MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa described the payment change as converting BCBS payments from a negotiated discount from a hospital’s charges — a payment methodology that has been used for small hospitals for decades — to a below-cost or marginally above-cost rate unilaterally set by BCBS. 

Redwood Area Hospital received notice that they are in the first group of hospitals scheduled for the payment change. MHA has heard from dozens of other hospitals scheduled to have their payments cut on May 1 that the impacts will be “in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.”

“We were given very little notice for a change that so dramatically affects our operations,” said Connie Bloedow, Redwood Area Hospital Patient Accounts Manager. “Blue Cross has projected a reduction of approximately $800,000 in payment annually for Redwood Area Hospital.”

Minnesota hospitals are attempting to individually contact BCBS to negotiate a revised payment methodology or reimbursement rates that are less devastating. Redwood Area Hospital and other members of the Minnesota Rural Health Cooperative are working with Blue Cross to try to delay implementation of the payment change.

“We are fortunate to be in a good financial position going into this uncertain time,” said Keith Muetzel, Redwood Area Hospital Interim CEO and City Administrator. “Unlike other hospitals, we are able to maintain business as usual as we fight this change. We are not eliminating services or making any other cuts at this time, but will look to our new CEO’s expertise to evaluate the hospital’s business model and any changes that may need to take place as the Blue Cross payment methodology unfolds.”

This change will have no impact on Blue Cross insured patients coming to Redwood Area Hospital.

In his previous position he served as the lead executive for developing and executing growth strategies for two rural hospitals while providing operational oversight to non-clinical departments within the hospitals. Within that role he also provided successful physician recruitment with structured retention strategies vital to a rural hospital setting.

“Our ability to attract someone with Bryan’s track record and knowledge reflects so highly on everyone involved with the hospital,” said Keith Muetzel, City Administrator and interim CEO of Redwood Area Hospital. “We look forward to Bryan’s leadership in driving and executing strategies that will allow the hospital to continue to provide strong healthcare to our community.”

Some of Lydick’s professional accomplishments include leading a $3 million capital campaign to renovate Mercy Hospital Cadillac’s emergency room and obstetrics department, creating the Mercy Hospital Cadillac Foundation with over $10 million in assets, and implementing a customer service program and customer-focused culture at Mercy Hospital Cadillac.

“The successful work I have been a part of is due to the great people involved,” said Lydick. “I strongly believe that partnerships and bringing people together harbors success. I’m thrilled to be joining an organization that has shown such dedication to bringing exceptional healthcare to the rural community.”

Lydick received his bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation from Central Michigan University and a Masters degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota- School of Public Health.

“The hospital will be in great hands with Bryan,” said Chico Jensen, Redwood Area Hospital Commission chair.  “His natural leadership ability and passion for rural healthcare impressed everyone involved with the search.”

For the past six months the hospital has worked with the search firm Witt/Keiffer to conduct the CEO search. The firm vetted many candidates before bringing their top four candidates to interview. Three of those candidates were invited back to the hospital in March to meet the hospital’s staff and hold small group meetings with employees, medical staff, hospital commission and city council. After meeting candidates, everyone was invited to provide feedback through an anonymous online survey.

“We had three very strong candidates, but Bryan was clearly the top choice of all the groups that participated in the selection process,” said Muetzel.

Lydick and his wife, Nicole, have three children: 13-year-old Samantha, 11-year-old Mackenzie, and six-year-old Brode. Lydick says his family loves to be active in the community through sports and other activities and try to give back to the community whenever they can. They enjoy spending time outdoors and look forward to taking advantage of the trails and other amenities in the community.

###

At the lunch event, table hosts set and decorate a table according to a theme of their choice. Themes can be inspired by dishes, a favorite holiday, sports team, upcoming event or just about anything. Hosts then sells six $15 tickets to friends or family that they would like to invite sit at their table for lunch. Guests tour the tables and are served a delicious lunch prepared by trained chef, A.J. Klein.

In 2012, the event gathered more than 100 individuals with 17 beautiful table displays.

The luncheon is sponsored by Thrivent Communities – Redwood Area. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase flat-screen televisions for Seasons, Redwood Area Hospital Hospice program’s residential home specializing in end-of-life care.

If you are interested in hosting a table or attending the event, contact Karen Melges, Redwood Area Hospital Foundation director, at 507-637-4668.

Redwood Area Hospital’s audited financial statements were presented to the City Council by representatives of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, on Tuesday, April 2. The financial reports show 2012 was another strong year with operating income of $1.3 million.

Net position indicates strong financial health

The report showed the local hospital had an operating margin of 6.1 percent in 2012. Non-operating revenue was $524,861 and brought the total “bottom line” to $1.9 million for 2012; a total margin of 8.3 percent, which accounts for a 4.1% drop in total margin over 2011.

The financial analysis considers the hospital’s net position-looking at the difference between assets and liabilities-for the previous three years to obtain a measure of the organization’s financial health. Redwood Area Hospital’s total net position has shown a sustained increase ranging from eight to 14 percent, comparing past years. According to CliftonLarsonAllen, they look for sustained increases or decreases as indicators of whether the organization’s financial health is improving or deteriorating.

Gold Standard

As with previous years, CliftonLarsonAllen has recognized Redwood Area Hospital on their Gold list for financial performance based on 2011 financial performance. The Gold Standard designation is given to the top 35 critical access hospitals in the nation, from an analysis of over 1,300 hospital financial reports.

“While 2011 was a banner year for Redwood Area Hospital, the organization continues to show a strong financial performance, well above the benchmark in many areas,” said Darryn McGarvey, CPA, at CliftonLarsonAllen.

Financial strength supports community

It is not uncommon for community hospitals to receive tax support to make ends meet or pay off building debt. Redwood Area Hospital is in the opposite position and, in fact, supports the community through payments in lieu of taxes, as do all other municipally-owned businesses in Redwood Falls.

“Though municipally owned, the hospital functions independently and does not receive any funding from the City of Redwood Falls,” explained Keith Muetzel, Redwood Falls city administrator and hospital interim CEO. “At the same time, the hospital’s net assets after payment in lieu of taxes are retained by the hospital for future investment in the hospital.”

In 2012 the hospital invested nearly $700,000 in hospital assets directly impacting patient-care, including a central bedside monitoring system, additional capabilities within the electronic medical records system, and technology for electronic charting and barcode scanning at the bedside.

Last year the Redwood Area Hospital Foundation contributed $50,661 for a variety of projects used to enhance patient care, including new televisions in Cancer Care, a Hospice/Home Care Van, Chest Compressor, Ceiling Lift System, PCA Pumps, and new flooring at Seasons.

A needle and thread are Ellie Balko’s tools  for comfort and healing as she diligently works on projects for Redwood Area Hospital’s Quilts of Caring program. Some days she sews quilt tops, and some days she hand stitches the quilts together, but each day her projects are done with the same goal: comfort.

“Feeling cold is a common side-effect of cancer treatment,” explained Cindy Moldan, Redwood Area Hospital Cancer Center manager. “Not only do these quilts literally warm up our patients bodies, but also their hearts as they know someone else in the community is rooting for them in their fight.”

The Quilts of Caring program started in 2002 with the goal of providing a quilt to each cancer patient, and so far they have met that goal through the talents of local quilters like Ellie Balko.

The first quilt was given to the Cancer Center by Redwood Falls resident and hospital employee, Julie Salmon. She let others in her quilt club know about the program and just a few months later Balko donated five quilts. Balko’s donations have continued each year with her latest donation bringing her total to 55 quilts for the hospital’s Cancer Center.

“When I start cutting, I can get a little carried away,” Balko shared with a chuckle—noting that last year she made 16 quilt tops and has many more piles of fabric “extras” and squares ready to go.

Balko says her own experiences—including watching her mother deal with excruciating pain in the throes of her battle with cancer 30 years ago—motivate her to keep quilting for cancer patients.

“I will always remember my mother’s words, when she told me, ‘I thought I had pain before but it’s nothing like now.’” Balko recalls. “I hope that my quilts can help a cancer patient feel comfort and healing… it’s going to be a tough thing to go through,” said Balko, who hand stitches intricate designs into each quilt.

When a cancer patient starts their treatment at the hospital, Moldan takes them to a wall of quilts where they can choose their quilt. On the day Balko brought in her latest donations, two more quilts were on their way out with new patients.

“Opening the glass doors of our quilt cabinet is like opening a treasure chest,” Moldan said. “We are so fortunate to have so many beautiful and unique quilts for our patients.”

While setbacks in her own health may slow Balko down from time to time, the 35 year resident of Redwood Falls doesn’t let her own challenges stop her. Balko has been disabled since 1990 after a heart attack, open heart surgery and a slew of other health issues.  She started quilting in 1996 and two years later made her first quilt by looking at a picture. In addition, the first quilt that she entered into the Minnesota Quilters state quilt show won third prize.

For many years she quilted coasters and other small projects that she would sell at Holmberg Orchard and other local businesses. Now she focuses her time mainly on quilts for the Cancer Center and family projects.

“If I can make someone in our community feel a little bit better, that makes each stitch worth it,” Balko said.

The colon: Five highly productive feet of the human digestive system that people would rather not talk about. When functioning at its best, the colon can process nearly three pints of liquids each day into a normal amount of solids, passed anywhere from three times per day to three times per week. If you don’t fit in the “normal” category, then what? Here’s a look at a few colon diseases and how to best care for your colon.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Yogurt commercials have made irritable bowel syndrome a common term among Americans, but what do we really know about it? When a person suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, the colon is more sensitive and the muscle contracts in an abnormal fashion. This can cause symptoms including abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

“These are not symptoms a person should have to live with every day,” says Dr. Charles Ulrich, visiting gastroenterologist at Redwood Area Hospital.  “With proper diagnosis, treatment can vary including diet alteration, managing stress and medications.”

Diverticulitis

During our lifetime, almost all people in Western societies will experience diverticula, or little pouches or sacs on the outside of the colon, due to a low-fiber diet causing weak spots in the muscle of the bowel wall. Diverticula usually go unnoticed, but about 10 percent of people end up experiencing the noticeable symptoms of diverticulitis, when one of the sacs gets blocked and infected.

“The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, predominantly on the lower left side,” explains Ulrich. “The intensity of symptoms depends the degree of infection, with mild cramps turning to a more consistent severe pain and fever as the infection worsens.”

In most cases diverticulitis can be treated with non-invasive measures. Complications to diverticulitis can lead to surgery and can be life-threatening if ignored, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing bowel irregularities and pain.

Polyps and Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when the cells lining the colon grow and divide, usually starting as a small mushroom looking growth called a polyp. Not all polyps turn into cancer, but removing them can prevent the progression to cancer.

Colorectal screenings, such as a colonscopy, prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. And if cancer is present, earlier detection can mean a chance at a longer life. There are a few different colorectal screening tests available, but a colonoscopy is the preferred strategy by most experts—especially for women, who tend to have growths deeper in the tissue that can go undetected with other testing methods.

“The thought of a colonoscopy makes some people cringe, but the test is generally painless and the risks are minimal,” says Ulrich. “More than 75 percent of patients who get colorectal cancer have no identifiable symptoms. No matter what your risk factors, anyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer or polyps should talk to their physician about getting a colonoscopy.”

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, the colon cancer death rate has been dropping due in part to increased awareness and screening. By finding more polyps and cancer in the earlier (local and regional) stages, it is easiest to treat. Improved treatment options have also contributed to a rise in survival rates.

There are currently more than one million colon cancer survivors alive in the United States.

Reading about the colon can help us understand common diseases, but experiencing hands-on learning can help impress the importance of colorectal screening and early detection of colon cancer.

Learn more about the colon diseases by winding through the Sanford SemiColon™, a 30 foot long, six foot tall inflatable colon coming to Redwood Falls on March 26^th during the Redwood Area Hospital Community Health Fair. The event will take place at the Redwood Area Community Center from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. The inflatable colon will be hosted by the hospital’s same-day surgery staff and Dr. Ulrich, who will speak about colon health at 5:00 p.m.

Anyone adult who walks through the colon can enter a drawing to win an iPad and other prizes.

The role of volunteers is so important that Medicare requires every hospice program to have trained volunteers on its team. Redwood Area Hospital Hospice’s next volunteer training course will be February 20th and 21st between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class helps volunteers understand the grief process and the needs of the terminally ill.

State and Medicare regulations dictate the training a volunteer must receive prior to seeing clients. Training will cover basic techniques in patient care, understanding of the disease process, communication skills, bereavement, spiritual care and other topics.

At the completion of training, volunteer activities may include visiting, reading, writing letters, listening to music, providing respite and support for family members such as shopping or household maintenance, or assisting with Hospice office functions such as helping with mailings and fundraising.

If you are interested in becoming a Redwood Area Hospital Hospice volunteer, contact Amy Boettger, LSW (507) 637-4617. In addition to volunteer training, hospice speakers are available to any organization or group that is interested in learning about hospice. More information about Redwood Area Hospital Hospice can be found at www.redwoodareahospital.org.

Healthy Aging Series

The Healthy Aging education series is designed for older adults with the goal of enhancing the aging process and reducing stress. Session topics include a heart healthy diet, driving in later life, vision loss, and the importance of respite care.

All classes will be held the first Wednesday of the month starting February 6 – May 1 from 2 – 3 p.m. in the Redwood Area Hospital education room. In order to provide adequate seating, registration is encouraged but not required. To register, contact Wendy Dahl at 507-637-4527.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Care giving is rewarding, but can also be stressful – physically, emotionally, and financially. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a class designed to provide the family caregiver with the skills needed to take care of themselves. The course will also provide tools to help family members become more comfortable with their role as a caregiver.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a series of six 90-minute classes, held once a week. Spring classes will be held on Thursdays, April 4 through May 9, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Fireside Room, in Redwood Falls.

Respite care will be provided by the hospital’s Caring Connection adult day program or Redwood County Volunteer Program. Registration is required by calling Lynn Buckley, Redwood Area Hospital Caring Connections Coordinator, at 507-637-4508.

Refresh: Healthy Eating + Healthy Living Class

Area residents can refresh their New Year’s resolutions for healthy eating and healthy living with Redwood Area Hospital’s new class, starting February 4.

The Refresh: Healthy Eating + Healthy Living program will focus on providing useful tools and tips for achieving a healthy eating and living routine, including weight loss. Dorie Oja, Redwood Area Hospital dietician, will guide a group discussion focused on eating patterns, portion control, lifestyle modification, emotional eating, snacking strategies, exercise and coping patterns. During the first meeting the group will discuss their objectives for the eight-week course.

Classes will be held Monday evenings, Feb 4 – Mar 25, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. or Thursday mornings, Feb 7 – Mar 28, 7 – 8 a.m. in the Redwood Area Hospital education room.

Register for the class by January 31 by calling Wendy Dahl, Redwood Area Hospital education manager at 507-637-4527 or register online at www.redwoodareahospital.org. The cost of the course is $50.

Adult Grief Support Group

The Adult Grief Support Group can offer support, friendship, information and an opportunity to talk or listen with other people who are grieving.

The group will explore topics such as sharing your story, identifying and expressing feelings, exploring unfinished business and more to help participants begin to work through their grief.

The spring group will meet on Monday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 4 – Mar. 11 in the Redwood Area Hospital Adult Day Services Room.  There is no cost to participate.

For more information and to register, call Amy Boettger, Licensed Social Worker at 507-637-4617.

Childbirth Preparation Class

 Childbirth preparation class is held the 2nd or 4th Tuesday of each month from 7 – 8 p.m. The class is provided in a small group setting with Redwood Area Hospital Birthing Center staff. This one-hour course is designed to help prepare for delivery and become familiar with the Birthing Center. During the course, an OB nurse customizes education to your needs including labor and delivery routines, newborn and post-partum care, and tour the Birthing Center suites. Contact Wendy Dahl at 507-637-4527 with questions. Registration is available online at www.redwoodareahospital.org.

Visitors to hospital and same-day surgery patients will be limited to immediate family or designated caregivers age 18 and older, and who have no fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms.

The restrictions are part of a multi-step approach to protect patients and prevent the spread of influenza in our community.

The temporary initiative includes:

• Patients may receive no more than two adult visitors at one time.
• Children under 18 are not permitted to visit the hospital without prior approval from healthcare providers and for special circumstances.
• Visitors are urged to perform hand washing frequently, including when entering and leaving the building.  Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the buildings, and are effective against influenza virus.
• Anyone with fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms should stay home.
• The emergency room department will seek opportunities to physically segregate potential flu patients when possible.

Visitor restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed as the influenza outbreak subsides.

“The 2012 HomeCare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to providing patient-centered care and serving as leaders in the home health community. Their success offers data-driven proof of being well-managed and high quality care providers to hospitals, managed care organizations, ACOs, and other potential referral partners across the healthcare continuum,” said Susan L. Henricks, President and COO of National Research Corporation, the parent company of OCS HomeCare. “Again, this year, we updated our methodology to reflect the rapidly evolving quality-focused healthcare landscape and national value-based purchasing trends. We congratulate Redwood Area Hospital Home Care on being recognized as a top home care agency.”

Caryn Bommersbach, Redwood Area Hospital Home Care manager, credits individual commitment and a proven track record of more than 25 years serving the community with the agency’s ability to achieve recognition as one of the HomeCare Elite. “Everyone on the Home Care team–nurse, aide or therapist–is committed to helping clients make their home the best place for their health and wellbeing,” said Bommersbach.

Redwood Area Hospital Home Care team works with each client and their physician to create an individualized care plan.  For some clients the goal may be wound care or rehabilitation after surgery. Others simply need help with medications or homemaking. A Home Care nurse maintains continuity of care between the hospital setting, clinics, physicians, and other health care resources.

“HomeCare Elite recognition continues to gain importance given the increased regulatory mandates and the threat of shrinking reimbursement revenue. Home health agencies that have earned recognition among the HomeCare Elite demonstrated that they not only can adapt to an evolving marketplace but continue to excel in clinical, patient experience, quality improvement, and financial outcomes,” said Marci Heydt, Product Manager for the post-acute care business group of DecisionHealth.

The HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health profession. The 2012 HomeCare Elite is co-sponsored by National Research Corporation (also known as OCS HomeCare), the leading provider of cross-continuum healthcare metrics and analytics, and DecisionHealth, the publisher of the industry’s most respected independent newsletter Home Health Line. The data used for this analysis were compiled from publicly available information. The entire list of 2012 HomeCare Elite agencies can be downloaded by visiting the National Research Corporation website at www.nationalresearch.com.

About National Research Corporation and OCS HomeCare

OCS HomeCare is a product of National Research Corporation. For more than 30 years, National Corporation (NASDAQ: NRCI) has been at the forefront of patient-centered care. Today the company’s focus on empowering customer-centric healthcare across the continuum extends patient-centered care to incorporate families, communities, employees, senior housing residents, and other stakeholders.

 Currently recognized by Modern Healthcare as the largest patient satisfaction measurement firm in the U.S., National Research is dedicated to representing the true voice of patients and other healthcare stakeholders. This integration of cross-continuum metrics and analytics uncovers insights for effective performance improvement, quality measurement, care transitions, and many other factors that impact population health management.

 For more information, call 800-388-4264, write to info@nationalresearch.com, or visit www.nationalresearch.com.

 About DecisionHealth^®

For over 30 years, DecisionHealth has served as the leading source for home health news, coding tools and resources, and training materials found in reputable products such as Home Health Line. Our unique blend of award-winning staff journalists and unmatched access to health care executives and industry experts enables DecisionHealth to provide solutions, tools, and guidance that are relied on by nearly 100,000 home health care and specialty physician practice professionals. For more information, please visit www.decisionhealth.com or call 877.602.3835.