Glendive Medical Center Responds to Decline in Patient Volumes
Glendive News
Glendive, Montana, November 16, 2012 - Glendive Medical Center (GMC) recently implemented a number of adjustments to the FY 2013 budget in response to patient volume declines in September and October. "Though we have begun to see patient numbers increase, it is important to implement these adjustments to help return to budgeted projections. The measures have been evaluated by the employees, administration and Board of Directors," Scott A. Duke, CEO, commented.
The adjustments include a focus on growing revenues through expanding lab health screenings and Surgical Services. In addition, expenses will be reduced through a reduction in paid time off (PTO), implementing a volunteer furlough program, reducing contract labor, freezing wages, non-essential travel and capital expenses and reducing inventory levels.
"It is important to note that the voluntary furlough program is an extension of the existing low census policy, which involves hospital employees taking time off when volumes fluctuate up and down. We feel that these adjustments, and through looking at additional ways to expand services, are a responsible approach to changes in patient volumes."
Duke noted that patient volumes are expected to continue to grow, especially with the arrival of Richard Lewis, DO, Obstetrics and Gynecology, in December, as well as other new medical providers such as Clifford Reske, MD, Hospitalist; Janice Griffin, MD, Internal Medicine; and Krzysztof Dygulski, MD, Pediatrics; Charleen Pontoriero, FNP; Teresea Olson, PA-C and Linda Farber, LCPC. "These new providers are doing a great job at providing quality care and building their practices, which takes time," he said.
For more information about GMC, please visit www.gmc.org.
