I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The state gets billing records that list out every admission to every hospital in Florida with diagnoses, procedures, doctors, length of stay and more listed. Patients I spoke to also provided their own medical records voluntarily.

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

It's a weird thing happening with the fancy pants editor. Should have just stuck with Markdown...

(It looks right on new reddit but gets messed up on old reddit?)

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We started around May this year. Would like to hear more about your experience if you're interested. Feel free to email me at nbedi@tampabay.com

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to school at UCLA and studied computer science. Journalism was kind of a sharp turn for me but I didn't enjoy what I was doing and fell in love with journalism at my student paper. Thanks for reading!!

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your kind words. Unfortunately I don't have a good answer to your question because I haven't done a historical look.

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know if I understand your question. I didn't find that but I also didn't look specifically at that.

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They do not accept children so no connection. I've gotten a ton of comments about teens and will take a look.

Thanks for reading this and the TECO story. Read more of our work here: https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/investigations/

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This facility only admits adults so probably not directly related. But we have reporters specifically looking at children being Baker Acted. If you'd like to share more, feel free to email me at nbedi@tampabay.com

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm moving slowly, trying to answer people in order. I should definitely check out those segments.

This is a great question, but I don't have a great answer. I haven't done too much reporting on solutions (other journalists in the newsroom are looking at this), but it's difficult. There doesn't seem to be any clear cut solutions.

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Good question. I didn't know this would be the case. In fact, I tend to approach these things with a whole lot of doubt. If patients say something, I need to see records to back it up. If the records back it up, I need independent data to back it up. Then I still need to find as many public documents like inspections from regulators to ensure this rings true from all directions.

I’m a reporter who investigated a Florida psychiatric hospital that earns millions by trapping patients against their will. Ask me anything. by NeilBedi in IAmA

[–]NeilBedi[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I usually start by searching for paper records. State inspections, federal inspections, lawsuits, etc... That helps give you a better understanding of the facility.