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December 4, 2008

Hospitals add perks to attract patients and beat competitors

  • Capital projects rich in amenities can help pay for themselves, though critics call the trend a medical arms race.
    • By TOM MURPHY
    AP Business Writer

    At suburban Detroit's Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, patients will indulge in gourmet room service, stroll walking trails and take cooking classes. A former Ritz-Carlton executive is running the show.

    The description seems more day spa than sick bay. But hospitals are finding it pays to pump up the perks as they compete for patients who want a bit extra — and have private health insurance. Proponents add that these amenities promote healing and stress relief.


     
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