’s
October 14, 2016 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Three-spot Upgrade in SCKMC Bonds
Dr. Green to Leave South Central KS Clinic
The general obligation bonds issued for the construction of South Central Kansas Medical Center have been upgraded by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. The bond rating has improved from negative to stable based upon two major developments that have helped to strengthen SCKMC’s financial position. First, Arkansas City recently passed a 10-year, 1-percent citywide special-purpose sales tax, the proceeds of which will be applied only to the payment of debt service previously incurred to construct and equip South Central Kansas Medical Center. The collection of the sales tax began Oct. 1. “The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that the recently implemented 1% sales tax dedicated to hospital debt service will sustain the majority of debt service payments on the lease revenue bonds,” states a Moody’s credit opinion issued Oct. 5. The existing half-cent sales tax, in addition to the new onecent sales tax, is expected to net an additional $400,000 through the end of fiscal 2016, and $2.5 million in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018, before the half-cent tax sunsets March 31, 2019. Second, South Central Kansas Clinic (SCKC) recently achieved a Rural Health Clinic designation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It thus qualifies for increased Medicare and Medicaid services reimbursement. The federal government provides the majority of SCKMC’s gross revenue through Medicare (43%) and Medicaid (15.7%) reimbursements, but sweeping changes to those services in the past five years and a continued refusal by the State of Kansas to expand Medicaid coverage have contributed heavily to the hospital’s precarious financial position. The Rural Health Clinic and additional designations are expected to increase SCKMC reimbursements by approximately $400,000 per year. The Public Building Commission, which comprises the five city commissioners and four other members of the public, is the entity that issued the $23.205 million debt service for SCKMC’s new facility. SCKMC is responsible for making annual bond payments through its net revenues, with the aid of a pair of sales taxes. “The outlook further considers the City’s ability to maintain operations while supporting the hospital debt, without the need to increase property taxes, and citizen support for the additional tax to support the hospital,” Moody’s says.
Dr. Rhonda Green has announced that December 16th, 2016 will be her final day to see patients through South Central Kansas Clinic. Dr. Green provides outpatient family medicine services through the clinic as well as inpatient hospital care. Throughout her career, Green has developed a strong emphasis in obstetrics delivering hundreds of babies. We wish her the best in her new adventure and thank her for providing care to so many within our community. For questions, including transitioning your family's care to one of our other providers, please call (620) 442-4850.
October Employee of the Month Congratulations Mitchell Wood, Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for October. Mitchell was nominated by a patient for providing great care through the emergency department. Mitchell was presented with a certificate of appreciation by ER Team Leader Bonnie Schieber and will also have a special parking spot reserved for him throughout the month. Great job Mitchell!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. On October 22, 2016, it will be National Drug Take Back Day. Medicine are used treat many illnesses and diseases, however when they are no longer needed it is important to dispose of them properly. The DEA periodically hosts drug take back events where sites are setup within the community. However, no sites have been set up within the Arkansas City or Winfield community. The closest DEA site is located at Wellington Health Mart Pharmacy in Wellington, KS. The site will start collecting unused medicines at 10am and will stop at 2pm.
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