Hospital board introduced to interim CFO
Negotiations continue with McPherson surgeons
Staff reporter
Hank DeBragga, interim chief financial officer, was introduced at the board meeting June 21 of Marion County Hospital Board #1.
DeBragga replaces Kevin Cronkleton who resigned after three years with the hospital. DeBrogga will serve in the capacity of CFO until that position is filled.
In other business:
— Chief executive officer Thom Smith reported a contract had been signed with a company to recruit a physician.
— A possible contract with a surgeon is moving closer to being reality, reported Smith. Negotiations continue with Memorial Hospital of McPherson for surgeons to perform surgeries one day a week and be available in the clinic one-half day per week.
Dr. Stephen Cranston, longtime surgeon from Newton, will reduce the amount of time he spends in Marion but said he would continue performing surgeries until a replacement could be found.
Board member Peggy Blackman asked if transportation was being made available for those patients who need to see Cranston in his Newton office. Smith said he would research the possibility of using public transportation.
— The board approved and signed an agreement with a supplier of intravenous tubing.
— DeBrogga reported total revenue for May was $771,000; accounts receivable was $1,103,935; and unbilled accounts totaled $334,000.
More than $770,000 were patient charges which is above the budgeted amount and prior year.
Actual expenses totaled $526,000, which is below budgeted expenses. However, the hospital had a net loss of $79,000 for the month. Year-to-date income is $48,000.
There is sufficient cash on hand for 66-72 days.
Board member Judy Reno noted the district's lease payments on non-hospital buildings was keeping the facility in the black. The board was considering deeding non-hospital property to the hospital foundation.
Turnaround time for patient billing remains favorable. Smith said the business office was doing an excellent job, being short-handed due to staff turnover and one on sick leave.
— Smith reported the hospital received more than $100,000 in back pay from Medicare. St. Luke Hospital was one of five hospitals in the country to receive additional funds from the government agency.
— Debbie Craig of St. Luke Living Center, advised the board that letters have been sent to residents regarding a five percent room increase effective August 1.
With the increase, semi-private rooms will cost $106, $118, and $130 (daily); private rooms will be $116, $128, and $140 (daily). The cost is based on the level of care required for the resident.
— A St. Luke Foundation report indicated a checking account balance was $256, and money market account had a balance of $113,607, as of May 31.
— Expenses totaling $32,651 were approved for payment.
— The board also approved the treasurer's report from the hospital auxiliary. Expense for May was $2,404 to County Seat for new carpet in the hospital lobby. Receipts were a $1,000 donation and $87 from the hospital gift case. As of May 31, the general fund had a balance of $736; checking account $8,860; and two certificates of deposit at $1,024 and $1,025 respectively.
— New employees recently hired are Robin Blazek, part-time home health aide; Sharon Williams, certified nurse assistant at living center; Kim Helmer, patient account specialist in the business office; Janet Bowers, dietary manager; and Henry Slifer, from part-time to full-time cook.
Job openings that remain are a part-time evening cook, controller, and chief financial officer.
— Smith requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
When the meeting reconvened, the board approved the salary range for a CFO as recommended by Quorum Health Resources. The positions of CEO and CFO actually are Quorum employees, not employees of the district.
The next district board meeting will be a special meeting at noon July 14, in the clinic basement.
