’s
September 4, 2015 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Charity Write-off on the Rise SCKMC is on pace to set a new record for providing free or discounted medical services. Through August the medical center has absorbed $303,765 from patient accounts through the hospital’s Healthcare Financial Assistance Program (HFAP), more commonly known as charity care. The SCKMC Board of Trustees voted during their August meeting to approve HFAP write-offs for two patients covering 20 separate accounts for a total of $47,183.29. The accounts came before the Board with a recommendation for approval by the hospital’s HFAP committee. “We worked really hard over the last 12-months to refine (the HFAP) process as we brought on a new financial counselor to make sure that we are doing everything within our control to get the patient some type of financial assistance,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer and chairperson of the HFAP committee. Michele Cruz is SCKMC’s Financial Counselor. She works daily with patients near or below poverty level in an attempt to provide a reduction to their medical bills. “When a patient comes to me I ask them what’s going on financially. We look at the two past years tax returns. Using that and how many people are in the home is what we have to base (HFAP) off of. If there is something significant going on right now, even though they may not qualify, I still bring those forward as special circumstances,” Cruz said. With a downturn in the economy and increased costs for health coverage, charity care has been on the rise nationally for several years. The same can be said locally as SCKMC provided $288,434 of charity care in ‘13, and $298,953 in ‘14. For patients with no insurance coverage, the fear of debt may contribute to increased risk for significant health concerns. The HFAP process requires the patient to apply for government coverage through Medicaid. If a patient does not qualify for Medicaid SCKMC staff will assist the patient with finding coverage through the healthcare marketplace. “We don’t want people to not seek healthcare because they have no form of insurance. We are here as a community hospital, to serve those patients regardless of their ability to pay. They shouldn’t show up on our doorstep via ambulance as a last ditch effort because they didn’t seek healthcare before. (HFAP) enables patients the ability to seek healthcare even if they have no insurance or no income,” Harper said. Patients interested in learning more about SCKMC’s Healthcare Financial Assistance Program (HFAP) can call the hospital’s offsite billing office at (620) 441-5990 or Michele Cruz during normal office hours at (620) 441-5723.
Landrush a Success The first annual SCKMC Landrush is in the books. The 5K obstacle race raised over $9,000 with 135 runners competing. Top Overall Male winner was Jason Braun of Burden with a time of 21:39. Top overall female was Olivia Eves of Ark City with a time of 26:11. Other division winners: Male 15-19: Challen Jimenez 25:01, Corey Firebaugh 27:12, Erik Fuentes 38:48; Female 15-19: Luise Hoggerl 38:29; Male 20-39: Ortiz Israel 22:16, Alfredo Cuevas 25:11, Craig Peri 25:23; Female 20-39: Lori Barnes 27:44, Tara Lyman 29:52, Jackie Hass 31:23; Male 40+: Michael Mora 22:54, Brent Eves 24:45, Nathan Morton 28:04; Female 40+: Kandy Blakey 33:49, Katherine Seeliger 35:00, Andrea McNown 35:56.
Employee of the Month Congratulations Joyce Baker, Laundry Tech with Environmental Services, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of September. Joyce was nominated by hospital staff for always being willing to help other departments. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation by HHS Director Marc Robert and will have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout September.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Head lice is a concern that can affect anyone regardless of socioeconomic status or age. It is most common in children ranging from ages 3 to 13. Head lice travel from person to person after close contact. Once lice has been diagnosed, treat immediately. You should begin with an over-the-counter product such as Nix or RID and use according to directions. Be sure to use a fine tooth comb to remove any lice and lice eggs. Begin a second treatment nine days later to kill any remaining lice that may have just hatched. If lice is still present after two treatments, notify your health care provider for additional treatment options. Also wash any clothes, bedding, and towels which may contain lice or eggs.
W e Have the Technology. W e Have the Team. .
Introducing
Dr. Adam Keesling Dr. Keesling specializes in family medicine and believes in personalized care for you and your loved ones. Now accepting new patients through the Ark City Clinic.
Call to schedule your appointment today or visit us online for more information.
AC Clinic: 620-442-2100 www.sckmc.org
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
(620) 442-2500