Chelan County Public Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners Approve Resolution Policy and Procedure #622 for SBA Funding

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) like many other businesses have been greatly affected financially by the effects of COVID-19.  In the recent weeks, Lake Chelan Hospital has had to make severe reductions and changes in the way safe care is provided to the Lake Chelan Valley amid the current COVID Pandemic.  Because the community is also following state and federal guidelines to stay home, LCCHC has experienced a major reduction in outpatient services like physical therapy, routine doctor visits, cancelation and postponement of elective surgeries, and the temporary closure of the Sanctuary alcohol and drug inpatient rehabilitation unit.

The safety of the community, patients and staff at LCCHC continues to be priority; however, the financial strain on rural hospitals all over the country have been impactful.  On April 9, 2020, the hospital Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution for Small Business Administration funding.  The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) through the SBA is available on a first come, first served basis for business that have 500 or less employees and as a business are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Payroll Protection Program is part of the 3-trillion dollars pandemic relief program.  This will help LCCHC continue to meet payroll and keep staff employed and more importantly, continuing to be a healthcare resource for the Lake Chelan Valley.  Approximately, 75-80 percent of the loan will be forgiven by the government as its primary use is for the PPP.  The other 20-25 percent of the funding that LCCHC receives will be set aside for a potential government payback.  The total dollars that LCCHC could receive under the loan provisions is just over three million dollars.

LCCHC continues to receive payment for services provided, including reimbursement from the Centers for Medicaid Services at a rate of 99% though with the recent pause to Medicare sequester cuts due to the coronavirus pandemic, reimbursement from CMS is at 101 percent. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners approved an interest free prepayment loan offered by CMS that could bring an additional four million dollars.  The prepayment loan advancement would be for services to Medicare patients and payment would be made back to CMS through Medicare patient visits.

LCCHC continues to see patients in a variety of new ways through phone appointments, telehealth (video) appointments, and as needed face-to-face appointments for the safety of patients and staff.  The staff at Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic want the community to know that they are working harder than ever to provide the Lake Chelan Valley community the safest healthcare experience during these extraordinary times.  Be safe and be well.

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Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics Partner with Wanda Health’s Rapid Deployment Telehealth for COVID-19 Screening and Care Management

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) partnered with Wanda Health to receive additional support by the company’s COVID-19 Telehealth programs to Lake Chelan Valley residents. The Wanda Health programs are helping LCCHC provide symptom screening and remote care management for vulnerable patients while simultaneously reducing the risk of exposure to medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The patients and families we serve are unique in their care needs since many of them are remotely located and have challenges getting to our clinics or hospitals on a regular basis. The COVID-19 virus has exasperated an already challenging situation and telehealth is the solution for us,” stated Ray Eickmeyer, Director of EMS at Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics. “The Wanda Telehealth programs for COVID-19 and ongoing chronic care management will improve our ability to care for patients and keep them safer and healthier at home.”

The COVID-19 Telehealth care programs from Wanda Health, follows CDC symptom guidelines, to deliver automated, personalized Daily Health Checks to patients via landlines, Interactive Voice Response, Texts, and the CareLink App. The COVID-19 Telehealth Screening program is used to proactively screen for primary symptom indicators of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Telehealth Virus Management program helps doctors reassure patients and supports identifying those who have contracted the virus.

“It’s our responsibility to help providers, payers, and government entities expand their ability to protect and care for their patients while simultaneously providing a means to protect doctors, nurses and care team members from the harm that can come from increased exposure from the COVID-19 virus,” stated Bill Bassett, President of Wanda Health. “Our telehealth system is proving successful in helping doctors rapidly pre-screen, evaluate, support, and manage the expectations of their patients and families. We are very proud to support these providers who are helping to flatten the curve.”

Wanda Health is putting the power of artificial intelligence into the hands of physicians, nurses, and patients to drive better care, increase satisfaction, and improve the bottom line. Wanda’s leading telehealth platform combines predictive analytics, advanced behavioral sciences, patient engagement and telehealth into a clinical decision support and care management platform that reduces adverse events and improves adherence.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics is excited to partner with Wanda Health to provide symptom screening and remote care management for vulnerable patients in the Lake Chelan Valley while simultaneously reducing the risk of exposure to LCCHC’s medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) Initiate Controlled Access Measures (COVID-19) UPDATE

Lake Chelan Community Hospital, Lake Chelan Clinic and EMS are preparing every day to care for you and your family; it’s what we do and have done for more than 70 years.

Our Emergency Preparedness Team is staying current on the most up-to-date developments and response protocols through daily updates  to hospital staff, briefings from the Washington State Dept of Heath as well as regularly participating in statewide conference calls and webinars hosted by state and federal partners like Chelan Douglas Health District and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Please understand that process you are accustomed to receiving when accessing care are being adjusted as we gather more information and direction from our state and federal partners.  Your health is our priority and we will continue to do our best to care for our community.

What can I expect when I visit the hospital?  Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic have both implemented controlled access measures to help minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 if a potential patient presents to either of our facilities.

This means that the hospitals first floor entrance, which is used primarily by physical therapy patients and visitors will remain locked.  A phone has been placed at the front entrance for patients and visitors to dial-in.  A staff member will answer your call.  You will then be asked a few screening questions to determine your level of care before entering the building.

The Emergency Room entrance located behind the hospital building will remain unlocked.  Our Patient Access staff will greet you.  Staff will also ask you a few screening questions to determine your course of care or providing you with visitor instructions.

Visitor Restrictions remain in effect:

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic will continue to be on HIGH visitor restrictions. What does this mean?

  • If you have a loved one in the hospital, it is highly recommended to keep visits to a minimum (one or two people) and practice hand hygiene for the protection of loved ones, other patients and staff. If you are sick or believe you might have COVID-19 symptoms, visits will be prohibited.
  • Upon arriving at either Lake Chelan Clinic or Lake Chelan Hospital, you will initially be asked health screening questions and may be asked to wear a mask.
  • If you have scheduled appointments, you may receive a call prior to your appointment and asked a few questions about how you are feeling. If you do have symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus of fever, new cough, or shortness of breath, your appointment may be rescheduled.
  • As a precautionary measure, if you have an appointment at the hospital or clinic, please consider not bringing extra people with you to your appointment, especially people who are of high risk of severe illness.

Who is at High Risk?

  • People 60 and older
  • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes
  • People who have weakened immune systems
  • People who are pregnant

 

What do I do if I think I may be feeling symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus?

  • If you are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, new cough and shortness of breath, that you feel may be consistent with Coronavirus, we ask that you DO NOT show up at the hospital or clinic unannounced. Instead, please call the hospital at 509-682-3300 or Lake Chelan Clinic at 509-682-2511, so we may ask you a few questions that will best determine your course of care.
  • If you have an emergency and need immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do I need to be tested for COVID-19?

There are currently no restrictions on who can be tested for COVID-19 and commercial testing is becoming more available. Healthcare providers may test any patient with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath), but until testing supplies and laboratory capacity are widely available, public health is asking providers to follow specific processes for testing.

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and be tested for COVID-19 if their symptoms worsen or their healthcare provider recommends testing:

  • Patients older than 60 years
  • Patients with underlying medical conditions
  • Pregnant women

 

Younger, healthy individuals with mild illness do not need to be tested and testing is not recommended in persons who are asymptomatic due to the current national supply shortage.

 

The LCCHC Emergency Preparedness Team will continue to work with Public Health and implement or consider recommendations as they develop.  Together as a community, we can help minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.   Please continue to visit our website to stay informed about the processes and protocols that have been activated in order to maximize the safety of our patients, visitors and staff.   www.lakechelanhospital.com

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics Emergency Preparedness Team continues to meet frequently with hospital and clinic staff, Public Health and local leaders.  We will continue to collaborate and communicate with other agencies & facilities to monitor COVID-19 progression to maintain and develop strategies to keep our patients, community and staff safe and informed.

Following recommendations from Public Health, Lake Chelan Community Hospital has postponed or cancelled group gatherings, meetings and events at LCCHC or hosted within the hospital and clinic until further notice.

This will impact:

  • Women’s Wellness held in the hospital board room
  • Public First Aid
  • Child Care Aware Training
  • Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group
  • Guild Y meeting
  • AA and NA meetings
  • Four Steps for Better Health
  • Guild Y
  • Other

r Restrictions in effect:

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic will continue to be on HIGH visitor restrictions. What does this mean?

  • If you have a loved one in the hospital, it is highly recommended to keep visits to a minimum (one or two people) and practice hand hygiene for the protection of loved ones, other patients and staff. If you are sick or believe you might have COVID-19 symptoms, visits will be prohibited.
  • Upon arriving at either Lake Chelan Clinic or Lake Chelan Hospital, you may initially be asked health screening questions and asked to wear a mask.
  • If you have scheduled appointments, you may receive a call prior to your appointment and asked a few questions about how you are feeling. If you do have symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus of fever, new cough, or shortness of breath, your appointment may be rescheduled.
  • As a precautionary measure, if you have an appointment at the hospital or clinic, please consider not bringing extra people with you to your appointment, especially people who are of high risk of severe illness.

Who is at High Risk?

  • People 60 and older
  • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes
  • People who have weakened immune systems
  • People who are pregnant

People at high risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, which includes healthcare facilities and public places with large gatherings.

What do I do if I think I may be feeling symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus?

  • If you are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, new cough and shortness of breath, that you feel may be consistent with Coronavirus, we ask that you DO NOT show up at your place of health care unannounced. Instead, please call the hospital at 509-682-3300 or Lake Chelan Clinic at 509-682-2511, so we may ask you a few questions that will best determine your course of care.
  • When patients do visit our facilities, we will ask those with a cough or respiratory symptoms to put on a mask immediately upon arriving. As per CDC recommendations, we will not be providing masks or other general personal protective equipment to the general public outside of our facilities.
  • If you have an emergency and need immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

The LCCHC Emergency Preparedness Team will continue to work with Public Health and implement or consider recommendations as they develop.  To stay informed, please visit our website at www.lakechelanhospital.com

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic services are fully functional and ready to serve you and your health care needs.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics Incident Command System has been activated to monitor and track COVID-19

Lake Chelan Community Hospital Incident Command System has been activated to monitor and track changes of this disease and how we care for patients and our staff regarding Coronavirus 2019.  We have initiated screenings following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for all patients that check-in to the hospital or Lake Chelan Clinic. We have protocols in place that include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate to keep our employees and patients safe from exposure in the event a potential coronavirus patient presents at one of our facilities.

The hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic have been on visitor restrictions for some time now as a safety measure for keeping patients and staff safe due to the increase in flu cases throughout Washington.  The hospital and clinic will continue visitor restrictions during this time.

What do I do if I think I may be feeling symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus infection?

  • If you are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, new cough and shortness of breath, that you feel may be consistent with coronavirus, we ask that you DO NOT show up at your place of health care unannounced. Instead, please call the hospital at 509-682-3300 or Lake Chelan Clinic at 509-682-2511, so we may ask you a few questions that will best determine your course of care.
  • Testing for coronavirus remains with Public Health and is being limited to the most-sick patients. There is no mass testing processes in place currently.
  • When patients do visit our facilities, we will ask those with a cough or respiratory symptoms to put on a mask immediately upon arriving. As per CDC recommendations, it is not necessary to provide masks or other general PPE to the general public
  • We are committed to provide a place to receive care and reducing the likelihood of transmission.
  • If you have an emergency and need immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Lake Chelan Clinic services are fully functional and ready to serve you and your health care needs.

90-Day Spring into Health Challenge Begins

February 26, 2020

Spring into Health 90-day Challenge 2020!  Do this for you! No cost to sign up, free activities, earn points for prizes and become healthier.

 

Contest Start Date:   Fri. March 6th and Sat. March 7th, 2020.
(Contest End Date: June 5th & 6th, 2020)

 

REGISTER ON:

  • Friday March 6th, 2020
    Time:   7:00am-9:00am and 11:30-1:00PM
    Location: Lake Chelan Clinic
  • Saturday March 7th, 2020  Time: 8:00AM -10:00AM
    Location: Lake Chelan Clinic

 

Registration includes FREE:

  • InBody 270 Composition Analysis report
  • Glucose check
  • Blood Pressure check

 

Qualify for Prizes in Three Categories 

 #1 – 200 points   #2 – 300 points #3 – 400 Points

Activity
*No Cost for Inbody Composition Scans
Points Max Points
(March 6th and 7th) Weigh in Scan #1 20 20
Blood Pressure Check 10 10
Glucose Check 10 10
Friday April 3rd Scan #2 10 10
Friday May 15 Scan #3 10 10
(June 5th & 6th) Weigh out Scan #4 20 20
Earn 5 points for each pound lost (max 26lbs) 5 130
Earn 5 points for one-pound Lean Body Mass muscle gain (max 6 lbs.) 5 30
Make an Action Plan for each week, document results each week-13 weeks. 15 195
Attend health events sponsored by Lake Chela Hospital-
See EVENTS calendar on hospital website lakechelanhospital.com & FacebookEarn 1 extra point for each guest you bring. (max 5 extra points total)
15 15
+ # of guests

Funded by Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation

Chelan Hospital Board approves pausing new hospital for Six months

February 26, 2020

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) Board of Commissioners voted to pause design and construction of the new hospital project for 6-months and then reevaluate finances.  The Board of Commissioners held a special board meeting on February 11, 2020 to discuss solutions focused on improving the hospitals overall finances and operations.  The hospital has had a continued decline in revenues over the past year related to lower inpatient and outpatient volumes, physician and employee turnover, slower collections and reduced reimbursements.  At this time the hospital has the funds to build the hospital; however, it does not have the funds to pay for the “mortgage” once the hospital is built. “It is an emotional issue and we have to strip away the emotion to make a good decision” said George Rohrich.

The Board was presented with findings from a review conducted by Quorum Health Resources (QHR) at the Feb. 11, 2020 special Board meeting.  QHR is a national organization aimed at helping small rural hospitals improve financial stability through a customized management plan focused on a variety of systems like compliance review, revenue cycle reimbursement and market review.  After QHR’s presentation, it was recommended that the hospital consider delaying hospital construction for one year.  The Board tasked CEO George Rohrich in negotiating a contract with QHR for review and possible approval at the Feb. 25th, 2020 Board meeting.

During the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday February 25, 2020, the board approved delaying hospital construction and design for six months and then review finances.  The hospital and Board of Commissioners will continue to monitor and focus on improving hospital revenues.  Currently, the Board did not approve a contract with QHR. The Board discussed and approved to obtain one additional proposal at which time a special Board meeting will be held to review the proposals.

What happens to the community tax dollars slated for the new hospital?

  • Tax dollars for the new hospital project are restricted funds that can only be used for the new hospital project.
  • Some of those funds have been used for design and architect fees related to the new hospital project.
  • The remaining funds are held in an account at Chelan County Treasures Office. Be assured that your tax dollars are accounted for and audited yearly.

What is the impact of delaying six months?

  • Allows LCCHC the opportunity to review and focus on improving revenues.
  • There is no impact to the approved USDA loan.
  • A 6-12-month delay may have an added expense of $187K-199K as well as an inflation rate.
  • May allow for better construction bidding.

Board Chair, Phyllis Gleasman says the board took their decision very seriously. “Today was a very long decision-making time and if it takes 6-months or so to get back on our feet, we’ll do that”.

Lake Chelan Hospital’s First Baby of the Year!

January 6, 2020

We’ve been waiting all year for the New Year’s baby and he has arrived.  Gael Robles Sierra was born Saturday January 4th, 2020 at Lake Chelan Community Hospital.  It is an exciting start to the New Year for the proud first-time parents.  Gael was born at 13:15 p.m. Saturday.  He was 20.47 inches and weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces.

Silvestre Robles Ramirez and Ximena Sierra Oliveros have been living in the Lake Chelan Valley for about five years.  When asked if they were nervous, Ximena said “Yes, we are nervous because we are new parents, but are happy to have friends and family to help us along the way.”

Dad, Silvestre Robles said the baby was due Monday, but because Ximena was having strong and painful contractions Friday evening, they decided to go to the hospital. “Watching the birth of my son is a feeling I can’t explain,” said Silvestre.  The new parents were filled with joy and excitement to be told that Gael was the first baby of the year at Lake Chelan Community Hospital and received the generous New Year’s Baby basket donated by Lake Chelan

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) Board of Commissioners voted to accept the schematic design concept for the new hospital building at a special Board meeting Oct. 1. The approval allows the team to continue forward with specific design development, explained Mike Ellis, LCCHC Interim CEO.

The LCCHC Board Facilities Steering Committee worked closely with architects and the general contractor to ensure patient needs are met in the new building, Ellis said. Increased construction costs made it difficult, but the new hospital is designed to stay within the $44.5 million budget approved by voters in 2017.

Project manager Dick Bratton, Kreg Shelby from Bouten Construction, and Keith Null and Jamey Barlet from CollinsWoerman, the project’s architect firm, attended the special Board meeting to present the revised design concept and answer questions. “These men have done a remarkable job,” said Mary Signorelli, one of two LCCHC Commissioners on the LCCHC Board Facilities Steering Committee.

Key priorities for the architects were preserving patient and staff safety, quality of care, and client care areas, said Barlet, who met often with hospital staff during the design phase. The approved schematic design, which keeps the overall building footprint as tight as possible, has two wings for patient rooms. The 59,250 square foot building will include 23 private patient beds, two operating rooms suites and a procedure room. The Emergency Department, which will be larger than what exists in the current hospital building, will have seven rooms as well as space for triage. The master plan leaves room on the site for a future EMS and medical office building.

Bouten Construction has already initiated communication with subcontractors, said Shelby. Once final construction documents are completed, subcontractors will begin bidding. The new hospital project is on schedule to break ground in Spring 2020. Expected occupancy is late 2021.

“It’s very rewarding to see the teamwork and effort staff put into the new hospital project,” said Phyllis Gleasman, LCCHC Board Chair. “Without their understanding and insight, we would not have been able to get schematic drawings where they are today. It was a total team effort, and we’re excited to move forward.”

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) Board of Commissioners voted to hire George Rohrich as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), beginning December 2019, during their regular Board meeting Sept. 24. Current Chief Financial Officer Mike Ellis will serve as interim CEO until Rohrich’s arrival.

“I am very excited to join the team at Lake Chelan Community Hospital,” said Rohrich, who has more than 25 years’ experience as a hospital CEO and over 35 years of progressive operational and financial healthcare experience.

“There are so many great things happening at the hospital and in the community,” he continued. “I look forward to being part of the team, the community and their future success.”

Rohrich is currently CEO at River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, a 17-bed critical access hospital and primary care clinic with 180 employees in St. Peter, Minnesota. He joined their team in 2013, when the hospital had experienced low growth and consecutive years of a budget deficit. “Through his insightful and visionary leadership, Rohrich transformed the organization by growing service lines through strategic partnerships, encouraging a change in the culture of the organization to put people and patient first and make strategic investments in services and equipment to strengthen the hospital’s bottom line,” according to the organization’s website.

Rohrich’s experience also includes recruitment and hospital construction, most recently working on a USDA-funded $34 million expansion that includes 25 hospital beds and surgery, emergency, urgent care and therapy departments. With LCCHC on target to break ground on its new hospital facility in spring of 2020, Rohrich’s experience will prove invaluable, said Phyllis Gleasman, LCCHC Board Chair.

“The CEO search was a long process,” said Gleasman. “We interviewed several qualified candidates, and everyone agreed George was the right person for LCCHC. The Board looks forward to his arrival in December, and we welcome him to the community.”