Hospital still in red ink
CONNELLSVILLE – Uncompensated and charity health care, along with continued rising health insurance costs, continue to keep Highlands Hospital in red ink, John Andursky, hospital chief financial officer, said Wednesday during the annual public meeting.
According to the financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, the hospital reported a total margin of minus 2.6 percent, with overall uncompensated and charity care exceeding $2.2 million.
The red ink was stemmed somewhat, said Andursky, with investment gains, contributions and received grants.
While in-patient numbers declined during the fiscal year, the behavioral health patient volume did exceed hospital expectations, he added.
“Hopefully, with our new physicians and with some of the niche services we are getting involved in, the numbers will get better,” he said.
A new service likely to begin in May or June is the Highlands Hospital Center for Autism.
Hospital chief executive officer Michelle Cunningham said that bid proposals will be reviewed later this month and construction contracts awarded for the renovation of a former medical facility located on Breakneck Road in Bullskin Township.
The center will treat those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Cunningham said that nearly 100 people applied for positions with likely 10 to be initially hired and another 15 to 20 staff members hired as enrollment increases.
The first phase of the program will accommodate approximately 20 to 25 children.
Last year, Highlands announced that it had formed a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions to implement a similar program after receiving a $600,000 grant through state Sen. Richard Kasunic, D-Dunbar and a $250,000 contribution from the Connellsville Industrial Enterprises.
“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Cunningham.
The hospital has additionally opened a third HealthStop in the Charles Oppy Building located on North Pittsburgh Street to accommodate patients needing testing procedures.
“It is all about convenience for our patients,” said Cunningham.
The departure of an in-house physical therapist resulted in the hospital joining The pt Group, headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Cunningham said that the partnership has increased services and hours of operation.
“The (company) has a stellar reputation for providing physical therapy,” she said.
In addition to services, the hospital has added new physicians to its staff and upgraded its facilities with new equipment and renovated departments.
A new heating, cooling and ventilation system in the emergency and operating rooms and the renovation of a new patient lounge and expansion of laboratory area will allow for a more comfortable waiting area for radiology and laboratory patients, said Cunningham.
Through a variety of federal and state grants, the hospital has additionally purchased new orthopedic equipment and a med-dispensing and med-verify system to reduce the risk of medication errors.
In other actions, Cunningham reported that Dr. Mohammed El-Hillal, a surgeon, has joined the staff.
Andursky, meanwhile, said that trends for the current fiscal year appear to be “better” with PA Medical Assistance payment being redesigned and will have a positive impact on Medicaid reimbursement to the hospital.
According to hospital figures, nearly 22 percent of those seeking treatment at Highlands are enrolled in the Medicaid program.
The new health care legislation, said Andursky, will present new challenges for Highlands.
“These challenges include decreases in Medicare reimbursement, the establishment of accountable care organizations and the bundling of payments, to name a few,” he said.
“We continue to evaluate this legislation and will take necessary steps to position ourselves to manage through these changes.”