24-hour helicopter service set to begin; Child Care Initiative moves to capital campaign

    Positive progress reports for 24-hour helicopter service based at Melissa Memorial Hospital, as well as a capital campaign for the Child Care Initiative were shared during the April 24 meeting of East Phillips County Hospital Board of Directors.
    MMH CEO Trampas Hutches said that AirLife by HealthOne was scheduled to have a helicopter on the pad east of the hospital starting May 1. The helicopter, fully staffed, will be there for service 24/7, except when it’s picking up a patient.
    Eight visitors sat in on last week’s meeting, with most saying they were there just to listen and observe.
    However, during the helicopter service discussion, Fred Besse asked about the AirMedCare memberships that were sold in recent years. He was assured that the AirMedCare service (based in Akron) can be requested, and there’s plenty of room for another helicopter to land behind the hospital even if the AirLife helicopter is on the pad.
    Time, however, becomes the issue, as in whether it’s worth it to wait for transport to come in or use one that’s already available.
    Jessica Skomp, FNP, was at the board meeting and noted that if the provider in charge of the patient deems the transfer a medical necessity, the chance for insurance coverage is more likely, regardless of which helicopter service is used.
    It was also noted that the AirMedCare memberships purchased a couple of years back are worth something, as coverage is good for those who travel.
    MMH public affairs specialist Elizabeth Hutches also serves as project coordinator for the Child Care Initiative. She gave an update on the proposed child care center in Holyoke, from a report she had given the night before at the annual meeting of the Phillips County Economic Development Corp.
    Summarizing the past year’s efforts, she noted that an initial feasibility study and design were completed, putting the child care center on a large piece of land offered for development by MMH near the hospital.
    The capital campaign is next up in 2018, and anyone interested in joining the campaign should contact her.
    In an update on the dental care program coming to the hospital, Trampas Hutches reported that he and three others were planning to go to Denver April 26 to learn more about grant details for the program.
    Accompanying Hutches to the grant info meeting were Operations Director Heather Cloward, Clinic Manager Doug Peterson and hygienist Arika Luedke, who is interested in providing dental care.
    In further administrator reporting, Hutches cited that 40 percent more of the Hispanic population is coming to MMH than in 2016. While several current staff members have done a great job in assisting with translation, in the future, they will be establishing a full-time translator position.
    Reporting for the MMH Foundation, Hutches told the board they’re working on the golf tournament to benefit Emergency Medical Services and are also looking to bring back the cajun boil as a fundraiser.
    
Audit approved
    Brad DeJong, CPA, partner of Eide Bailly LLC, presented the consolidated audited financial statements of East Phillips County Hospital District for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017, at last week’s board meeting. The audit report was approved by the board.
    DeJong reported the following in the audit report: $26,232,751 in total assets, $14,846,053 in total liabilities, $58,883 in net income and $10,439,384 in equity. A net increase of cash during the year was reported at $226,139.
    For 2017, the report indicated a very strong cash position. Financials and statements were cited as accurate, and no concerns were addressed.
    Hutches commended CFO Wes White and the rest of the business crew for their efforts.
    White reported an exceptional 2018 first quarter in financials for MMH, led by outstanding March numbers.
    Total average days of cash on hand for March was 197. Inpatient and outpatient utilization was above budget during March, with 67 inpatient days, compared to 15 in January and 12 in February. Emergency Department visits were 132 days in March, compared to 112 in January and 87 in February.
    White said total cash collections are exceeding the monthly level projected prior to the Athena system conversion. Medicaid accounts receivables have decreased, but the hospital continues to experience denials on routine transactions and slow payment processing due to the challenges with the State of Colorado changing Medicaid payment systems and payment subcontractor.
    The unaudited income statement for March reported a net income of $376,216, compared to $45,708 budgeted. The unaudited year-to-date income statement reported net income of $673,241, compared to $99,365 budgeted.
    
Housekeeping/laundry department highlighted
    Director of Environmental Services Armando Castenada gave a thorough report on the processes of the housekeeping/laundry department at MMH. Castenada and the rest of his staff are hired by Healthcare Services Group and are contracted by MMH.
    This department is a critical part of infection control throughout the hospital. Hutches noted that patient surveys relate satisfaction for these services.
    
Credentialing process detailed
    A summary of the credentialing process for medical staff was reviewed by Hutches at the monthly board meeting.
    For new providers, a request for an application is submitted to Banner Health’s credentials verification office by the hospital’s human resources office. Banner CVO then provides an electronic application link to the provider.
    When the file is completed by Banner CVO, it’s sent electronically to HR at MMH. The completed file is reviewed by the leadership team/CEO and then the medical staff. A final review is handled by the board’s credentialing committee, who then recommends approval at a board meeting.
    For reappointments, the process starts when Banner CVO sends a reappointment file link for review/update to the provider, usually six months prior to the reappointment date.
    Hutches’ CEO report noted that within the last year, all credentials and applications were found to be acceptable and appropriate by the medical staff with recommendation to the board for staff appointment.
    At last week’s meeting, credentialing approval was given for five reappointments, two new appointments and one provisional end/regular appointment.
    Reappointments were granted to Arnold Cullum, DDS, in dentistry; Barbara Blakenship, M.D., in radiology; Brian Henry, M.D., in cardiology; Gary Kliewer, CRNA, in anesthesiology; and James Schiefen, D.O., in general surgery.
    New appointments included James Twede, M.D., in dermatology and Shana-Xuan Nguyen, M.D., in telepsychiatry. Provisional end/regular appointment was made for Kajsa Harris, M.D., in family medicine.
    
Other business
    In other business April 24, the hospital board noted the next board meeting is set for Tuesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. This will be the annual meeting of the board of directors, and officers will be elected.