Agendas and Minutes

City Council (View All)

Hospital Board

Agenda
Tuesday, July 20, 2004

HOSPITAL BOARD
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
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II. ROLL CALL:
Councilor Laws, Amarotico, Jackson, Morrison and Hearn were present; Councilor Hartzell was absent.
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III. STATUS OF ASHLAND COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SERVICE BOARD:
Hospital Administrator Jim Watson introduced Hospital Board Chair-Elect David Bernard, CFO Mark McGraw, new CEO Mark Marchetti, and new CFO Ron Telles.

Mr. Bernard explained that over the past year, the hospital has hired an Orthopedist, a Plastic Surgeon, a Physiatrist, a Neurologist, a Podiatrist, and an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor. They have also been approved to recruit an Integrative Oncologist, an Internist, and a Family Practice Specialist.

The hospital has begun to implement their plans for surgery expansion, and have approved the development of a new outpatient hospice program and an outpatient physical therapy program. In addition, the hospital opened their Med/Surg expansion in May, which added 7,000-sq. ft. and 10 private rooms.

Mr. Bernard noted the two new directors and the approved Board Slate of Officers. He also stated the hospital distributed $45,000 in grants over the past year.

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IV. OPERATIONAL/FINANCIAL UPDATE:
CFO Mike McGraw stated the hospital had a very good year financially, even with the substantial reductions from Medicare and Medicaid. Mr. McGraw stated the success of the hospital is based on its growth, and noted increases of inpatient and outpatient activity, and also newborns.

Last year, the hospital purchased close to $.5M dollars for Capital Equipment, most of which was to support surgery. Mr. McGraw noted the hospital has succeeded in maintaining a debt free operation, and stated the expansion and all of the new equipment has been purchased with cash reserves.

Mr. McGraw stated this would be his last presentation, as he is retiring after 25 years with the Ashland Community Hospital.

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V. ITEMS OF INTEREST:
Hospital Administrator Jim Watson stated that as they look into the future, there are several areas of concern, including: 1) Reimbursement by the federal government for Medicare, 2) Rising commercial insurance costs, 3) Bad debt and increased charity care as a result of failed Measure 30, 4) Lack of sufficient healthcare workers and funding for the "Baby-Boomers" entering into Medicare, and 5) Increased medical liability insurance.

Mr. Watson noted the hospitals talented and dedicated Board of Directors, medical staff and employees, and stated that Ashland has remained successful in recruiting and retaining physicians and nurses.

Mr. Watson clarified the shortage of medical workers is due primarily to income issues. The hospital is not in a position to compete with other industries. In addition, the medical field can be very demanding and is a tough profession to be in.

Mr. Watson compared Ashland Community Hospital with other community hospitals, stating most hospitals are experiencing 8% to 9% bad debt, while ACH is at 2% to 3%. In addition, Medicare contractual allowances very seldom reach 50% in Ashland, where as most smaller hospitals are running at 60% to 70%. Mr. Watson credited Ashland's charm as a big factor in the hospital's success.

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VI. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Alan DeBoer, Mayor
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder


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