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No open MRI for Memorial Medical Center
BY JAY WORKMAN
Anyone who thought they were going to benefit from an “open” MRI procedure at Memorial Medical Center, especially anyone claustrophobic, is in for a disappointment.
The hospital’s board of trustees agreed Tuesday with chief administrator Buzz Currier’s decision to cancel the purchase of a new MRI machine.
The vote was 6-2 with Ben Comiskey and John Robert Artero voting against. Jack Wu was absent.
The board earlier this year had agreed to buy a Hitachi open MRI for $1.5 million and spend $250,000 to expand the room to hold it. Currier said Hitachi increased the cost of the machine.
“The price would have been close to $2 million. We have an MRI that works,” he told the board members.
Instead, the hospital will spend $500,000 to upgrade the existing General Electric “closed” machine and extend its $16,500-a-month lease with GE for six months, Currier said.
The trustees spent much of the meeting discussing the cost of care for indigent patients until attorney Anne Marie Odefey broke in to tell them, “This is not on the agenda, so end it.”
Board President Rolando Reyes said indigent care costs $1.5 million a year, which Calhoun County Commissioners Court provides. Reyes said County Judge Mike Pfeifer obtained information that Citizens Medical Center in Victoria would handle indigent care patients for a third of the cost.
“Now the county is saying they’re only going to pay 33 percent. That takes money from the hospital,” Reyes said. “We have to tell the county we need the money, or re-do the budget.”
He said he expected a special meeting would be called to clarify the issue.
On another matter, Currier reported the hospital evacuated all of its 25 patients during the threat of Hurricane Ike, which resulted in “a great deal of lost revenue.” He estimated the loss at $250,000 to $300,000.
Pfeifer said he had talked with FEMA officials who indicated costs for gasoline, room and board and overtime might be paid by FEMA. Because the county government also incurred expenses, Pfeifer said “We’ll do it as the county and reimburse you-all.”
Financial Officer Rhett Fricke reported a decrease to net assets of $244,381 for September, but that there is an increase to net assets for the year to date of $400,482.
Director of Clinical Services Becky Malone said electronic records and forms are being implemented throughout the hospital and that surgery is 95 percent paperless.
The board agreed to offer $10,000 a year in college expenses to employees the chief administrator feels could eventually fill senior management positions.
“Growing your own is the way to go,” Currier said. “We’ve never selected anyone internally for one of the top two or three positions in the hospital.”
Peggy Hall, who works for the county government, spoke on the tuition matter at the beginning of the meeting.
“I feel like this is public funds for private gain,” she said. “I feel like you’re catering to a select few.”
Currier, who has resigned effective June 30, said that at present advertisements are being placed seeking a replacement, and that an executive search firm could be hired at a cost of $70,000.
The hospital’s board of trustees agreed Tuesday with chief administrator Buzz Currier’s decision to cancel the purchase of a new MRI machine.
The vote was 6-2 with Ben Comiskey and John Robert Artero voting against. Jack Wu was absent.
The board earlier this year had agreed to buy a Hitachi open MRI for $1.5 million and spend $250,000 to expand the room to hold it. Currier said Hitachi increased the cost of the machine.
“The price would have been close to $2 million. We have an MRI that works,” he told the board members.
Instead, the hospital will spend $500,000 to upgrade the existing General Electric “closed” machine and extend its $16,500-a-month lease with GE for six months, Currier said.
The trustees spent much of the meeting discussing the cost of care for indigent patients until attorney Anne Marie Odefey broke in to tell them, “This is not on the agenda, so end it.”
Board President Rolando Reyes said indigent care costs $1.5 million a year, which Calhoun County Commissioners Court provides. Reyes said County Judge Mike Pfeifer obtained information that Citizens Medical Center in Victoria would handle indigent care patients for a third of the cost.
“Now the county is saying they’re only going to pay 33 percent. That takes money from the hospital,” Reyes said. “We have to tell the county we need the money, or re-do the budget.”
He said he expected a special meeting would be called to clarify the issue.
On another matter, Currier reported the hospital evacuated all of its 25 patients during the threat of Hurricane Ike, which resulted in “a great deal of lost revenue.” He estimated the loss at $250,000 to $300,000.
Pfeifer said he had talked with FEMA officials who indicated costs for gasoline, room and board and overtime might be paid by FEMA. Because the county government also incurred expenses, Pfeifer said “We’ll do it as the county and reimburse you-all.”
Financial Officer Rhett Fricke reported a decrease to net assets of $244,381 for September, but that there is an increase to net assets for the year to date of $400,482.
Director of Clinical Services Becky Malone said electronic records and forms are being implemented throughout the hospital and that surgery is 95 percent paperless.
The board agreed to offer $10,000 a year in college expenses to employees the chief administrator feels could eventually fill senior management positions.
“Growing your own is the way to go,” Currier said. “We’ve never selected anyone internally for one of the top two or three positions in the hospital.”
Peggy Hall, who works for the county government, spoke on the tuition matter at the beginning of the meeting.
“I feel like this is public funds for private gain,” she said. “I feel like you’re catering to a select few.”
Currier, who has resigned effective June 30, said that at present advertisements are being placed seeking a replacement, and that an executive search firm could be hired at a cost of $70,000.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of portlavacawave.com.
Peggy Hall Concerned Taxpayer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:38 AM:
" I disagree with the comments by the board regarding the indigent healthcare percentages.
A memo was received, signed by Mr. Currier, saying that effective Oct 6, 2008 Indigent Inpatient and Outpatient Care would be 33%.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28th, Mr. Currier DENIED this memo existed. THIS MEMO DOES EXIST. I HAVE SEEN IT.
Indigent Health Care is at $2 Million for 2008 and the year is not over.
The hospital board admitted at Tuesday's meeting that MMC subsidizes their spending with indigent healthcare money received from the County. How can they rely on this when the numbers can change at moments notice? Is it because MMC is charging their own County 100% of the actual hospital bill for inpatient and 51% (actual hospital bill) for outpatient indigent care when the County could send their indigent patients to Victoria and pay 33% for Inpatient and 24% for Outpatient at Citizens? Is this how MMC can continue to use taxpayers money for tuition reimbursements and increases in employees wages (mid budget year)? Past minutes show that administration "thinks the money should be there". Shouldn't administration KNOW the money is there before they spend it or promise it?
MMC is a County Hospital, therefore all of their money is public funds.
Yes, I am also totally against the Tuition Reimbursement Policies MMC has in place. The board approved a budgeted amount of $10,000 per year for Senior Management in return for 2 years of continued employment after the degree is completed. I have noticed that employees stay the minimum required and then leave and the vicious cycle starts all over again, using public funds for private gain. (Example: Mr. Jacoby, past CFO. Did he fullfill his obligation for his tuition paid by MMC? What was the total amount of tuition MMC paid for him?)
My remark, "catering to a select few" was directed toward the William McFarland Tuition Reimbursement. MMC (County Taxpayers) will be paying William McFarland up to $80,000 for tuition, up to $5,000 in relocating fees when he moves to "his home town" in hopefully 2014 to practice and up to 100% of malpractice insurance for 2 years. Why are County Taxpayers paying this amount of money to one individual? I wonder, was he moving back to Port Lavaca to take over his dad's practice and found a way for taxpayers to pay his tution while others are struggling with student loans?
MMC had to adopt a Tuition Reimbursement Policy before the above could be approved (stated in past minutes). Why has MMC not let the High School know of this policy so that graduating seniors could take advantage of it? Why has MMC not let the community know this is available so that others may take advantage of it? I feel that this policy is being kept under the table and this is why I believe they are catering to a select few.
Hospital Board meetings are open to the public and are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of Memorial Medical Center. "
A memo was received, signed by Mr. Currier, saying that effective Oct 6, 2008 Indigent Inpatient and Outpatient Care would be 33%.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28th, Mr. Currier DENIED this memo existed. THIS MEMO DOES EXIST. I HAVE SEEN IT.
Indigent Health Care is at $2 Million for 2008 and the year is not over.
The hospital board admitted at Tuesday's meeting that MMC subsidizes their spending with indigent healthcare money received from the County. How can they rely on this when the numbers can change at moments notice? Is it because MMC is charging their own County 100% of the actual hospital bill for inpatient and 51% (actual hospital bill) for outpatient indigent care when the County could send their indigent patients to Victoria and pay 33% for Inpatient and 24% for Outpatient at Citizens? Is this how MMC can continue to use taxpayers money for tuition reimbursements and increases in employees wages (mid budget year)? Past minutes show that administration "thinks the money should be there". Shouldn't administration KNOW the money is there before they spend it or promise it?
MMC is a County Hospital, therefore all of their money is public funds.
Yes, I am also totally against the Tuition Reimbursement Policies MMC has in place. The board approved a budgeted amount of $10,000 per year for Senior Management in return for 2 years of continued employment after the degree is completed. I have noticed that employees stay the minimum required and then leave and the vicious cycle starts all over again, using public funds for private gain. (Example: Mr. Jacoby, past CFO. Did he fullfill his obligation for his tuition paid by MMC? What was the total amount of tuition MMC paid for him?)
My remark, "catering to a select few" was directed toward the William McFarland Tuition Reimbursement. MMC (County Taxpayers) will be paying William McFarland up to $80,000 for tuition, up to $5,000 in relocating fees when he moves to "his home town" in hopefully 2014 to practice and up to 100% of malpractice insurance for 2 years. Why are County Taxpayers paying this amount of money to one individual? I wonder, was he moving back to Port Lavaca to take over his dad's practice and found a way for taxpayers to pay his tution while others are struggling with student loans?
MMC had to adopt a Tuition Reimbursement Policy before the above could be approved (stated in past minutes). Why has MMC not let the High School know of this policy so that graduating seniors could take advantage of it? Why has MMC not let the community know this is available so that others may take advantage of it? I feel that this policy is being kept under the table and this is why I believe they are catering to a select few.
Hospital Board meetings are open to the public and are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of Memorial Medical Center. "
Tired Taxpayer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM:
" Ms. Hall is bringing up very valid points. At my company, there is some tuition reimbursement available for people ALREADY employed by the company. These people are reimbursed for passing grades in classes that will help them in their position or which may benefit the company. The difference here is they have already proven loyalty to the company; it is not based on some promise for the future. Furthermore, my company does not rely on taxpayer dollars. As a taxpayer who is struggling to put my own kids through school without government assistance, I resent the fact that my tax dollars are being spent to further the education of a future doctor.
I still have one child in high school, should she decide to go to medical school is the same opportunity available to her as it is Mr. McFarland? I bet not. I bet that she will have school loans to pay back as is the case with most medical students today. Why is this case different?
Perhaps our hospital administrator and board members should quit letting the doctors pull the strings and make decisions on what is best for the community as a whole.
And while they are at it, perhaps the board should look into the honesty of a hospital administrator that denies a memo that DOES most certainly exist.
Ms. Hall, I applaud your efforts in being a voice for the taxpayers of Calhoun County. "
I still have one child in high school, should she decide to go to medical school is the same opportunity available to her as it is Mr. McFarland? I bet not. I bet that she will have school loans to pay back as is the case with most medical students today. Why is this case different?
Perhaps our hospital administrator and board members should quit letting the doctors pull the strings and make decisions on what is best for the community as a whole.
And while they are at it, perhaps the board should look into the honesty of a hospital administrator that denies a memo that DOES most certainly exist.
Ms. Hall, I applaud your efforts in being a voice for the taxpayers of Calhoun County. "
Peggy Hall wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:01 AM:
" To MMC Worker:
Why not use your name? I am not going to get mad at you because everyone has a right to their own opinion.
If you would stop hating me and start reading what I have written, you would understand why I am upset.
If what I actually said at the meeting would have been printed instead of only part of it, you would have seen that I am for the hospital employees. I stated that the nurses and positions that make the hospital should be able to take advantage of the increases in tuition reimbursements, not just Senior Management and non-employees.
I do not believe it is fair to use public funds for private gain.
But, as I stated at the meeting, if the hospital is going to do it, it must be done fairly instead of hiding it under the table as they seem to be doing. EVERYONE needs to know that it is available.
Yes, I am aware the School District gives tuition help to employees to become teachers or to pursue their degrees. This is out in the open, not under the table.
So MMC Worker, stop for a moment and get the facts before you start hating on me and my family.
I would welcome a conversation with you because all the information I have is Public Records. "
Why not use your name? I am not going to get mad at you because everyone has a right to their own opinion.
If you would stop hating me and start reading what I have written, you would understand why I am upset.
If what I actually said at the meeting would have been printed instead of only part of it, you would have seen that I am for the hospital employees. I stated that the nurses and positions that make the hospital should be able to take advantage of the increases in tuition reimbursements, not just Senior Management and non-employees.
I do not believe it is fair to use public funds for private gain.
But, as I stated at the meeting, if the hospital is going to do it, it must be done fairly instead of hiding it under the table as they seem to be doing. EVERYONE needs to know that it is available.
Yes, I am aware the School District gives tuition help to employees to become teachers or to pursue their degrees. This is out in the open, not under the table.
So MMC Worker, stop for a moment and get the facts before you start hating on me and my family.
I would welcome a conversation with you because all the information I have is Public Records. "
Peggy Hall wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:26 PM:
" Facts taken from the Administrator's Report, February 2008
PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE:
"A meeting was conducted on Tuesday, 12 February 2008. The following members were in attendance: Dr. William Crowley, Chair; Mr. Rolando Reyes; Dr. Tim McFarland; Dr. Rupley was absent
The following proposals were presented to the Committee by Mr. Currier:
A letter from William McFarland, Medical Student requesting financial assistance for education expenses in exchange for recruitment to practice in Calhoun County."
IS THIS NOT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
Dr. McFarland is the father of William McFarland AND Dr. Crowley is Dr. McFarland's partner.
Shouldn't they have excused themselves and had the Hospital Board appoint an unbiased committee?
Instead, as per the minutes of February 26, 2008--
The Physician Recruitment Committee met and recommended approval of the following proposals:
Financial assistance for education expenses in exchange for recruitment to practice in Calhoun County. (letter of agreement drafted by attorney)"
What is going on at our county hospital?
Isn't this clearly a conflict of interest? "
PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE:
"A meeting was conducted on Tuesday, 12 February 2008. The following members were in attendance: Dr. William Crowley, Chair; Mr. Rolando Reyes; Dr. Tim McFarland; Dr. Rupley was absent
The following proposals were presented to the Committee by Mr. Currier:
A letter from William McFarland, Medical Student requesting financial assistance for education expenses in exchange for recruitment to practice in Calhoun County."
IS THIS NOT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
Dr. McFarland is the father of William McFarland AND Dr. Crowley is Dr. McFarland's partner.
Shouldn't they have excused themselves and had the Hospital Board appoint an unbiased committee?
Instead, as per the minutes of February 26, 2008--
The Physician Recruitment Committee met and recommended approval of the following proposals:
Financial assistance for education expenses in exchange for recruitment to practice in Calhoun County. (letter of agreement drafted by attorney)"
What is going on at our county hospital?
Isn't this clearly a conflict of interest? "
Another MMC Worker wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:34 PM:
" I have to say from a nurse who is receiving tuition reimbursement, stay off our back. I have benefited from this for the past few years in seeking my bachelors degree. Having this education will assist me in providing the hospital with an educated manager and allow me to better myself. My nurse turnover is pretty much null and I take these accusations personal. The tuition reimbursement is offered to ALL Full-time employees who sign a contract giving us 1 year after the final payment. This reason is due to that staff member giving us full-time hours and a committment to feel our needs. Having incentives like these allow for my staff to better themselves in pursuing their education with financial assistance. This makes for a better, more dedicated, caring staff. My staff want to be here, they want to work here and it is for a reason. Mr. Currier wants what is best for all of us. He wants to ensure we are taken care of and that MMC establishes a positive work environment. "
AnonTaxpayer wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:17 AM:
" Tired Taxpayer:
I see your point of why are we paying for a student that is not an employee of the hospital to further his medical education, but there's more to the story than how you state it. William McFarland has made an agreement with Hospital to practice medicine in Port Lavaca after he has graduated. This is sort of one of those win-win situations. Port Lavaca is in need of Physicians and I'm sure that this was a method of recruitment for the hospital. Now will your daughter have the same opprotunity, I don't know. Maybe talk to the hospital may reveal something.
Mrs. Hall:
You seem so worried about how taxpayer money is spent at the hospital. Don't you work for a county agency? Aren't you blogging on this site during your work hours? I know you can't be taking a brake during the times marked on this blog. So why am I paying for you to blog?
Look, I'm not out to squash your opinion, but you seem to be contradicting yourself. As a citizen of Calhoun and of Port Lavaca, I do pay taxes. I also feel that my money should go to good things. I see that the 5% pay increase that the hospital received was good. Not only does it boost morale in the workplace, but it also keeps the hospital competitive. Tuition Reimbursment... another morale and competitiveness boost. All these things I am willing to support as a taxpayer. Yeah as taxpayer I know it'll hurt in the pocket book, but that's ok because it will make Calhoun a better place. You... I don't understand. You spurt out a lot of negative propganda about how bad the hospital is and then turn around and say how much you support it. Choose a side! Either you are for the business path of the hospital or against it. If you don't like that the hospital received a pay increase and you didn't, ask for a raise. If you want education, see what the county has to offer. Just quit being two-faced about it.
okay... that's my 2-taxpayer-cents.
PS > don't bother asking me to reveal my identity... if I choose to remain anonymous, that's my choice. I just wanted to through out there how I feel and let it go at that. I chose a side and I've done what I need to, to support it "
I see your point of why are we paying for a student that is not an employee of the hospital to further his medical education, but there's more to the story than how you state it. William McFarland has made an agreement with Hospital to practice medicine in Port Lavaca after he has graduated. This is sort of one of those win-win situations. Port Lavaca is in need of Physicians and I'm sure that this was a method of recruitment for the hospital. Now will your daughter have the same opprotunity, I don't know. Maybe talk to the hospital may reveal something.
Mrs. Hall:
You seem so worried about how taxpayer money is spent at the hospital. Don't you work for a county agency? Aren't you blogging on this site during your work hours? I know you can't be taking a brake during the times marked on this blog. So why am I paying for you to blog?
Look, I'm not out to squash your opinion, but you seem to be contradicting yourself. As a citizen of Calhoun and of Port Lavaca, I do pay taxes. I also feel that my money should go to good things. I see that the 5% pay increase that the hospital received was good. Not only does it boost morale in the workplace, but it also keeps the hospital competitive. Tuition Reimbursment... another morale and competitiveness boost. All these things I am willing to support as a taxpayer. Yeah as taxpayer I know it'll hurt in the pocket book, but that's ok because it will make Calhoun a better place. You... I don't understand. You spurt out a lot of negative propganda about how bad the hospital is and then turn around and say how much you support it. Choose a side! Either you are for the business path of the hospital or against it. If you don't like that the hospital received a pay increase and you didn't, ask for a raise. If you want education, see what the county has to offer. Just quit being two-faced about it.
okay... that's my 2-taxpayer-cents.
PS > don't bother asking me to reveal my identity... if I choose to remain anonymous, that's my choice. I just wanted to through out there how I feel and let it go at that. I chose a side and I've done what I need to, to support it "
g_top wrote on Nov 12, 2008 10:10 PM:
" Peggy Hall...who works for the county government..is this a self appointed spot, volunteer work, or is this a legitimate job? "
MMC WOKER wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:45 AM: