PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | The Eastern Rio Blanco County Health District Board of Directors for Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) held its monthly meeting in August, opening with a 9:30 a.m. financial session before moving into the regular meeting at 10 a.m. All board members were present.
Chief Financial Officer John Nadone outlined concerns with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, telling the board, “Insurers are narrowing networks, reducing PPO access, and increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients, especially for surgeries.” He also warned that some insurers are “buying physician practices, funneling patients to certain providers, and sometimes pulling out of markets.” Exchange premiums are projected to rise, he said, which could mean more self-pay or uninsured patients. Nadone described the transition out of MA plans as “very difficult for seniors due to pricing and eligibility restrictions.” Board member Wade Bradfield suggested hosting “a community education event on Medicare enrollment options.”
Nadone’s July financial report showed inpatient volumes slightly under budget, though “surgeries and retail pharmacy revenues were strong.” Retail pharmacy income is up 6% over last year. Despite a positive monthly net income of $14,000 without depreciation, PMC reported a $2.1 million year-to-date loss driven by reduced mill levy revenue. Cash reserves also fell following equipment purchases and about $530,000 withheld by Medicare. Nadone said delays from United and Blue Cross are “harming hospital cash flow and patient perceptions,” and patients are frustrated when “Medicare often denies coverage for drugs available over-the-counter.”
The regular meeting opened with recognition of PMC staff and providers for their response during the recent wildfires, which forced evacuations, including residents of the Walbridge Wing. Speakers praised the administration and hospital team for keeping operations running, transporting patients safely and assisting the community during the crisis.
Dr. Karen Frye addressed the board about communication and respect for providers. She said, “A board member allegedly discussed patient medical care inappropriately,” and noted “comments from board members in the community suggesting physicians are overpaid and underworked,” which she said had been hurtful to staff.
Board secretary/treasurer Sherri Halandras responded, saying, “I don’t know where that is coming from. It sounds like a little bit of gossip,” but agreed better communication is needed. Plans are underway for a board-provider retreat and strategic planning day to strengthen collaboration.
During public comment, community member Bobby Gutierrez praised PMC staff and providers for their “exceptional work during the wildfire crisis,” but also voiced “frustration about lack of transparency,” citing delayed posting of agendas and “too much executive session.”
The board also welcomed Brian Kreter, Plant Ops Director, who recently relocated from Minnesota. Staff highlighted his experience and praised his early contributions to PMC’s grounds and facilities.
Minutes from prior meetings were reviewed but not approved. Halandras noted they should include “only factual actions and decisions, not opinions.” Final approval was tabled until revisions are made.
Other business included approval of medical staff reappointments and new appointments, including several radiologists who provide overnight ER coverage. Chief Nursing Officer Janelle Borchard reported that the Athena electronic health record system is now fully implemented in the clinic and “functioning well,” with providers noting greater efficiency in faxing, reporting and care coordination.
Borchard also shared updates on the evacuation of the Walbridge Wing during the wildfire. Patients were safely relocated and later returned. While some transportation challenges arose, she said, the overall process went smoothly.
CEO Liz Sellers reported on apartment remodeling, landscaping repairs and tree health assessments in the courtyard and orchard. She also praised emergency management coordination during the fire, calling the daily check-ins “effective” and highlighting “strong collaboration.”
Staffing remains a focus. PMC is recruiting additional physician assistants while preparing for the upcoming departure of two CRNAs. Dr. Mares, who specializes in lower extremity orthopedics, has begun seeing patients in the clinic, joining Dr. Griggs, who focuses on upper extremities.
On the technology side, the hospital launched a new phone system, Weave, which allows for better call tracking and voicemail monitoring while keeping live staff answering during business hours.
Discussion later returned to billing issues. Board members raised concerns that patients are waiting months for bills and are often confused by what they receive. “Reports of patients being told not to pay co-pays at the time of service” have added to the confusion, one board member said.
Leadership clarified that statements are generated at PMC, not by Amplify, its billing partner, and acknowledged that the process is being redesigned. A board member compared PMC’s system to Valley View Hospital, noting, “Valley View provides itemized bills quickly,” while PMC has struggled with timeliness.
Medication billing was also discussed, with patients reportedly billed “as if they self-administered medications,” raising coverage concerns. Questions were raised about liability if patients bring their own prescriptions for procedures, and leadership agreed to evaluate clearer policies.
The board requested follow-up on billing improvements and patient communication at its next meeting before moving into executive session.
EDITED 10/02/25 to reflect corrected names for Kreter and Griggs.
