Samaritan Healthcare projects revenue lower than projected

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare officials expect gross patient revenue in March to be about $5 million less than budget projections. They also expect revenue to decrease even more in April and May. Gross patient revenue is projected to be more than $5 million below budget each of the next two months. The COVID-19 response and its effect on the economy may affect the construction schedule for the new Samaritan Hospital.

Chief administrative officer Alex Town said he also expects requests for charity care to increase, since many people have been laid off from work as a result of the shutdown of businesses related to the outbreak. Town reviewed the financial picture at the regular commission meeting March 31.

Elective surgeries are one of the lines of service that generate revenue for the hospital, Town said. All hospitals in the state have been ordered to defer all elective surgeries through at least May 18.

Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan said hospitals could be eligible for some federal aid but some of that aid might come in the form of advance payments. Because that would mean less revenue in the future, hospital officials want to avoid using that option, Town said.

In the meantime, department directors and employees are looking for ways to cut expenses, Town said.

— Cheryl Schweizer