
- Workforce Challenges: The pledge by EEP physicians not to work with ApolloMD highlights potential staffing difficulties.
FAQ
Q: Why is PeaceHealth changing emergency room providers?
A: PeaceHealth states the change is intended to improve patient flow and reduce wait times in the emergency department.
Q: What is ApolloMD?
A: ApolloMD is an Atlanta-based physician-owned emergency medicine and hospitalist group.
Q: Are the current emergency room doctors leaving?
A: All 41 medical professionals from Eugene Emergency Physicians have pledged not to work with ApolloMD for at least 90 days, and some plan to leave permanently.
Q: Will patient care be affected?
A: EEP physicians have expressed concerns that the change could negatively impact patient care.
Did you realize? PeaceHealth first approached Eugene Emergency Physicians in 1990, asking them to incorporate so they could begin contracting.
Pro Tip: If you are concerned about changes in your local healthcare system, contact your hospital administrators and elected officials to voice your opinion.
Stay informed about this developing story and its potential impact on healthcare in Lane County. Read more at Lookout Eugene-Springfield.
