’s
September 2, 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.
Editorial: Governor Brownback Tax Proposal Makes Matters Worse By Tom Bell, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association
We need to set the record straight regarding Gov. Brownback’s plan to tax hospitals. The Governor has stated that he wants to increase the current hospital provider tax to replace his four percent Medicaid provider reimbursement cut … and to help struggling rural hospitals. The Governor seems to be saying that in order to reverse the four percent rate cuts, he is going to increase a tax on the very entities those cuts are hurting. That is at best inconsistent, and more likely it will exacerbate the problems being faced by health care providers. For example, one such facility, Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington, was exempted from the direct four percent Medicaid cut, but would be assessed an additional tax of $32,000 under the Governor’s proposal. It’s been often reported Sumner Regional is struggling. This is certainly no way to help that rural hospital. The Governor’s hospital tax increase, just like his Medicaid cut announcement, shows a lack of understanding of the interdependence of Kansas hospitals specifically, and the Kansas health care system in general. ALL hospitals are challenged by the Medicaid cuts and ALL hospitals will be even more challenged by an increase in the hospital provider tax. And consequently, every community, large and small, will feel its effects. Kansas hospitals and health care providers have been good partners in attempting to make the KanCare program operate efficiently, even in the face of growing problems with that program. The Governor’s proposal does further damage to this partnership. There is, of course, one way to draw down additional federal dollars at an even greater match rate. And that is to develop a unique Kansas plan that takes advantage of the option to expand our KanCare program in a way that benefits not only our most vulnerable citizens, but also the Kansas economy. We look forward to working with the 2017 Kansas Legislature to craft such a plan. Tom Bell is the president and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association in Topeka, Kansas. KHA is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 210 member facilities, of which 126 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is: “Optimal Health for Kansas.”
Landrush Winners Announced The 2016 SCKMC Landrush was held on August 27th with 133 runners participating in either the twelve obstacle 5K race, or the six obstacle 2K. The annual event is a fundraiser for the hospital and the services it provides. Fastest time of the day went to Jason Braun, completing the course in 23 minutes and 14 seconds. Braun also had the top time in 2015. Top overall female was awarded to Jackie Hass of Skiatook, OK with a time of 33 minutes and 21 seconds. Each won a sports watch from Schmidt Jewelers, a three month membership to Anytime Fitness, and a Best Western gift card from Patterson Park Inn. The prize packages were valued at $400 each. Other winners by age group included: Male age 15-25: Challen Jimenez, Winfield KS – 24:38 Female age 15-25: Johanne Lygard, Ark City KS – 37:17 Male age 26-39: Thomas Lyman, Winfield KS – 27:02 Female age 26-39: Lindsay Behnke, Ellinwood KS – 33:43 Male age 40-54: Darren Huthinson, OKC OK – 37:35 Female age 40-54: Jerri Loewer, Burden KS – 33:53 Male age 55+: David Zumwalt, Ark City KS – 35:03 Female age 55+: Vicki Hensley, Ark City KS – 40:37 First Overall Boy for Kids 2K: Lucas Barnes (untimed event) First Overall Girl for Kids 2K: Avery Sampson (untimed event) Pictured: Jason Braun is presented with the top overall prize package by members of the Cowley College cheer team.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Some medicines you take can cause discoloration of your teeth. Antibiotics in the tetracycline class are well known offenders, and are commonly used to treat acne, rosacea, and many different bacterial infections. Doxycycline, for example, can turn your teeth yellow, gray, or brown and often occurs during tooth development. Mouth rinses (i.e. Peridex, Scope) may cause yellow or brown staining on the surface. However, these stains are usually removed with regular brushing. Iron solutions may turn the surface of your teeth black, but is usually reversible. To help prevent staining, mix iron solutions with fruit juice or water, or drink it through a straw. Always ask your physician or pharmacist about possible side effects associated with the medications you are prescribed.
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Excellence. Introducing
Dr. Willie Posey II Family Health - Pediatrics - Non-Invasive Cardiology Dr. Posey has over 20 years of rural healthcare experience caring for patients of all ages. Now accepting new patients, Dr. Posey is practicing full-time through the SCKMC Specialty Clinic and Winfield Medical Arts. Call (620) 441-5711 to schedule your appointment today.
When it comes to healthcare for your family, 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 Tyson Blatchford, MD Willie Posey II, MD General Surgery Internal Medicine / Cardiology Perry Lin, MD OB / GYN
And 10 Other Specialists Visit us online for a full listing
Kamran Shahzada, MD Internal Medicine
Eric Thomson, MD Family Practice
Rhonda Green, MD Family Practice
Angela Ziegler, APRN Family Practice