News

North Carolina Attorney Investigates HCA Healthcare over Lack of Cancer Services

James L. Flint

• September 29, 2023

Introduction

The attorney general of North Carolina, Josh Stein, has launched an investigation into HCA Healthcare following reports that Mission Hospital, a hospital system owned by HCA, is failing to provide cancer services. Stein has expressed concerns that HCA may be in violation of agreements it made with the attorney general's office when acquiring Mission Hospital.

Decreases in Cancer Services

According to public reports, Messino Cancer Group is no longer offering inpatient hematology treatment for adults with leukemia and lymphoma at Mission Hospital. This decision is allegedly due to HCA's inadequate staffing and lack of resources supporting chemotherapy treatments.

In addition, GenesisCare, another private oncology practice, has filed for bankruptcy, resulting in their doctors no longer being available to staff Mission's oncology practice. Consequently, cancer patients in Western North Carolina are now faced with the challenge of traveling for hours to Charlotte to receive necessary care.

Attorney General's Demands

Attorney General Stein has sent a letter to HCA, demanding clarification on the reasons behind the decline in cancer services. He has warned that HCA might be breaching the agreements made during the acquisition of Mission Hospital. The attorney general expects HCA to address the care delivery issues raised by Messino and provide detailed plans for future cancer treatment at Mission Hospital.

Seeking Feedback from Affected Residents

To acquire a complete picture of the impact of HCA's insufficient cancer care, the attorney general's office encourages residents of Western North Carolina to file complaints if they have been affected. This feedback will aid in the investigation and ensure that the concerns of the community are heard.

Conclusion

The attorney general of North Carolina is taking action against HCA Healthcare over allegations of inadequate cancer services at Mission Hospital. With an ongoing investigation, Attorney General Stein is seeking answers from HCA to rectify the current situation and secure a plan for the future provision of cancer treatment at Mission Hospital.