PMC board update

MEEKER | Pioneer’s Medical Center Board of Directors met Tuesday, July 13 to discuss financials, grant awards, federal regulations and more.

PMC revenue in June was $7 million, a “record breaker” according to chief financial officer Lionel Montoya. He also said year-to-date total revenue is over $33 million, an increase of 22% over last year. Net income for the year is $254K, and cash increased by more than $1 million, even with paying nearly $500K towards the hospital’s Medicare accelerated COVID relief funds this year.

The federal Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) is considering changes that could impact healthcare providers in Rio Blanco and multiple others across the state. Currently RBC has a special “Health Professional Shortage Area” (HPSA) designation which gives “about a 15% bump in reimbursement” from Medicaid according to a representative of private consulting firm Quorum Health Resources (QHR).

Losing the designation could have a financial impact on PMC and hospitals in at least 20 other Colorado counties including Garfield and Moffat. HPSA originally planned to make the change by July first, but postponed the decision to next year. Consultants said PMC could appeal to keep the designation by providing evidence that Rio Blanco County is still a healthcare provider shortage area, noting that such efforts are “usually pretty successful.”

Chief Nursing Officer Amy Peck commented on new hires Robin Bragg and Cindy Moody who will serve in a “shared governance position” over the Emergency Room/Trauma department(s). Peck said that CNA/nursing students are bringing “new excitement” to the hospital, noting they are working to get more. PMC is also still grappling with challenges associated with “traveler” staff members, especially housing and retention.

CEO Liz Sellers said the new retail pharmacy is very busy, “even more than we ever anticipated,” filling up to 114 prescriptions each day. Hospital administration is looking to whether demand will necessitate additional hires to keep up with “productivity standards.” Sellers noted that the Walbridge Wing is at capacity with 30 residents, with a waiting list of about 50. PMC is expanding its search for an assistant director of nursing at the Wing since the position has been vacant for two months. Sellers also touched on the construction of the orthopedic clinic which is set to wrap up slightly ahead of schedule next month, and the phase 1 approval of an $8 million assisted living grant. Sellers said “This is a beginning phase of a multimillion dollar project. One that the community is in great need of. PMC is in the initial stages of design and seeking funding sources.”