’s
June 23, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
SCKMC Applies for Tax Credit Grant
Tele-Medicine Clinic to Start in July
The medical center is currently completing the application process for a State grant which, if approved, would help to raise funds for diagnostic imaging equipment while providing donors with a 70% tax credit. Hospital CEO Virgil Watson provided an example of how the tax credit program could benefit a donor. “If your 2016 state tax liability was $1,400 and you want all of the state income tax you are expecting to pay in 2017 to go to our hospital project, you can donate $2,000 and receive a State income tax credit of up to 70% of your total donation which would be $1,400. In other words, you are sending your tax dollars to our hospital to be used for medical equipment upgrades, instead of going to Topeka,” Watson said. The tax credit would be eligible on a first come, first serve basis to those who donate a minimum of $250 in goods, cash, or services to the hospital project before the end of 2017. In addition to the State tax credit, participants would also be eligible to deduct a percentage of their donation from their Federal taxes as SCKMC is classified as a governmental entity, with similar tax benefits as traditional not-for profits. However, the Federal deduction allowed will vary depending on the individual’s tax bracket. The hospital plans on using the donations to purchase a state-of-the-art 3D mammography unit and portable ultrasound equipment. The mammography upgrade is a requirement of Medicare, which has reduced reimbursement to facilities not offering 3D technology by 20%. The deadline to submit a tax credit grant application is July 1st. As part of the application process, SCKMC staff are seeking pledges for tax credit donations. Pledge letters must be received no later than June 30th. Those interested in pledging should contact Virgil Watson at (620) 441-5900.
SCKMC is no stranger to telemedicine, having used the real time interactive technology to provide communication between the patient and an off-site physician for a couple of years now. However, early next month the hospital will expand it’s remote physician offerings to include outpatient specialists through a partnership with Freestate Telemedicine. The initial service will feature Dr. Raashid Haque, dermatologist. Dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease. And Dr. Karim Masri, rheumatologist. Rheumatology is the diagnosis and treatment of the body’s connective tissue, primarily dealing with a wide variety of arthritis. The telemedicine service works in partnership with the local primary care providers. Area physicians can quickly, and easily schedule your telemedicine consult through a referral, however a referral is not necessarily required for all insurances. “They will “beam in” on a monitor to evaluate patients, and any procedures will be referred back to the (primary care physicians),” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s CEO. For more information about the tele-medicine clinic contact your family physician or call the SCKMC Specialty Clinic at (620) 441-5711.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Does using antibacterial soap lower your risk of getting sick or spreading germs? The FDA has determined that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that antibacterial soap is better than plain soap and water. The majority of antibacterial ingredients including triclosan and triclocarbon cannot be marketed anymore. Manufacturers have not been able to prove that these ingredients are safe for daily use over a long period of time. This ruling only covers consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes used with water. It does not include products used in a health care setting, hand sanitizers, or hand wipes.
Auxiliary Provides Mid-Year Donation The SCKMC Auxiliary voted to purchase several items for the hospital during their June meeting. Items earmarked for purchase include a wrist blood pressure machine and security door remote kit for the specialty clinic, a commercial microwave for nutritional services, and a temporal thermometer for the emergency department. “(The Auxiliary) are such a valuable asset to our organization, and we are so very grateful for the donations they made. Their gifts are vital to our hospital,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. June is the final general meeting for the Auxiliary prior to their summer break. The group will reconvene in September.
August 26, 2017 • 12-Obstacle 5K • Kids 2K Fun Run (Age 8-14) • On/Off Road Cycling Course
Visit www.runsignup.com to register today!
“When it comes to my health, I want someone specially trained to care for women.”
Dr. Perry Lin, OB/GYN • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Women’s Health • High Risk Pregnancy • Laparoscopic Surgery Dr. Lin is expanding his practice and is now accepting new patients through SCK Clinic at 515 N. Summit in downtown Ark City. A referral is not needed with most insurances. Call 442-4850 to schedule your appointment today.
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
For your family’s healthcare, you want excellence. You want experienced doctors, dedicated nurses, up-to-date facilities and advanced technology. You’ll find them all here. Because we know your family’s healthcare, has to be the best.
Specialty Clinic 6403 Patterson Parkway, Ark City (620) 441-5711
515 N. Summit, Ark City (620) 442-4850