The famed and very expensive University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, may lay off staff and cut back research cutbacks after major operating losses, the Houston Chronicle reports.
MD Anderson had an operating loss of $60.9 million for October, compared to an operating surplus of $11.5 million a year earlier.
IMD Anderson officials have blamed its recent financial woes on such factors as a costly Epic EHR implementation as well as a decline in the number of potential patients because of restricted insurance coverage.
That could include cutbacks to its celebrated “Moon Shots” cancer research program, Dan Fontaine, MD Anderson’s executive vice president of administration, told the Chronicle.
Mr. Fontaine told the paper that the hospital executives are asking physicians “to make it easier for patients to get in the door” through such efforts as more patient education on MD Anderson’s offerings and easing criteria that can stop patients from enrolling in medical trials or receiving care at the hospital.
Mr. Fontaine noted an improved financial picture in November as a result of belt-tightening and promotion.
To read the Chronicle story, please hit this link.
