`Dr. C' starts at KDH, roof damage, July slow

All members of the Kiowa District Hospital Board were present as President Pat Myers called the regular August meeting to order. They are: Miranda Allen, Jeff Miller, Jim Parker and Chantae Simpson.

Hospital personnel attending were: CEO Margaret Grismer, CFO Janell Goodno, Hospital DON Heidi Courson, PA Melissa Stroh, RN Robyn Rooks, Manor DON Krisgina Fossoh.

Representatives from Cohesive Healthcare (the management and consulting company the board entered into a three-year contract with in March) were also present: CEO Kathy Hammond, Project Manager Jamal Bandeh and Chief Clinical Officer Robyn.

Cohesive's reports were given in executive session. Following executive session, the board gave Grismer authority to enter negotiations with a nurse practitioner.

Other action following executive session was approval of monthly RM/QA reports for both the hospital and manor. The board also approved Courson’s presentation of the results of the Safety, Infection Control, Emergency Preparedness, Utilization Review, Pharmacy and Therapeutics and Med Staff meetings.

The new physician Dr John Chiaffitelli, D.O. (who goes by Dr. C), has started at KDH's Rural Health Clinic. A board-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. C joins KDH from his private practice in Edmond, Oklahoma, and is chief of staff at KDH.

Physician Assistant Stroh announced about Dr. C in her report on the RHC, which she said is fully staffed.

Take Advantage of 30 Percent Discount on Bill in September

The board approved Goodno's suggestion that KDH offer a special bill payment discount for patients. In September only, if someone has a bill with KDH, IF they pay the bill in full, they will receive a 30 percent discount. (That's with the exception of the manor and and intermediate/private pay care accounts.)

Some Roof Damage from Storm to be Repaired

An agenda item regarded the hospital district's property known as “the hospital house.” That's where visiting doctors, etc., stay. Grismer said the roof of that house was reportedly totaled several years ago. The hospital took the $5,696 check and used for operations as cash was tight at that point, she was told.

The hospital house roof has been damaged further with multiple hail storms, especially the early August storm. The roof is not yet leaking, but the board voted to have it re-roofed, although there is no insurance money for it.

The board approved Win Mill Roofing LLC of Goddard, Kansas, to do the job for $7,998.85. Grismer said they had the metal roof at the hospital examined. Although it is dinged up, there is no damage, Grismer was told. She said the manor roof was “very damaged” in the August hail storm. Win Mill is interested in doing that project also, she said.

Reports and More KDH Business

In her CEO report, Grismer updated the board on the KDH generator. She said their generator is powerful enough to run the entire hospital, including AC and heat. However, their generator is not yet connected to the air handler units.

Grismer said they are hiring PEC of Wichita to research this situation. PEC is putting together blueprints and scope of work so that KDH can send out a request for bids for the cost of the connection to the generator. At this point the estimated cost is not known, she said.

In September Grismer, Goodno, Courson and possibly a few other staff members will attend the Kansas Hospital Association in Wichita.

The topic of a provider for electronic health records (EHRs)was once again discussed. Grismer said they postponed signing a contract (for EHRs) as planned earlier this year. Because of Cohesive's partnership with Cerner (a provider of EHRs) they are offering “a more appropriate price window,” for KDH Grismer said. Decisions will be made once Cerner presents their final price package.

Last month the board approved ACS who will come to the KDH business office soon. This is regarding billing and codes to insure the best reimbursement. ACS will look at the hospital's ChargeMaster review, which will lead to changes in how they bill.

In the absence of Manor Administrator Kim Balding, Manor DON Fossoh said, “We appreciate the lift donated to us by the General Store.” She said they are working on survey readiness.

Fossoh also reported the manor census of residents, which was down to 13 at the end of July. The manor has reportedly lost several of their residents to death.

Hospital DON Courson said they've had two swingbed patients from Cohesive and more are coming. She also reported on upcoming training for nurses.

The following med staff appointments received board approval: Scott Porter, MD; John Chiaffitelli, DO; Linda Sheldon, CRNFA; Mouna Todorov, MD; and Kamran Janjua, MD.

Hospital Finances and Statistics

Goodno provided financial and statistical information for the hospital and manor for July. She said “July is typically a slow month.” The hospital had 14 total admissions and 38 days of swingbed/acute care.

Outpatient visits totaled 477. Total clinic visits were 307.

The hospital had $285,125 total gross patient revenue; total contractural adjustment of $132,590; and $25,402 from the 340B discount drug program. So, total operating revenue was $443,116.

Total operating expenses were $550,459. This made a loss of $107,342 for the hospital. With the addition of $78,160 (mainly tax revenue) the hospital's loss was $29,182.

Year-to-date, the hospital has lost $368,546.

With just 13 residents, the manor total resident care revenue of $81,53. Total operating revenue was $86,799. The manor's total operating expenses were $159,440. This made a loss of $72,640. With the addition of $5,805 (mainly tax revenue) the manor's overall loss was $66,837.

Year-to-date, the manor has lost $220,815. The combined loss for the manor and hospital year-to-date is $588,361. At the end of July, the balance sheets show that $687,923 is due from Medicare and uncollected taxes total $83,879. Total net patient accounts receivable are $509,126.

KDH total assets are $10,441,120. Total cash-on-hand is $979,497.

The next meeting of the KDH Board is Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the RHC lobby.