EMHC's continued good operating cash flow...Hmmm can someone say Facility fee? What's next pay to park? We switched Doctors for the whole Family to a different practice nearby but NOT affiliated with EMH or Clinics.

What a HUGE surprise!

The hospital could never sustain a competitive advantage as a stand alone.
The hospital could never afford the debt service on a $600 million dollar debt.
Where would the new or increased market share come form?
Do patients really stay in the hospital longer today?
A simple market and finanical analysis would tell you the market is saturated with too many hospitals.
Doctor tel the patient which hospital to go to. 99% of the time it's where the doctor is on staff.
The hosptial board is essentially in the real estate development business.

I have become very frustrated with Elmhurst hospital. First a few years ago I was informed they would no longer handle my insurance, but fortunately my doctors said they were also connected with Good Samaritan which protected me for the rest of the year and made it unnecessary to look for new doctors. Now as I look at Medicare and coverage I find that Elmhurst is not on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Select hospitals. So now I get to select a different insurance or pay a much higher deductible. Maybe that explains the quote above: "Elmhurst's high ratio of insured patients to Medicare patients is attractive to Northwestern, according to a Friday Crain's article.". Please do not tell me that Elmhurst is a hospital that cares. In the past I have been contacted by a group collecting money for Elmhurst hospital. Personally I would not give them a dime, since they have shown they do not care for people like me.

I just won 500.00! I bet that Elmhurst Hospital would be bought out within 1 year of the move. And I do mean "bought out," not "merged." Small community hospitals cannot sustain what is going on withinin the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry and will no longer be eligible for many tax breaks. May be good news in disguise.

It also appears NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is one of Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois Medicare Select Hospitals, but that would not necessarily mean a change in local policy.

that's what the MBA schools teach these days; if you cannot compete, you "merge"; its the american way. and in the re-structuring, a few layoffs, no big deal. maybe the state's efforts to make not-for-profit corporations earn their tax exemptions will help us, or maybe Obamacare will; and if not, just remember ... "it's better to burn out than to fade away"

Let's hpe Northwestern knows how to run a hospital, it appears they do. No hospital can remain independent of the big boys and EMH is paying the toll. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a sign of the times.

To Jim R. - Are you saying EMH is not accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield or just your Medicare Select BCBS because I am sure Elmhurst and I guess Northwestern soon all accept Blue Cross Blue Shield regular insurance. Explain better?

I am very disappointed with Elmurst Hospital they did not do a good job when they had the old hospital, nurses were on computers all day and night, my husband had to stay with me for my care,this hospital is all politics get ride of the guys that were making all the bucks. Hope Northwestern takes over. Leo Franza did a poor job on taking care of the old one now he is gone GOOD. I plan on and hope other people do like wise and go to Good Sam they care.

Hi Marilyn - Sorry you had a bad experience at Elm. hospital. This is more the exception than the rule. When my father in law was ill, the nurses and doctors were super, very caring and dedicated people who really took an interest and wanted him to get better and he did. Any one else have a good tale about Elmhurst Hospital?

Dan: yes there are still good doctors & nurses there I worked for them for 32 yrs so I know what is going on. I knew that they could not afford all the centers they opened and a sleep apnia and they the big one. Good luck and say well