The Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) Board of Trustees met for a short routine monthly meeting last Thursday, July 25, where they heard updates on various projects.
GWCH CEO Sandra Dickerson noted that the boiler project is near completion as controls have been installed. She stated the heating system upgrade should be complete in early October. Crews installed the chillers earlier in the month and completed the outdoor piping. The hope was that crews would finalize the plumbing indoors and complete the project by the end of last week. Plans are to begin utilizing the new chillers on Wednesday, July 31. It is believed that everything should be fine-tuned within the first two weeks of use; however, the old chillers will stay put for a few weeks to ensure all runs correctly. Dickerson also noted that the lighting project is still ongoing. The lights have arrived onsite with crews planning to arrive in early August to complete the project. To conclude the update, Dickerson presented a bill from Trane, totaling $119,225. She noted this would be the last payment with a final bill to come after all is complete. The board approved the expense.
While presenting the financials, CFO Melody Curnutt noted GWCH ended the month with a positive increase of $2.2 million, which brought the hospital to a net income of $123,400 for the fiscal year. GWCH’s fiscal year runs October-September. Discussion was then held regarding Medicare and Medicaid payments.
It was shared the medical staff met on July 16. During new business, Pharmacist Isaac Boone brought forth a Narcan policy for the emergency room and CEO Dickerson discussed cardiac monitors. Medical staff also noted three re-appointments for the board to approve. The Board of Trustees then approved the re-appointments of Evelyn Lorent, MD, Radiology Consulting; Adam Gregg, MD, Radiology Consulting; and Christin Weller, MD, Pathology Consulting.
During her CEO report, Dickerson stated the Physical Therapy/old recovery room construction is close to being completed. Added equipment has arrived and will be installed once the construction process is finalized. This includes installing doors and painting.
After receiving an updated rate sheet based on GWCH’s last filed cost report, Dickerson noted there were significant changes to rates from last year. The rate for an acute inpatient day for 2023 was $2,151. The rate has now increased to $2,709 for 2024. Swing bed also saw an increase from $1,852 to $2,440. The rate for clinic services remains the same. Dickerson also noted that the Part-B services for 2023 was 50% of allowed charges with this year’s decreasing to 44%. Dickerson further explained that since GWCH had a large payback due to Medicare for Part B, a reduction to the rate has been implemented until Oct. 1. The hope is that the change will reduce any possible payback that GWCH could incur for part B services for 2024. GWCH will now receive 25% of allowed part B services for 2024.
Matt Morris with Forvis should be at the August meeting to review the 2023 audit with the board.
CEO Dickerson noted that she chairs a committee for the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) called the Behavioral Health Committee. The committee met mid-July and discussed possible ways to open Peer Support to more patients.
“Traditionally, this service was locked down to mental centers,” stated Dickerson. “The service has to have a social worker supervise the peer support specialist and we currently do not have a social worker. We will keep this service in mind should we have a change in staff that could supervise a peer support specialist,” she continued. Dickerson also noted the possibility of working with another entity to provide this service.
Another service GWCH is looking into is Botox injections for migraines as it was shared the current hospitalist is certified to provide them. More information is being gathered on whether or not this is a viable service for the hospital to add to its service options. If this service meets specific requirements, it would most likely be provided in the Wound Care Clinic.
Dickerson shared an update on the Strategic Plan and well as reminded the board of the inaugural Company Olympics. The event is slated to kick-off on Aug. 4. There will be a BBQ cook-off, cookie bakeoff and talent contest.
The board held a five-minute executive session for personnel-employee evaluation with Janel Palmer. No action was taken. The board then held a 15-minute executive session for performance evaluation with CEO Dickerson and Palmer. Following the session, the board approved to increase Dickerson’s salary by $7,057.70 annually.
GWCH board of trustees meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Their next meeting is slated for Thursday, Aug. 22.
