A potential merger with Yuma (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center and Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health is concerning some surgeons, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliateKYMA reported Oct. 19.
The hospital signed a nonbinding letter of intent considering the move in July. The hospital would lose its nonprofit status if it merges with LifePoint, and that could affect how extra revenue is reinvested. It's a scenario that concerns orthopedic surgeon Ron Clark, MD.
"There’s no guarantee that a company that works for a profit would decide to reinvest at the same level," he told the station. "They may decide that some of those resources need to go to their investors and their shareholders."
Jefferey Polson, chair of the hospital board, said a decision hasn't been made and the board still is gathering input from the public.