Quincy hospital studies addition of services

QUINCY - The financial picture, at least in the first two months of 2013, might be starting to get a little brighter for Quincy Valley Medical Center.

The preliminary financial statement given to hospital board members at their last meeting showed the hospital turned a $11,375 profit in February. Revenue was less than projected but expenses were lower than anticipated, said Michele Wurl, the hospital's director of marketing and public relations. For the year to date the hospital is showing an operating loss of $296, but the 2013 budget had projected that the hospital would have a much bigger loss, about $44,300, by this time.

As of Feb. 28, the hospital had an outstanding balance with Grant County of $2.9 million in interest-bearing warrants. Warrants are issued when a junior taxing district doesn't have enough cash for its obligations.

Controller Dean Taplett said in his opinion the best way to increase revenues is to add outpatient services, especially in light of the relatively low reimbursement rates paid for publicly insured patients. Hospital officials are looking at new services that could be offered in Quincy, and hired a respiratory therapist late last year. The therapist provides outpatient services as well as working in the emergency room.

Hospital officials plan to open a clinic that will serve patients in need of intravenous therapy and wound care (mostly incisions made during surgery). That is projected to open in mid-April. Administrator Mehdi Merred said hospital officials are looking at other possible services, including a department to treat ear, nose and throat problems (otolaryngology).

Merred announced hospital staff will receive training in the use of a robot and two-way communications system designed to help stroke patients. The "tele-stroke" system will allow local doctors to consult with doctors at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, and will transmit medical data. The self-propelled robot will allow doctors in Spokane to conduct visual examinations of patients in Quincy.