Over the past several weeks I have read with great interest the concerns the community has over the decision that was reached by Essentia Health and Falls Memorial Hospital not to continue the management services agreement, professional services agreement and affiliation agreement.
I am also surprised that no one has mentioned our newest board of trustee (BOT) member, Brian Briggs who replaced Gail Rognerud in April 2013. The FMH Board members because of long term health care involvement are also well versed and aware of the changes occurring in health care as well as the socio-economic impact on community members. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality health care services to the region. We are also bound by confidentiality as are the board members appointed by Essentia.
The agreements were reached after over two years of negotiations between the Falls Memorial Hospital and SMDC (now Essentia Health). The crux of the agreements were to assist the local clinic recover some of its losses in which they would receive provider-based reimbursement on Medicare and Medical Assistance patients as well as assistance in meeting clinic losses incurred. This would be made possible under the critical access status of the hospital. SMDC would in turn send specialists to International Falls to perform specialty services both at the local clinic and the hospital, benefiting patients who would not have to travel long distances to receive care.
The two entities combined to form RLMC and developed a five year strategic plan with the main driving point to include growth of health care services to International Falls and the surrounding areas. Excitement over the integration was paramount and the FMH Board voted to put a hold on the ongoing planning of the new hospital which was very much affordable at the time. The hospital had an excellent cash position as well as five years of positive cash flow. Because of increased costs associated with the affiliation, the new facility planning remained on hold.
During the last four years the intent of the agreements and the strategic plan has not come to fruition. Requests have been made to Essentia to send specialists to our hospital to provide services we have lost. The losses of ophthalmology and oncology have had a major impact on community members. To receive care for these specialty services not only requires driving 100 to 160 miles one way, but also frequently requires an over night stay. This is not very desirable for those in discomfort or cost effective for the patient requiring these services. The loss of ophthalmology surgical services provided at the hospital resulted in $450,000 in lost revenue which can be used to support other services locally. The hospital requested these services be provided locally by Essentia and the reply was they did not have the capability to do so at this time.
OB (obstetrics) services are another area the hospital believes is an essential community service. The hospital remains committed to the community to provide this service and will continue to assist expectant parents and the local Essentia clinic physicians to ensure this continues.
When patients are hospitalized at the RLMC hospital campus, hospitalist care is provided by physicians hired by the hospital as local physicians no longer provide this service due to their clinic demands.
Questions have also been raised about the clinical records not being compatible. RLMC hospital is in the process of converting to EPIC under the auspices of Essentia Health.
To dispel another myth, patients have a choice of who they wish to see and to whom they wish to be referred to. Continued support of the local health care providers will always remain in place and the medical staff will remain open.
Dr. (Daniel) Nikcevich, CEO, Essentia Health East, stated in his letter to the RLMC BOT dated August 2013, Essentia will not pursue negotiations with FMH BOT stating the timing is not right for the partnership to continue. FMH BOT is in full agreement.
FMH will continue as an independent hospital not as a point of control, but one of continuing to fulfill its long-term commitment to the community to provide the highest quality of heath care services to the community. The hospital will continue to send folks to Essentia as well as anywhere else the patient requests. The hospital wishes to remain independent and will work with all providers to ensure high quality health care services to area residents.
