Officials with the Bradley County Medical Center reported improving financial performance, the addition of new healthcare services and continued growth at the hospital’s Rural Health Clinic during the hospital board’s June meeting.
Controller Matt Pace reported that most patient service areas showed growth in May compared to the same period last year.
According to the hospital’s monthly financial report, only surgery and acute patient days declined during the month. Pace reported gross patient revenue of approximately $3.3 million in May and net operating revenue of $1.7 million. He stated adjustments related to Medicare’s interim cost report significantly reduced deductions from revenue and improved the hospital’s financial position.
The Rural Health Clinic generated approximately $146,000 in revenue during May and added 29 new patients. CEO Leslie Huitt noted the clinic continues to experience steady growth.
“It will take time for us to reach the point where schedules are full all day, every day, but we continue to see growth,” she said.
The hospital also noted approximately $126,000 was added into its sales tax fund during the month, bringing the fund balance to more than $6 million.
Huitt praised staff members for the success of the hospital’s recent 75th anniversary celebration, which drew strong attendance and positive feedback from the community.
She credited much of the event’s success to employee Brenda Bryant, whose coordination efforts helped organize the celebration. Bryant has also been named the current BCMC Employee of the Month.
Since the event, Huitt said she has received numerous compliments from community members and guests who enjoyed reconnecting with former employees and supporters of the hospital.
Huitt then announced to the board that inpatient hospice services are now operational after months of planning.
“We’ve been talking about inpatient hospice for a while,” Huitt said. “It is up and running now.”
The addition expands healthcare options available locally for patients requiring end-of-life care.
Hospital leadership also continues to seek opportunities to reduce expenses.
Huitt also reported that the hospital qualified for a federal technology-related savings program that will significantly reduce monthly email service costs.
When fully implemented, the program is expected to reduce email expenses from approximately $3,300 per month to between $1,200 and $1,300 per month.
“Everywhere we can find savings, we’re looking to find them,” she said.
The Hermitage School District is scheduled to bring students to the hospital in July for athletic physicals.
Huitt said physicians Dr. Bradley Biggers and Dr. Russell Gregory will participate, allowing students and faculty members to become more familiar with the hospital’s providers.
The hospital recently signed memorandums of understanding with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership as part of several grant initiatives.
Projects under consideration include emergency generator improvements, telehealth equipment upgrades and the creation of a behavioral health safe room in the emergency department.
Hospital officials are also evaluating whether to pursue additional applications for state rural healthcare renovation funding.
Huitt said the applications are extensive and competitive, but submitting proposals would ensure rural hospitals are represented in the process.
Board members approved renewal of the hospital’s building insurance policy.
The annual premium had a reduction of about 16 percent. Coverage remains essentially unchanged, according to hospital officials.
Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Jamie Wolfe highlighted the success of the hospital’s MASH program, which introduces students to healthcare careers through hands-on experiences with hospital staff.
“The students get to explore and be exposed to all the different medical fields,” Wolfe said. “It also boosts staff morale because they get an opportunity to teach and give back.”
COO Leeanna Williams reported the hospital recently celebrated its first pulmonary rehabilitation graduate after previously recognizing its first cardiac rehabilitation graduate.
Participants in both programs have reported significant improvements in endurance and breathing, Williams said.
Next, board members approved two annual updates to the hospital’s policy manual as well as four new policies.
Board members also approved the use of sales tax funds for several facility improvement projects, including approximately $3,500 for network infrastructure equipment, nearly $12,700 to replace a compressor on one of the hospital’s chiller systems and an estimated $23,500 initial investment to bring portions of the hospital’s medical gas system into compliance with current code requirements.
Board members also received an update on a recently approved revenue cycle assessment. The consulting firm conducting the review found the hospital may not be collecting the full amount owed for Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims. Huitt said she will keep the board informed as the assessment continues.
With no further business, the board entered executive session. The next BCMC Board meeting will be Thursday, July 23, at 12:30 p.m.
