Keeping on top of all facets at CCHS

DAYTON-The Columbia County Health System (CCHS) board was updated on Medicare repayment and other incoming income; advised of a new Dental Clinic hire; needs for advancing the childcare facility; and the forecast to a fully operational Rivers Walk Assisted Living facilities during the meeting on September 28.

CCHS completed the Medicare repayment last month according to the financial report provided by CFO Matt Minor at the September 28 meeting. This allows the system to have more cash on hand for operating expenses. He also reported the approximate net income for August was $141,000. Expected this month are two insurance settlements totaling $949,000.

The bottom line for August was a net income of $141,000 as reported by Minor. This amount is partially attributed to the delay in the transition from the nursing home to assisted living care which contributed to $117,000 of the $132,000 reduction in inpatient revenue than was budgeted. The outpatient revenue helped offset this being $230,000 higher than budgeted. Still, the net patient revenue was $422,000 under budget. The reason cited for this in the financial report was because deductions and allowances, particularly for Medicare and Medicaid were higher than budgeted.

The days cash on hand is getting back on track since the prepaid Medicare funds for COVID were fully repaid and claims can now be paid at the usual 100% instead of 50%. The days cash on hand is the money that is not earmarked for anything and the number of days the system can pay operating expenses and is a reflection of overall security.

Other income expected this month are two insurance settlement payments totaling $949,000. One from Medicare for $730,000 and another from Noridian for $219,000. These payments are recorded in the August financials.

Additionally, dental insurance claims of about $382,000 will also be coming in. McGuire announced the Dental Clinic has a new dentist Dr. Prakash Kolla, BDS, DDS who will replace Audra Morgan. Dr. Kolla, will be working four days in the clinic. Dr. Michael Strang will continue to work one day.

McGuire said they have finalized the request for qualifying operators which they will post. YWCA has already submitted the Request for Qualification as an operator. They will evaluate, rank, and score them and plan to make an offer by November 10 to the operator with the highest score. They are also continuing with the preliminary design for the onsite center, according to McGuire.

River's Walk Assisted Living hosted a successful open house on September 8 and had about 150 come through. The facility will be operational, and residents will move in this month. They have plans to demolish the blue house on Fifth Street just east of the new facility which was previously used to house traveling medical personnel. They will also prep the land for possible construction in the future.