1. Newly Appointed Leadership Sub-Committees: the three sub-committees formed previously and filled by Leadership members have all met and begun setting priorities and getting concrete work accomplished.
– The Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee has met several times and had its first event with new physician, Dr. Michelle Kim. They have plans for a small dinner party for Michelle and her husband after she starts seeing patients. Kathy Davis has put together a welcome basket complete with map and trail guides, local products, and more. Committee members are making themselves available to Dr. Kim to help her integrate into the community once she begins work on Aug. 6th.
– The Advocacy Committee is making plans to meet with candidates; meet with Maia Schneider from Tahoe Forest Hospital (she’s done extensive advocacy work there) to learn from her experience; compile an EPHC “Fact Sheet” that can be used when advocating the hospital’s position; target key issues; and more.
– The Fundraising Committee plans to complete a new brochure aimed at potential donors; and has procured a complete address list of residents and second home owners for targeted donation mailings.
All groups plan ongoing meetings focused on putting ideas into action.
2. Dental Clinic Coverage: Since Rebecca Rores left on June 1, we’ve been fortunate enough to have three local dentists step up to keep the dental clinic doors open while we recruit and hire a permanent dentist. Drs. Michael Barton of Graeagle, Mario Garibotti, of Portola, and Troy Van Pelt of Quincy, all have worked one or two days a week in support of our clinic, and we are very grateful. We are in the process of hiring a new dentist after interviewing several qualified candidates.
3. New Physician: on August 6, we will be welcoming our new primary care physician, Dr. Michelle Kim. Already, word is out and people are making appointments with her. She comes from a successful private practice in Davis, CA. She also graduated from UC Davis Medical School. Dr. Kim was looking for a smaller place to practice where patient care is emphasized over paperwork, and she seems as delighted to be coming to EPHC as we are to have her. Dr. Kim grew up in Truckee, CA, which means she’s familiar with winter in the Sierras—another plus. She’s enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and interested in helping to implement practices in the clinic that will make patient care even better. Please make a point of welcoming her if you get the chance.
4. Gastroenterologist Leaving: Gastroenterologist, Dr. Sam Nourani, will be leaving at the end of July, as the group he works with in Reno lost one of their doctors and requires him back in their home office full time. We have just found a replacement for him, and we’ll give you more information in the next update.
5. Affordable Care Act: we are currently analyzing the potential impact on our hospital and we’ll provide information as we learn more.
6. Strategic Plan: we will be reviewing and updating our Strategic Plan. As part of this process, we’ll be asking for your input at our next general meeting.
7. Equipment Replacement: we are planning to purchase new ultrasound equipment this fiscal year. This will be funded, in large part, from the money raised at this year’s Swing Fore EPHC Golf Tournament. We’ll also be analyzing the purchase of a new CT scanner.
8. Financial Update:
– Year End: June marked the completion of our fiscal year. Many of our fiscal objectives were met in spite of ongoing State and Federal challenges. We experienced a shift in program services, with more emphasis on clinic and outpatient and less on inpatient hospital care. Our Distinct Part SNF days were deliberately reduced as we await the outcome of the California Hospital Association appeal of proposed state cuts. We met Federal “meaningful use” requirements on our Electronic Health Record system, allowing us to receive both Federal and State Incentive funding. Net revenue was 3% under budget for the year, but we managed our expenses well, and they were 4% under budget for the year. We ended with a positive operating margin of $281,000–just shy of our 1% goal. Including non-operating revenue, our net revenue for the year will be approximately $1,000,000. We continued to strengthen our revenue cycle program, decreasing Accounts Receivable days to 53 and increasing days cash on hand to 34. Our land loan was refinanced with the City Of Portola, a great example of community collaboration and one which will provide us with ongoing savings.
– 2012-2013 Budget: the Board of Directors approved the 2012-2013 operating and capital budgets at their June meeting. The operating budget is based on a lower average daily census for hospital and DP-SNF care; increased rural health visits at the Portola Medical Clinic; and status quo for the remaining departments. The capital budget is aggressive with almost $1 million requested from Department Managers. $425,000 of this is for CT Scanner and Ultrasound replacement equipment.
– Golf Tournament Round Up: The Swing Fore EPHC golf tournament held at Whitehawk Ranch in June was once again successful. Thanks to our sponsors, donors and golfers, we netted $28,000 to the Foundation. The proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of a new ultrasound unit.