Here is some anecdotal confirmation of basis for Medicare's decision: I had Mandible Ameloblastoma tumor excision end of this past June (with titanium plate replacement). Recovery revealed acquisition of a Strep infection at the site of the Transflap surgery. That's what they mean by "hospital acquired condition."

I was given massive doses of antibiotics to fight the Strep. That killed not only the bad germs, but all the good ones as well. And that, in turn, induced Clostridium difficile colitis, popularly known as C-Dif. This is a disease that is highly prevalent in some hospitals, apparently including Stanford. During this protracted ordeal, I was returned to the ICU at one point and my condition became critical several times.

In short, a brief hospital surgical post-op stay ended up with several additional hospital stays and a recovery that is still on-going. Medicare was billed for all this; Stanford accounting specified an over $800K tab. Thanks, Stanford Hospital.

I was a patient for a few days at Stanford Hospital earlier this year. The nursing staff, doctors, and assistants were all very careful and considerate. I did have a fall which was my own fault--I had a walker and failed to use it. I am unhappy that the hospital gets blamed for that. Infections on the other hand are very serious and do arise from carelessness somewhere along the line.

I've never understood how taking away money helps any institution improve since sometimes it is the lack of money that causes problems, for example, under staffing.

My aunt worked at Stanford Hospital for 20 years. She told me to never go there, but didn't provide any details.

I also had a stay at Stanford for a knee replacement. They gave me wonderful care, were very careful about gloves, sanitary conditions, etc. I couldn't have been more pleased.

Sorry about your SH experience Martin.

I always wondered why if the hospital or doctor causes an infection or surgical injury does the patient and the patient's insurance (or Medicare) get billed for the medical required to heal the patient. The facility and doctor should have to absorb that expense. Their screw-up they should have to pay the piper.

I was at Stanford last year for a week in the Emergency ward, a 3 bed room. The screens between the beds were filthy,and were opened and closed several times an hour by everybody from a janitor to a nurse. I caught a hospital blood infection while there. I had a blood draw every couple of hours day and night by indifferent, methodical and rough people.The IV in my arm came out twice while the anti-biotics were installed.

I had a permanent PICC line installed in me that supplied medicine into my vein by a great nurse who taped sterile paper to the screens to make a sterile cocoon. During the difficult and dangerous procedure, the screens burst open and someone came in and started to explain my financial responsibility.

Stanford should spend more money on cleaning up, and less on art museums for wealthy alumni

I had two hospitalizations for two hip replacement surgeries, one in Nov 2009 and the other in Feb 2014. In both cases my treatment was outstanding. The surgeon was the "Best of the best." The staff of nurses and Rehab people were tremendously attentive and responsive and the student doctors (Stanford is a teaching hospital) were very competent and friendly. I could not be more satisfied with my treatment.

I have every reason to believe that the interim CEO and President, Marianne Byerwalter, will do a terrific job getting Stanford Hospitals and Clinics back on track. These last years have been bumpy, but with the right change of management comes hope. She's wonderfully qualified and, while I understand that she will just be the interim, it's a step in the right direction!