Finances, face masks and new physician highlight board meeting

WORLAND – The Banner Health Washakie Medical Center Board of Trustees convened their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26 but unlike last month’s meeting, which used the Skype conferencing software to hold the meeting remotely, this month’s meeting was held in a conference room at the hospital. All attendees maintained adequate “social distancing,” as recommended by the Wyoming Department of Health.

Banner Health Washakie Medical Center Chief of Staff Dr. Vernon Miller reported to the board that elective surgeries are once again permitted. Miller described Banner Health’s COVID-19 testing protocol for patients scheduled for surgery. In contrast to the Wyoming Department of Health protocol, even asymptomatic patients must be tested. Banner processes these tests and results come back within two to three days, compared to the four or five day turnaround seen with private laboratories. Miller said that he has been very pleased with Banner’s response. So far, no surgery patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

Miller impressed upon the board the importance of wearing face masks, suggesting that wearing masks is not about keep oneself from getting sick, but rather is to keep from infecting others, should one’s own COVID-19 infection – undiagnosed – be without symptoms. “It’s not about rights, or even responsibilities,” Miller said. “It’s about thoughtfulness, and caring for our fellow Wyoming folk.”

As Chief Financial Officer Jennifer McMillan was unable to attend the meeting, Chief Executive Officer Jay Stallings gave the CFO report. The COVID-19 epidemic has had a dramatic impact on WMC’s finances, with little else besides urgent and emergency care being provided since mid-March. Inpatient revenue for the month of April was below expectations by 45%, and outpatient revenue missed budget planning by 31%. Insurance adjustments were significantly below budget, mainly due to a large drop in patient volume. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding helped to bolster patient revenues, but not enough to make up for losses. The hospital thus remains “in the red” regarding revenue. However, expenses are being managed well, he reported.

Net income for the hospital missed budget for the month by $390,000. Year to date, the hospital is behind budget by $614,000.

Stallings said that the Banner Health Clinic has been subject to similar COVID-19 economic pressure. Clinic revenue missed budget by $50,000, with expenses over budget by $9,000. Year to date, the clinic is missing budget by $138,000.

NEW PHYSICIAN

Stallings then gave his CEO report. He was delighted to announce that a new physician has just purchased a home in Worland and will be starting at WMC soon. Several other WMC physicians are still onboard. “We have a really good panel of physicians,” Stallings said. He went on to say that WMC has also contracted with some “really good” specialists and sub-specialists.

Stallings emphasized that despite the current COVID-19 challenges and uncertainties, the hospital remains focused on serving the community. “We are continuing to commit to a strategy of strategic growth, and to continuing to provide those services that are needed in this community,” Stallings concluded.

The next order of business was to announce that Schneider Construction of Worland had been granted the contract to repair the WMC parking lot. Schneider’s bid was in the amount of $291,455.50. It includes concrete, half-inch rebar, disposal and curb and gutter. Vice chair Dean Carrell said that Schneider would begin work soon. WMC Plant Operations Manager Steve Wiecki said he would check with Schneider to ascertain the precise start date.

Wiecki suggested that to ensure excellent quality of concrete, it may be advantageous to obtain the services of a concrete engineer. Wiecki recently learned that cement companies often tend to provide better product if they are aware that a concrete engineer is on the job site, constantly testing concrete quality. The board’s preliminary response to this suggestion was favorable, and they outlined some specific ways that board members would research costs and other practical concerns in the coming days.

Wiecki also suggested that given board chair Kip Mathison’s ongoing concern to beautify the WMC grounds, perhaps the board might consider allowing a $300-$500 additional expense in Washakie County funds for chemical fertilizers, to maintain the lawn through the summer. CEO Stallings mentioned that Banner Health is currently hard-pressed to conserve every dollar, and so would prefer not to cover this expense. The board responded favorably to Wiecki’s suggestion.