CEO Sandra Dickerson shared with
last week that projections from the interim cost report indicate that Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) will receive an approximate $1 million payment from Medicare.
Because the projected reimbursement amount is significant, an on-site review is scheduled for early June. Following the review, the report will be submitted to Medicare for payment.
Dickerson said the interim cost report was recently received from Sara Calhoun, CPA-MBA and Vice President for Reimbursement with Great Plains Health Alliance. Calhoun noted that the report calculates a total receivable from the Medicare program of $1,008,891. It was further noted that the majority of the reimbursement was due to outpatient services (Part B), with it noting a reimbursement of $715,522. Other reimbursements included inpatient services (Part A), $254,336; and rural health clinic (Part C), $39,033.
GWCH recently showed a $1.68 million deficit for its current fiscal year. Dickerson shared that, with the interim cost report completed and rate changes expected, the accounting department’s projections estimate the year-end loss at closer to $300,000.
During their April board meeting, GWCH’s board of trustees heard from hospital officials regarding community questions on whether or not recent changes to accepted Medicare Advantage plans contributed to the deficit. Dickerson said the impact has been minimal, noting that only about 300 patients (roughly 5% of GWCH’s annual volume of 6,000 patients) were affected.
Questions have also circulated in the community regarding the appointment process for members of the GWCH Board of Trustees. Dickerson emphasized that she does not select board members.
Medicare Reimbursement To Greatly Reduce GWCH Fiscal Deficit, Per Interim Cost Report Projection . . .
“I in no way pick the board members,” Dickerson said. “People in the community will reach out to me and I will provide them with those details. I then share those names with the county commission, who make the appointment.”
Discussion has also centered around potential conflicts involving individuals serving in multiple public roles, including on both the City Council and hospital- related boards. “The city doesn’t make decisions regarding the hospital, nor does the hospital make decisions for the city,” GWCH Board of Trustee Chair and City Council member Cinda Beals said.
Beals, who moved permanently to Eureka after retiring in 2015, said community involvement motivated her service.
“I wanted to see this town thrive and grow,” she said. “If you aren’t growing, you are dying. I wanted to be a part of something and serve the community that I have grown to love.”
Sales Tax and Financial Pressures
Hospital leadership also clarified that neither Dickerson nor the board requested a mill levy increase. Instead, the board discussed the challenge posed by declining sales tax revenue, which contributes to the hospital’s funding.
“There are only so many options,” Dickerson said, noting that declining consumer spending directly affects the hospital’s bottom line through reduced sales tax collections. GWCH receives a 1% sales tax within Greenwood County.
Hospital officials indicated that approximately $881,975 remains in reserve accounts that had originally totaled around $2 million.
The hospital has also pursued outside funding opportunities aggressively in recent years. More than $2 million has been secured through grants during Dickerson’s tenure. Additional congressionally directed funding remains pending for a planned HVAC upgrade, converting the facility from a two-pipe to a four-pipe system.
Wound Care Clinic Showing Improvement Foundations/Marketing Director Rachel Sample and Dickerson also addressed concerns about declining patient numbers at the GWCH Wound Care Clinic, saying the downturn began prior to the change in clinic providers.
Officials said the current provider, Carey Hurt, has actively worked to rebuild the patient base through marketing and outreach efforts.
Utilization statistics showed the clinic saw 40 patients in February 2025, compared to 76 during the same month in 2024. By February 2026, patient visits had increased to 56.
In March, the clinic recorded 72 visits compared to 42 visits during the same period the previous year.
“There is an ebb and flow,” Dickerson said. “It happens.”
Hospital leaders also noted that inpatient census numbers, which had declined earlier in the fiscal year, have rebounded in the last month and are averaging between six and eight patients daily in April.
Officials said some fluctuations may have also been tied to challenges during the hospital’s Cerner software transition.
Future Services and Investments
Hospital administrators highlighted several ongoing projects and service expansions aimed at strengthening long-term sustainability.
Dickerson said GWCH recently obtained its own certification for mammography and no longer contracts with the truck-based service. Previously, GWCH was only able to offer the service every other month for half-day sessions, but has seen an approximate 70 patients scheduled since beginning the service last month.
“It is already life-saving for some individuals,” Dickerson said. “It is a necessary service. It will be profitable. The return on the investment is there.”
Officials also said remote patient monitoring services may be introduced in the future.
Dickerson reiterated that financial decisions regarding major equipment purchases are managed through depreciation schedules and balance sheet accounting practices designed to reduce interest costs and offset liabilities over time.
Dickerson also emphasized the hospital’s “opendoor policy” regarding community questions and records requests. It was mentioned that outside of The Herald’s request for monthly records, Dickerson has received fewer than a handful of requests during her tenure. To file a Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) request, submit your request in writing directly to the specific agency’s Freedom of Information Officer. Clearly describe the records you need (including dates, names, or case numbers) and include where to send the information. Regarding the hospital, KORA requests would be submitted to Dickerson. Most entities prefer requests to be sent via email, while others require specific forms to be completed and/or written requests to be mailed. GWCH shared requests may be submitted by email, letter or phone call. Typically, requests are able to be completed within a week. Editor’s note: Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), public agencies must acknowledge records requests within three business days and provide the requested records within a reasonable amount of time.
Discussion was also held on hospital financials during the weekly Greenwood County Commission meeting. See related article.
Editor’s note: Herald staff also reached out to community members who expressed concerns publicly; however, calls were unanswered/returned as of press time.
