Letter
To The
Editor
(Editor’s Note: Letters to the Editor are published to encourage our readers to express their views about various issues. The following letter(s) were submitted and signed by those voicing their opinions through the “Letter To The Editor” section)
Dear Editor, There has been understandable concern in our community regarding the financial condition of the hospital. Healthcare organizations across Kansas and the nation continue to face financial pressures from rising costs, staffing shortages, delayed reimbursements, and changing healthcare regulations. While Greenwood County Hospital is not immune to these challenges, there are several important factors that help paint a more complete picture of the hospital’s current situation and future outlook.
As of March 31, the hospital is reporting a loss of approximately $1.6 million. While that number may sound alarming on its own, it does not tell the entire story. A recent interim Medicare cost report shows that Medicare currently owes the hospital approximately $1 million. Because that amount is significant, reimbursement rates are expected to be adjusted upward, which should improve payments to the hospital throughout the remainder of the year.
In addition, Greenwood County Hospital is expecting funding through the Rural Health Transformation Fund. These dollars are tied to evidence-based practice reporting and quality improvement activities already being performed by the hospital. Current estimates place this year’s payment at approximately $300,000, with anticipated annual payments of approximately $400,000 for each of the following four years.
The hospital is also awaiting approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the provider tax preprint plan. Approval is expected in the near future. Estimates related to the preprint show Greenwood County Hospital could receive an additional net funding increase of approximately $696,168 annually.
Beyond funding opportunities, the hospital is continuing to focus on growth and long-term sustainability through expanded services for local patients.
One planned addition is remote patient monitoring for clinic patients and individuals recently discharged from the hospital. Participation in this program would be voluntary and would allow healthcare providers to monitor patient health more closely from home. This can improve communication, help identify concerns earlier, and provide better continuity of care. These services are also billable to insurance companies, creating an additional revenue source for the hospital.
The hospital is also continuing to expand its mammography program. This expansion is important because many local residents currently travel outside the county for mammography screenings. Improving local access allows patients to receive care closer to home while helping keep healthcare dollars within our community.
Another future goal is the development of an Urgent Care center. While this service is not expected to open during the current fiscal year, leadership hopes to have it operational sometime during the next fiscal year. An Urgent Care center would improve access to same-day healthcare services and provide another important service option for the community.
Rural healthcare is changing rapidly, and hospitals everywhere are having to adapt. Greenwood County Hospital continues to actively pursue new funding opportunities, improve reimbursement structures, and expand services that meet the needs of the community. While challenges certainly exist, there are also several positive developments that point toward increased organizational stability and continued investment in local healthcare services.
Sincerely, Sandra Dickerson, CEO Greenwood County Hospital
