Unfair comparison

I feel compelled to respond to Daniel Tasset, Chairman of Nueterra Healthcare LLC (7/8, Letters). I have used a surgicenter and found it an excellent place to receive care. I also think surgicenters have a good reputation as alternatives to hospital care in this area.

However, I take issue with his comparison of costs with hospital outpatient departments. I don’t think that is a comparison of apples to apples.

A hospital provides far more services to its patients including intensive care and full-service lab and transfusion services available 24/7.

I don’t consider the comparison of cost fair without explaining the fact that the facilities are much different.

Mary West

Kansas City