Health Center Board Receives Consulting Report, Signs Contract with Townships
Consultant Arlene Brennan of Health Management Associates presented her analysis and recommendations to the BIRHC Board at its August 20th meeting. During her 12-week appointment, she has completed all tasks specified in the original contract, including a thorough review of operating systems and procedures. Her report outlined a number of priority recommendations, including:
- Revise the current rate schedule consistent with new fee structures and coding terminology announced by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid;
- Develop and implement a new patient encounter form and improved billing procedures;
- Recruit a project manager to oversee the integration of current systems and development of new ones during the construction process; and
- Recruit a chief administrative and medical officer to oversee all aspects of clinic operations.
Before concluding her stay on Beaver Island, Arlene has agreed to help finalize the patient encounter form, develop a grievance procedure, help revise the personnel policy, and revamp staff job descriptions. The Board expressed their complete satisfaction with her work and sincere appreciation for her positive attitude and diplomacy in working with the Board of Directors and staff.
BIRHC received the final version of its contract with Peaine and St. James Township. The document was signed by President Gary Damstra and Secretary Anne Glendon. The contract was completed at a public meeting with the two townships on August 21. During the meeting, Arlene Brennan shared her report with the two township boards and responded to questions from the audience. Also on that evening, representatives from Hobbs + Black, an architectural firm from Ann Arbor that is known for health care design and construction, presented a preliminary plan for the new BIRHC facility. Public input on the new facility will be sought on subsequent occasions during the design process.
Other developments at the Health Center:
The Port of St. James Property Owners Association contributed $320 to cover remaining costs for transporting the Karmanos Mobile Mammogram Unit to and from Beaver Island, once in September and again in November. The deed for the Traudt-Gill property has been transferred to BIRHC, so the building process can move ahead. The finance committee confirmed that there will be little if any surplus at the close of the 2002 fiscal year on September 30. They are still forecasting a deficit for FY2003 due to the anticipated cancellation of state funding. The Resource Development Committee is working on strategies to overcome the deficit, including the raffle of a PT Cruiser, which is even more important now that the loss of state funding has been confirmed.
– Anne Glendon
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