Arthur Levin, who heads the Center for Medical Consumers in New York, sees a troubling class bias in the VIP suites, which effectively segregate affluent patients from the masses. Washington Hospital, for one, stoutly defends courting the rich. Patients who pay extra, he argues, enable the hospital to care for the needy. Hospitals with VIP facilities note an array of business advantages, even if the pavilions themselves prove only marginally profitable. Toby Gordon, Johns Hopkins medical center's marketing vice president, says the Marburg Pavilion is critical in luring wealthy customers and helping support hospital overhead.
International patients have higher expectations when they come to the U.S. for health care.
Three chefs specialize in Middle Eastern, Mexican and European cuisine. Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York prices its suites like a hotel, charging by size and view. At these prices, patients are spared the horrors of hospital-cafeteria fare. The chef will also whip up cinnamon French toast, omelets and waffles. And Mount Sinai director Wendy Goldstein notes that Eleven West brings in badly needed income.