In a recent government meeting, social worker Lori Carbone highlighted the growing pressures faced by medical social workers at Michigan Medicine, emphasizing that the focus on financial outcomes is compromising patient care. Carbone, who transitioned from social work to research after 23 years in the field, expressed concern that social workers are increasingly evaluated based on the number of patients seen, rather than the quality of care provided. This shift has led to a situation where social workers are unable to adequately address the complex needs of patients, often focusing on a single issue due to time constraints.

Carbone illustrated her point with a poignant example of a homeless diabetic patient who faced multiple challenges, including the urgent need to secure housing. The lengthy intervention required to assist this patient, which involved numerous phone calls and coordination, would now be deemed excessive under current performance metrics. She argued that the healthcare system's billing practices prioritize medical services over holistic patient care, leaving social workers to juggle multiple responsibilities without sufficient follow-up support.

The meeting also featured Jim Mogensen, who criticized the financial management of the healthcare system, urging leaders to adopt a more sustainable approach akin to successful businesses like Zingerman's. He pointed out the significant capital expenditures made by Michigan Medicine, including a recent $45 million approval for campus expansion, questioning the long-term viability of such investments given the stagnant operating margins. Mogensen labeled the reliance on general fund money to secure these expenditures as reckless and urged a reevaluation of financial strategies to ensure the health system's stability and employee welfare.

Both speakers underscored the urgent need for systemic changes within Michigan Medicine to prioritize effective patient care and responsible financial management.