Fresno Health Care System, Physician Group Settle Over ‘Unprecedented Neurosurgeon Strike’
Fresno, California – A settlement has been reached between Fresno Health Care System (FHCS) and a physician group representing neurosurgeons, ending an unprecedented five-week strike that left patients without access to essential brain and spine surgeries. The striking neurosurgeons, who formed the Neurosurgical Medical Group of Fresno, had been locked in a bitter dispute with FHCS over payment rates and work conditions. The group accused the hospital system of underpaying its neurosurgeons and creating an unsafe environment for patients. FHCS, on the other hand, maintained that it had offered fair compensation and that the neurosurgeons’ demands were unreasonable. The dispute became so heated that the Fresno Police Department was called in to mediate negotiations. The terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed, but both sides have expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We believe this settlement is a fair and equitable solution that will allow us to continue providing high-quality neurosurgical care to our patients,” said Dr. John Smith, president of the Neurosurgical Medical Group of Fresno. FHCS CEO Jane Doe echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that allows us to move forward together and focus on providing our patients with the best possible care.” The settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over physician compensation and hospital payment rates. It remains to be seen whether this agreement will serve as a model for resolving similar disputes in the future. For now, the neurosurgeons have returned to work, and patients in Fresno can once again access critical neurosurgical services. The resolution of this unprecedented strike is a testament to the importance of open dialogue and the commitment of both physicians and hospitals to providing high-quality patient care.Fresno Health Dispute Settled
Fresno Health Dispute Settled
Following a dispute that threatened the status of Fresno’s only Level I trauma center, Community Health System (CHS) and Inspire Health Medical Group (formerly Central California Faculty Medical Group) have reached a settlement. The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by CHS in 2021 alleging breach of contract and interference. In September 2020, CHS announced a $1.2 million settlement with Inspire Health. CHS Chief Operating Officer Craig Wagoner stated that while the settlement does not fully resolve the disruptions caused by a neurosurgeon strike, it emphasizes that business disputes should not impact patient care. The strike, triggered by stalled contract negotiations, led to the transfer of over 20 patients from Fresno during the pandemic and Creek Fire. It also threatened the operation of Community Regional Medical Center’s trauma center. In addition to this case, several other lawsuits involving physician groups were filed in 2021. “In putting this dispute behind us, we hope to restore the relationship with CCFMG that the community has had for decades,” said Wagner. Inspire Health Medical Group, with over 300 physicians, provides care at 20 local hospitals and healthcare facilities. In a statement, the group emphasized its commitment to access to quality physicians and medical services for patients and students. “While CCFMG believes its actions were appropriate, it also believes that providing the highest caliber of physicians and staff best serves the community,” the statement said. “We look forward to dedicating our time and resources to caring for our patients.” The settlement concludes a chapter in the history of Fresno’s healthcare system as both CHS and Inspire Health focus on providing quality care to the Central Valley.
Fresno Health Care System, Physician Group Settle Over ‘Unprecedented Neurosurgeon Strike’
The Fresno Regional Medical Center (FRMC) and the Central California Neuroscience Institute (CCNI) have reached a settlement agreement to resolve a dispute that led to an unprecedented strike by neurosurgeons earlier this year. The strike, which began in May, involved 15 neurosurgeons who left FRMC to protest what they called unfair and unsafe working conditions. The neurosurgeons alleged that FRMC had failed to provide adequate staffing and resources, putting patients at risk. FRMC denied the allegations and maintained that it had always prioritized patient safety. However, the strike caused a significant disruption to neurosurgical services in the Fresno area. The settlement agreement, which was reached after months of negotiations, includes the following provisions: * CCNI will provide neurosurgical services to FRMC patients on an exclusive basis for the next five years. * FRMC will invest in new neurosurgical equipment and infrastructure. * FRMC will establish a joint quality and safety committee with CCNI to address any concerns related to patient care. * FRMC will pay $7.5 million to CCNI to cover the costs incurred during the strike. The settlement also requires both parties to work together to improve communication and resolve future disputes amicably. FRMC President and CEO Dan Lynch welcomed the settlement, saying it represents “a positive step forward” for the health care system and the community. “We are committed to providing high-quality neurosurgical care to our patients, and we believe this agreement will help us achieve that goal,” Lynch said. CCNI Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Rosen expressed similar sentiments, saying that the settlement “puts our patients first.” “We are pleased that we have been able to reach a resolution that will allow us to continue providing neurosurgical care to the Fresno community,” Rosen said. The settlement is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
