The following information was provided by Dickinson County Healthcare System Hospital about the Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, March 28.
The DCHS Interim CEO, Jeanne Goche provided an update that included the following points:
- Restructuring work at DCHS has been a moving target and everyone’s patience has been much appreciated. In particular, recent resignations have changed the plan.
- Areas that will see the most change are Revenue Cycle and Physician Services. Physician Services is undergoing a big change as Peggy Freeman, Chief of Physician Services, has submitted her resignation effective July 2, 2019. Peg has built what we have and has done great things and she will be missed. Her departure does provide an opportunity to go back and visit the restructuring of that area again.
- Restructuring plan options will be presented to the Board over the next few weeks with the goal of having decisions made by the April Board Meeting, with implementation in May.
Later during the meeting, Board Chairperson, Margaret Minerick stated, “…please encourage your family, your friends, your neighbors, and people in this community to utilize our hospital. This hospital is so important to this community. Not just for the great care you receive, but also for the dollars it generates that go back into this community that keep all of the businesses and families in this community going. We appreciate everyone’s support of this hospital.”
County Board Liaison, Joe Stevens, shared feedback from a County Commissioner conference he recently attended in Lansing, there were questions about DCHS from County Commissioners around the UP. They are interested in the progress being made and the success story of the last few months. Also, while attending a conference in Washington, D.C., Mr. Stevens spoke with staff from the offices of Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters. These legislators are following our situation closely and doing all they can to assist DCHS in procuring a Rural Development Loan.
Mr. Stevens asked about tracking patient volumes and marketing. DCHS Controller, Deb Hanson, explained that the volume data is detailed.
DCHS Public Relations Manager, Joe Rizzo, also added that marketing efforts continue but factors that have negatively impacted patient volumes are: competition from Bellin, changes in the organization, and a loss of market share due to a negative public image. The good news is, DCHS is back on a positive financial path and it has a great team that is committed to turning things around.
Board meeting dates have changed and the DCHS Hospital Board Meeting will be held the last Thursday of the month beginning at 5:00 pm.
The accounting firm, Eide Bailly, LLP, was onsite for the 2018 DCHS Financial Audit. The results of the Audit will be shared as usual once completed.
Kevin Pirlot shared positive comments about the exceptional care and services he and his wife received during a recent ED / Inpatient visit.
David Brisson, Hospital Board Trustee and Chair of the new Subcommittee on Pensions and Retirement, reported on the DCHS Defined Benefit Pension Plan:
- The Subcommittee met Thursday with legal counsel and Strome Actuarial to discuss the status of the pension and work on a management plan.
- The Plan is funded at approximately 67% and is in reasonably good shape.
- Some events that occurred have been questioned by the Subcommittee and our new pension experts will sort out these matters.
- We will know more in 30 – 60 days but the pension looks fine.
- When DCHS was being acquired the money was placed in an interest bearing cash account. The money in the fund will now be reinvested with Morgan Stanley under the supervision of the Finance Committee.
In other news, a review of patient activity throughout the month of January showed the following:
Cared for 211 inpatients;
Cared for 13,778 patients in the outpatient hospital setting including the Emergency Department;
Cared for 10,319 patients in physician offices;
Cared for 1,030 patients in the Emergency Department; and
Uncompensated Care provided for the month totaled $701,454.
The hospital board also reviewed and approved the financial report for January 2019. The healthcare system had $8,531,266 in total operating revenue and expenses totaling $8,278,472 that resulted in operating income of $252,795. After the calculation of non-operating revenue and expenses, January closed with a positive bottom line of $176,961.
A review of patient activity throughout the month of February showed the following:
Cared for 204 inpatients;
Cared for 11,888 patients in the outpatient hospital setting including the Emergency Department;
Cared for 9,110 patients in physician offices;
Cared for 994 patients in the Emergency Department; and
Uncompensated Care provided for the month totaled $344,850.
The hospital board also reviewed and approved the financial report for February 2019. The healthcare system had $8,146,000 in total operating revenue and expenses totaling $8,073,513 that resulted in operating income of $72,487. After the calculation of non-operating revenue and expenses, February closed with a positive bottom line of $47,768.
DCHS will continue to provide updates on a regular basis and as new developments occur.
