The Question of Sanitarium Rates by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 28, 1912

The Question of Sanitarium Rates

By L. A. H.

One Side of It

THE subject of this article brings up one of the most troublesome of all questions pertaining to sanitarium work. It is not that it is so difficult to settle upon a rate schedule and put it in the sanitarium catalogue; for that is comparatively easy, being governed more or less by a general standard, with some variations for each institution, dependent upon locality, general operative expense, etc. Neither is it so difficult to arrive at terms with the general run of patrons, as the rates are quoted as given in the printed schedule, and are subject to acceptance or rejection.

The perplexity arises particularly when it comes to dealing with persons of our own denomination, and especially when it is necessary to give what is known as charity consideration. This introduces problems which are not met in the printed rate schedule, and which must be treated more as exceptions; for, as a rule, most of our people expect some discount from the regular rates, and often the circumstances require quite exceptional consideration.

It is not easy readily to meet all the conditions required in the cases of some who desire sanitarium care, but are limited in means. The institution usually feels the urgency of doing all it ought to do by way of favorable terms, but may not be able properly to determine what that is, while the applicant may see things only from his own situation of pressing need. From the standpoint of the institution, care must be exercised to guard the interests which mean its sustenance and existence. From the inquiring patient's view, it looks like a matter of a few dollars as against his restoration to health, and perhaps the saving of his life. There are two sides to the question, and important considerations on both. Let the people be heard now, and the institution later.

Sometimes we hear something like this, Why is it that we must pay such high prices in our own sanitariums for the care of our own sick? Taking the rates as printed in the usual sanitarium catalogue, and comparing them with the income of the average Seventh-day Adventist, we can readily see that to most of our people a prolonged stay at one of our sanitariums at regular rates might mean quite a difference in the financial situation of the family. To those who are dependent upon a weekly salary or stated income, it would mean some close figuring to keep from running behind. Some might have to make great sacrifice or arrange at some cost to meet the bill.

Often a comparison is made between the sanitarium rates and the home cost of living. Since the cost of living nowadays has greatly increased everywhere, the difference is not so apparent as when one could figure the cost of raw material for board for one person at a dollar a week or less. Cost of preparation of food is not counted as very heavy, especially for only one more, when the cooking has to be done anyway. Room rent does not seem a large factor. Taking it altogether, allowing from three to five dollars a week for board and room, which is ample in many places, it seems difficult to understand why at the sanitarium the weekly rate should be ten or twelve dollars or more.

Even where material concessions are made in regular rates (of which more will be said later), the cost of sanitarium care seems prohibitive to some whose means are very limited. There are those who have no way of meeting the lowest rates that may be offered. With an understanding that this prevents all possibility of securing needed help, the situation assumes an aspect almost cruel.

It is stated, too, that more favorable rates may be had from outside hospitals and physicians, or from our own physicians in private practise, than from our sanitariums. It is no secret in some places that quite a number of our people patronize other institutions than our own. This phase of the matter is serious for various reasons, and tends only to alienate the interest and support of those who should be firm friends of our institutions, giving them help and receiving their benefit.

Many of our people reason that our sanitariums have been established by ourselves, that we operate them, and that they are more or less dependent upon us for their continued existence. Calls for help in behalf of these institutions are sometimes made to our people, as in the present “Ministry of Healing” campaign. Why, it is asked, should not our own people in return receive the benefit of help from the sanitariums? In some instances where our brethren feel this is not the case, there is a marked hesitancy to respond to any appeals for help in behalf of the sanitarium work.

Cases are cited where it is claimed that Seventh-day Adventists have gone to our sanitariums and have met with disappointment in results; have been presented with a bill, and, if not able at the time to meet it, have been asked to provide for its payment. Some of these instances are presented with very unfavorable appearance, and seem to work hardship to the one already suffering. Such cases do not seem to bespeak medical missionary spirit, or else there is a misunderstanding as to what the term means.

It has been suggested that, if our institutions of healing were truly to follow the example of the great Medical Missionary, there would be no consideration whatever of financial returns for services rendered. Christ never made any charges for healing people, it is said, neither should his followers. This is doubtless an extreme position to take on this question of rates, however glad all might be to have it so. This phase hardly enters seriously into the question.

Now, whether the matter is as such presentations would make it, or whether our people have exaggerated views, there is an evident need of arriving at a better understanding of what is right and proper both for the institution and for the individual. The position held by our brethren in general, that our sanitariums owe to the denomination at large certain concessions in terms, is not groundless. It would seem that the fact that the institutions are established by the denomination, ought to determine largely what such terms should be. If the matter needs adjustment, it should evidently receive attention to that end.

On the other hand, if the question of sanitarium rates as affecting ourselves, is on a basis of equity, and our institutions are already doing what they reasonably can in the matter of special discounts, then we should make due recognition of that fact, and act accordingly. Surely, it ought not to be that reasonable and consistent grounds should exist for such strong complaint as we hear at times, and which in some quarters does not improve. The situation in this respect is not one to give strength to all concerned. May due thought and prayer be given to this matter so that we may arrive at such an understanding on the part of institutions and people as will be to the mutual blessing of all and the accomplishment of the work that should be done by our sanitariums. In our next article we shall consider the rate question from the sanitarium side.

L. A. H.