Surprise surprise not at all

Nobody could have predicted that the hospital fight was all about Tulane wanting more control over things and Ochsner wanting a piece of that. Except some of us said so over and over again to no avail but whatever.

Ochsner controls a huge portion of the local hospital market. And while neither side would speak on camera, or confirm or deny whether a deal is in the works, they do say they are each looking at other partnerships.

A statement issued by Tulane says "in the age of health care reform and a changing marketplace, such discussions are common. Tulane said that its conversations with potential partners have been ongoing for years and are only at the fact-finding stage.

Ochsner said it "won't comment on hypothetical business arrangements" but that it "regularly evaluates partnerships and collaborations" as it looks at costs, patient health outcomes and the overall health care system.

The last time a change for Tulane Medical Center was in the news was when Senator David Vitter, State Treasurer John Kennedy and House Speaker Jim Tucker proposed the state abandon plans for part of the new 424-bed teaching hospital (UMC) in favor of a deal with Tulane Medical Center. This afternoon Vitter's office said he has not been involved in the latest Ochsner-Tulane discussions.

David Vitter says he had nothing to do with it. Riiiiight. If you believe that I've got a nice... I don't know let's say slightly used Canal Street real estate... to sell you.