As the health care industry faces historic changes, Cullman Regional Medical Center chief executive officer Jim Weidner believes the local hospital is poised to meet the challenges.
Speaking at CRMC’s Business Leader Luncheon Friday, Weidner noted the quality of the hospital’s staff and physicians, modern facilities and technology, and leadership as the strengths of the institution.
“In reviewing 2012, a couple of things happened that are important for CRMC. Hartselle Medical Center closed and Decatur General and Parkway consolidated. Then Medicare designated CRMC as a sole community hospital,” Weidner said.
The designation by Medicare makes CRMC’s position in the region more prominent, but like most hospitals in Alabama the issues of Medicaid payments and emergency room visits for primary care remain troublesome.
“Alabama is one of the worst in the nation for reimbursement,” Weidner said. “The hospitals take it on the chin, which keeps the Medicaid payout rate low. We get 65 cents on the dollar. One in five Alabamians are on Medicaid. It’s an issue for the elected officials.”
CRMC’s emergency room sees about 130 patients per day, with nearly 40 arriving with no insurance. Weidner said the hospital tightened its belt and shifted some costs to counter the expense of free care through the emergency room.
He also noted that Good Samaritan Clinic is making a difference for the hospital and community. The clinic provides primary medical care for non-insured residents and is supported with various services from the hospital.
While CRMC has reduced some costs and vastly improved its revenue collection, Weidner said the hospital needs to get back to providing raises for employees. He said CRMC’s credit rating has also been updated to stable.
Nonetheless, Weidner said CRMC has excelled in bringing technology to the forefront of health care, noting that the hospital has won national awards in recent years.
“Blending technology with front-end patient care is the key to quality health care,” he said.
He also said Alabama hospitals lead the nation in value-based purchasing for patients.
“Alabama hospitals rank No. 1 in the country for VBP. CRMC is third in Alabama,” Weidner said.
David Palmer may be contacted at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com or 256-734-2131, ext. 213.
Top News
CRMC CEO outlines issues facing industry
- Top News
-
-
Extra troopers, less road in Ala. during weekend
Motorists traveling through Alabama during the long Memorial Day weekend will see extra state troopers on the road.
-
Memorial Day event planned for public
With blue skies above and the sun beaming down, Army Iraqi Enduring Freedom veteran Randy McGraw bent over and placed an American flag at the grave of a deceased veteran Thursday.
-
The Times' Morning Update for Friday, May 24, 2013
Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:
-
3 arrested in Cullman for failure to comply with court orders
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three people after not complying with drug court orders following previous drug arrests.
-
Arrests, incidents reports for Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Wednesday:
-
Chamber seeking full-time tourism director; creates new board
The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce is ramping up its focus on tourism, and is now seeking a full-time tourism director. The agency has also created a new, 11-person tourism board to focus solely on promoting travel and tourism in the area.
Plans to add a full-time tourism director have been in the works for almost a year, in cooperation with the City of Cullman and Cullman County Commission. -
Unsheltered International leads local effort to help storm victims
From their hometown of Cullman, to Joplin, Mo., and even Staten Island, NY., Dr. Travis Sharpe and members of Unsheltered International have provided hot meals, shelter, and delivered supplies to those in need after a natural disaster.
-
The Times' Morning Update for Thursday, May 23, 2013
Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:
-
Arrests, incidents reports for Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Tuesday:
-
NATION: Tornado damage nears $2 billion; mayor wants shelter requirement
The Oklahoma Insurance Department says a preliminary estimate suggests the cost of the tornado that hit the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore could be more than $2 billion.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Extra troopers, less road in Ala. during weekend
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
