McLaren Medical to furlough many of its 500 doctors, health practitioners
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The McLaren Medical Group will furlough physicians and other members of its staff as it deals with a 60 percenrt drop in patient volumes, the organization said Wednesday in a statement to Detroit Free Press.
According to its website and the statement, the McLaren Medical Group employs nearly 500 health care providers, including more than 300 physicians, as well as nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives. It is a part of McLaren Health Care, a Grand Blanc-based health system that includes 14 hospitals in Michigan.
In her statement, Julie Lepzinski, president and CEO of McLaren Medical Group, said the pandemic has significantly affected operations but Lepzinski did not say how many employees would face shortened hours.
"In response, McLaren Medical Group is taking a critical look at offices most impacted. We are adjusting hours of operation to account for decreased volume, while maintaining access for essential care. For patients in need of more routine care, we have expanded our telehealth availability to help ensure access to care," she said.
She said McLaren Medical was "working with physicians to identify those who may be temporarily furloughed for the next two months. They will maintain a certain level of compensation and continue their healthcare coverage. We don’t yet have final numbers or locations for furloughed physicians, as we are reviewing patient volumes on a regional basis and ensuring we continue to provide necessary care across the state."
She said many of the nearly 500 providers across Michigan, "all will continue working throughout this healthcare crisis. However, many will have reduced working hours based on the needs of our communities and the patients we serve."
One of those providers, who contacted the Free Press and asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, said McLaren Medical was evaluating each provider's patient volume to determine the length of their furloughs. For those with more patients, the shorter the layoffs, for those with fewer patients, the longer the layoffs.
This person said all health care providers working for McLaren Medical would be affected by involuntary furloughs. The medical providers work in both McLaren hospitals and medical offices, and include cardiologists, family and internal medicine doctors, and orthopedic surgeons.
The source said McLaren Medical did not ask for input about the furloughs from its staff.
Also on Wednesday, the Detroit Medical Center announced it, too, would furlough workers — some 480 — as it also faces budget challenges.
Contact Jennifer Dixon: 313-223-4410 or jbdixon@freepress.com
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