Aetna said patients were increasingly using outpatient services, while fewer were undergoing more expensive procedures that require a hospital stay.

Except for one important point: the number of people who are sick enough to require a hospital bed continues to rise.

CHCC, however, said disconnecting the hospital's power would jeopardize its Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, which require a hospital to have stable power.

The hospital has just three ventilators, which are used only to transport patients who require a hospital that provides intensive care, she said.

Many of whom have required a hospital admission, Dr Martin said.

That's because right now, removing ovarian tissue involves an expensive surgery requiring a hospital stay.

Photo: 123RF 13 people were diagnosed at the LBJ Hospital, eight of whom required a hospital stay.