Three Rivers Health contemplates new telemetry system

Three Rivers Health’s revenues topped expenditures for a second straight month in December, providing another sign that the healthcare organization, which frequently tapped its reserves to cover operational costs last year, is trending toward more solid financial footing.
Michael Garza, manager of the TRH finance department, told the board on Wednesday night that the net gain for December was $74,271.  In November, it was $303,229.  Prior to that, TRH had consistently seen its expenditures top revenues.
TRH reported gross patient revenues of $1.25 million, compared to $1.11 million in November, along with increases in acute days (22, compared to 10 in November), swing bed days (16, up from seven) and ER visits (136, up from 108).  Clinic visits fell slightly, from 632 in November to 548 in December.
TRH’s accounts payable dropped to $2.5 million in December, its lowest point since July, while the accounts receivable total moved from $3.2 million in November to $2.7 million in December.
The board designated account, meanwhile, rose to $419,786.  The district’s tax revenue is deposited into this account. In December, the mill levy amount was $137,243.  Another $237,000 is expected in January; that will be reflected in next month’s report, said Garza.
Capital plans
When TRH was planning its capital budget last fall, telemetry rose to the top of the team’s priority list. The hospital’s telemetry system failed in March of last year.  The cost to replace it has been estimated around $100,00.
Health care providers would prefer a patient monitoring system that includes three mobile patient units with a  control panel at the hospital nurse’s station and a view-only unit in the ER.  They would also like to be able to remotely access the system with a mobile device, according to CEO Joel Jackson.
TRH originally planned to include the purchase in the next fiscal year’s capital spending request, but with its financial status on the upswing, Jackson said the hope is now to purchase it this year out of operations.
“Our intent is not to make any requests from the (board designated account) this year,” he said.
Jackson said the new equipment would allow TRH to keep 12 to 16 patients per year who are now being transported elsewhere for a higher level of care.  TRH anticipated recovering the additional $100,000 expense in approximately 18 months.
A revised capital list along with operating budget will be presented to the board later this fiscal year.  
In other hospital district news:
• The board reorganized for the new year, electing Jeff Petty to serve as chairman, Fred Werner vice-chairman and Janet Evans treasurer.
• Kelsey Sullivan, the director of clinic and ancillary services, reported that TRH had received new ultrasound equipment and placed it in the surgical suite which is not being utilized.  “The pictures are beautiful,” she said.
On a staffing note, she said a new receptionist has been hired due to increased patient volume..
• Diane Heine, interim director of nursing, reported that Rebecca Bercher had passed her National Council Licensure Exam and is authorized to practice as a registered nurse.  She is expected to begin her residency as an RN at Three Rivers this month.
• TRH announced its employees of the month for December, Raylee Salinas, and January, Taylor-Osmond-Roussan.  Also announced was the hiring of Melissa Winkler, the new accounts receivable/payable specialist  in the finance department, and Donna Blankenship, the new medical laboratory technician.