4A (Expenses $ 231132948 including grants of $ 14994427) (Revenue $ 232254712)
STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ACUTE CARE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WHICH IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A BROAD RANGE OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. THE HOSPITAL GENERATES VIRTUALLY ALL OF ITS REVENUES IN PURSUIT OF ITS EXEMPT PURPOSES, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC, THERAPEUTIC, AND EDUCATIONAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF ITS COMMUNITIES. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY CARE TO THE SICK AND INJURED, ON BOTH AN INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT BASIS, WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN AGE, GENDER, DISABILITY, OR ABILITY TO PAY. THE HOSPITAL TREATED 10,851 INPATIENTS AND OBSERVATION PATIENTS, INCLUDING BIRTHS, OF WHICH THERE WERE 553. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O).THE HOSPITAL TREATED 48,877 PATIENTS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND PERFORMED SURGERY ON 1,406 INPATIENTS AND 8,919 OUTPATIENTS.THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES MANY OTHER SERVICES OF WHICH THE FOLLOWING IS A PARTIAL LIST: ONCOLOGY 8,277 VISITS; MANSFIELD HEALTH CENTER- 24,782 VISITS; CARDIAC REHABILITATION- 8,277 VISITS; AND WOUND CARE- 3,678 VISITS. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES A VARIETY OF ANCILLARY SERVICES - A PARTIAL LIST INCLUDES: LABORATORY, RADIOLOGY, MAMMOGRAPHY, COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY, MRI, NUCLEAR MEDICINE, VASCULAR, ULTRASOUND, SLEEP STUDY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY.THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY $14,480,928 IN SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO COULD NOT PAY (FREE CARE) OR WOULD NOT PAY (BAD DEBT) IN FISCAL YEAR 2022. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY $14,179,989 IN UN-REIMBURSED MASSHEALTH (MEDICAID) SERVICES DURING THE YEAR. FURTHER, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY EITHER AT NO CHARGE OR AT REDUCED RATES. THE HOSPITAL ALSO PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN THE INTEGRATION OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CONTINUES TO PARTNER WITH COLUMN HEALTH TO BRING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY.

STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC.
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: INPUT FROM PERSONS WHO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND FEEDBACK WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF STURDY'S CHNA PROCESS. HOLLERAN CONSULTING, AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND CONSULTING FIRM, COLLECTED AND INTERPRETED INFORMATION FROM SECONDARY SOURCES (LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL COMPARISONS OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH DATA) AND KEY INFORMANTS. KEY INFORMANTS WERE DEFINED AS COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS WITH EXPERT KNOWLEDGE, INCLUDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, NON-PROFIT LEADERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS. THE HOSPITAL IDENTIFIED, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM HOLLERAN CONSULTING, IDENTIFIED 136 INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION KEY INFORMANTS. THESE KEY INFORMANTS WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A BRIEF ONLINE SURVEY THAT WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 12 TO APRIL 28, 2022 AND AGAIN FROM JUNE 8 TO JUNE 12, 2022. THE SURVEY WAS DESIGNED TO UNDERSTAND HEALTH ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY, MISSING RESOURCES/SERVICES, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, IDENTIFICATION OF UNDERSERVED, LOW INCOME AND MINORITY POPULATIONS, AND COMMUNITY ASSETS. THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY WAS TO OBTAIN A COMBINATION OF QUANTITATIVE RATINGS AND QUALITATIVE FEEDBACK THROUGH CLOSED AND OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS AROUND HEALTH ISSUES AND BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN THE COMMUNITY. THIRTY-FOUR KEY INFORMANTS COMPLETED THE SURVEY. A COPY OF THE SURVEY TOOL AND LIST OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY IS INCORPORATED IN THE CHNA.STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC:PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7A:HOSPITAL FACILITY'S WEBSITE - CHNA REPORTSTURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL'S MOST RECENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT CAN BE FOUND AT:HTTPS://WWW.STURDYHEALTH.ORG/APP/FILES/PUBLIC/A1D5CF1B-5981-4059-A3B1-C249E2EE7B8C/2022%20COMMUNITY%20HEALTH%20NEEDS%20ASSESSMENT.PDFSTURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC: PART V, SECTION B, LINE 9: HOSPITAL FACILITY'S WEBSITE - IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGYSTURDY MEMORIAL'S COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2019. THE BOARD OF MANAGERS APPROVED THE 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ON JANUARY 27, 2020, WITHIN THE STATUTORY ADOPTION PERIOD. AN UPDATED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WAS APPROVED FOR FY2023-FY2025 ON OCTOBER 24, 2022.STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC: PART V, SECTION B, LINE 10A:THE HOSPITAL'S MOST RECENTLY ADOPTED CHNA IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY CAN BE FOUND AT:HTTPS://WWW.STURDYHEALTH.ORG/APP/FILES/PUBLIC/B6FAAE48-1574-4678-BC30-81FE14C4FF19/2023%202025%20IMPLEMENTATION%20PLAN.PDF

STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC.
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: SIGNIFICANT NEEDSTHE 2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) IDENTIFIED FIVE KEY COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES: ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND PREVENTION SERVICES, AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND INCOME, MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MORTALITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, AND OBESITY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT. STURDY MEMORIAL REVIEWED THE 2019 AND 2022 KEY FINDINGS AND HAS DECIDED THEIR PRIORITIZED FOCUS WILL REMAIN ACCESS TO CARE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION, AND CANCER PREVENTION EDUCATION AND SCREENING. ACCESS TO CARE: RESPONDENTS TO THE CHNA STRESSED THAT SERVICES WERE LACKING OR MISSING IN OUR AREA. ALTHOUGH NEARLY ALL OF THE RESIDENTS IN OUR SERVICE AREA HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, THIS WAS NOT THE SOLE DETERMINANT OF ABILITY TO OBTAIN CARE. THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY AND SPECIALIST PHYSICIANS, LACK OF DENTAL CARE, LACK OF EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENT HOURS, ACCESS TO TRANSPORATION AND ACCESS TO TRANSLATION SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY WERE ALL SEEN AS BARRIERS TO ACCESSING SERVICES. STURDY WILL ADDRESS BARRIERS TO ACCESSING CARE BY INCREASING PROVIDERS IN ITS SERVICE AREA. THE CHNA DETERMINED THAT PROVIDER DENSITY (BOTH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND SPECIALISTS) IN STURDY'S PRIMARY SERVICE AREA IS LOWER THAN OTHER MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITIES. STURDY PLANS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN MORE PROVIDERS AT BOTH THE HOSPITAL AND STURDY HEALTH, INC. F/K/A STURDY MEMORIAL ASSOCIATES (SMA), AN AFFILIATE. STURDY ALSO PLANS TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO CARE BY CONTINUING TO PROVIDE TELEMEDICINE OPPORTUNITIES. DUE TO COVID, THE HOSPITAL AND ASSOCIATES WERE HAMPERED IN THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE OFF-HOURS CLINICS THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE LIMITED DAYTIME FLEXIBILITY, HOWEVER ONE INTERNAL MEDICINE PROVIDER WITH EVENING HOURS WAS ADDED. STURDY RECEIVED A GRANT TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION AND WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YMCA'S CARS (COMMUNITY ACCESS TO RIDES) PROGRAM TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WHO LACK TRASPORTATION OPTIONS. OTHER INITIATIVES WILL HELP CONNECT EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS, HELP CONNECT THE UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED TO FINANCIAL COUNSELORS AND PARTNER WITH LOCAL DENTIST OFFICES FOR SCREENINGS. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE: MANY RESPONDENTS TO THE KEY INFORMANT SURVEY CONDUCTED THROUGH THE CHNA PROCESS LISTED ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS FACING STURDY'S PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SERVICE AREAS. ACCESS AND INTEGRATION/COORDINATION OF SERVICES WAS SEEN AS INADEQUATE COMPARED TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. STURDY PLANS TO ADDRESS THIS NEED BY CONTINUING TO PROVIDE TREATMENT AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS PARTNER WITH COLUMN HEALTH, A PROVIDER OF INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS. OTHER INITIATIVES WILL CONTINUE SCREENING AND EDUCATION, INCREASE PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY PROVIDERS WITHIN SMA WITH INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY CONCERT HEALTH, COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO ADDRESS THE HIGH PERCENTAGE OF AT-RISK YOUTH IN THE SERVICE AREA, WORK WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS IN STURDY'S SERVICE AREA, AND EXPLORE TELEHEALTH OPTIONS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PATIENTS.MORTALITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT: KEY INFORMANTS RECOGNIZED THAT HEALTH BEHAVIORS ARE OFTEN CORRELATED WITH CERTAIN CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS. CHRONIC ILLNESSES, SUCH AS CANCER AND HEART DISEASE, ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN STURDY'S PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SERVICE AREAS. INDIVIDUALS OFTEN LACK THE TIME, KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES TO MANAGE CHRONIC ILLNESS. STURDY PLANS TO CONTINUE TO HOLD HEALTH FAIRS FOR SCREENING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. ALSO, THE HOSPITAL WILL SUPPORT CURRENT PROGRAMS THAT INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS. STURDY PLANS TO IMPROVE CARE COORDINATION FOR DIABETIC/PRE-DIABETIC PATIENTS AND INCREASE SCREENING FOR PRE-DIABETIC PATIENTS. STURDY WILL EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES/PROGRAMS THAT INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS AND SUPPORT NUTRITION EDUCATION. THE HOSPITAL WILL CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH THE HEALTHY LIVING CONSORTIUM TO INCREASE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY.OBESITY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: KEY INFORMANTS SITED OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY AS BEING AMONG THE TOP FIVE HEALTH ISSUES IN THE REGION. LACK OF HEALTHY FOOD AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO PREPARE IT, AS WELL AS LACK OF TIME TO EXERCISE WERE ALL SEEN AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. PHYSICAL INACTIVITY, POOR NUTRITION AND LACK OF ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS ARE ALL KNOWN RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO OBESITY AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS SUCH AS DIABETES, CANCER AND HEART DISEASE. ADDITIOANLLY, FOOD INSECURITY AFFETS SOME RESIDENTS IN OUR SERVICE AREA. TO ADDRESS THESE NEEDS, STURDY WILL WORK WITH OUR FOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE HEALTHIER MEAL OPTIONS TO INPATIENTS AND CAFETERIA CUSTOMERS, PROVIDE IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION, PROVIDE AND SUPPORT HEALTH EDUCATION SUCH AS YOGA, MEDITATION AND TAI CHI, AND WILL HOST COMMUNITY EVENTS INVOLVING EXERCISE HEALTHY LIVING AND WELLNESS.LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OUR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SERVICE AREAS WAS NOTED BY MANY RESPONDENTS AS A BARRIER TO CARE. STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE INABILITY TO SECURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A DIFFICULTY FACED BY MANY RESIDENTS IN OUR AREA. STURDY WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY SUPPORTING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FINANCIALLY AND THROUGH VOLUNTEER SERVICE. THE HOSPITAL WILL ALSO SUPPORT INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS TO DEVELOP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY.SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16A STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY CAN BE FOUND AT:HTTPS://WWW.STURDYHEALTH.ORG/APP/FILES/PUBLIC/919E3182-14C1-4CBB-80A9-954A9413BEF8/SMH%20FAP%20POLICY%20-%20REVISED%20FOR%20FY22.PDFSCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16BTHE HOSPITAL'S FAP APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTPS://WWW.STURDYHEALTH.ORG/APP/FILES/PUBLIC/AEA93BFF-37DD-4B9D-B07F-9C0883728E39/ACA-3-0721-FILLABLE.PDFSCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16CTHE HOSPITAL'S FAP PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY CAN BE FOUND AT:HTTPS://WWW.STURDYHEALTH.ORG/APP/FILES/PUBLIC/71188A53-E09D-4E9C-B3FD-6177B8902E91/FAP-PLAIN-LANGUAGE-FY20-ENGLISH.PDF

STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC.
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16J: THE HOSPITAL'S POLICY IS ATTACHED TO BILLING INVOICES. ADDITIONALLY, STURDY MEMORIAL MAKES THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT ITS FACILITY-IN THE MAIN LOBBY, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, PATIENT REGISTRATION, AND FINANCIAL COUNSELORS' OFFICE. INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY WITHOUT INSURANCE ARE DIRECTED TO A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR WHO WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH STURDY'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AS WELL AS RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM THROUGH MASSHEALTH OR THE COMMONWEALTH'S HEALTH SAFETY NET. FINANCIAL COUNSELORS WILL ASSIST ANYONE IN COMPLETING AN APPLICATION FOR FREE OR SUBSIDIZED CARE, AS WELL AS MASSHEALTH. THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 20:FOR PLANNED ADMISSIONS, PATIENTS ARE NOTIFIED OF THE HOSPITAL'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY PRIOR TO ADMISSION. EMERGENT PATIENTS ARE NOTIFIED PRIOR TO DISCHARGE OR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DAY. PATIENTS ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL FOR OUTPATIENT VISITS ARE NOTIFIED OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION (IF REGISTERED AT THE MAIN REGISTRATION AREA). NOTIFICATION IS ALSO INCLUDED WITH PATIENT BILLS.

PART I, LINE 7:
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS CALCULATIONSTURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL USES THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO FOR CALCULATING AMOUNTS IN THE TABLE FOR LINE 7. THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO IS TOTAL PATIENT CARE COSTS DIVIDED BY TOTAL PATIENT CARE CHARGES PER WORKSHEET S-10, LINE 1 OF THE MEDICARE COST REPORT. BAD DEBT IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE TABLE.

PART I, LN 7 COL(F):
BAD DEBT EXPENSE OF $6,473,196 ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENT ACCOUNTS HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE COMPUTATION OF ALL COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE SHOWN IN PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN F.

PART II, COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES:
STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL UNDERTAKES COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS IN ITS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SERVICE AREAS. THE HOSPITAL IS INVOLVED IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND PREPAREDNESS AND WORKS WITH OTHERS IN ITS REGION TO COORDINATE ITS PREPARATION AND RESPONSE TO CATASTROPHIC HEALTH EVENTS. THE ORGANINIZATION WORKS WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL STUDENTS COMPLETING MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN AND PHLEBOTOMY PROGRAMS. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN HEALTH CARE CAREERS MAY SHADOW STAFF MEMBERS OR PARTICIPATE IN INTERNSHIPS. SOME COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES WERE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED IN FY21 DUE TO THE COVID CRISIS.

PART III, LINE 2:
"BAD DEBT EXPENSE - EXPLANATION FOR PART III, LINES 2, 3 AND 4EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2020, THE HOSPITAL ADOPTED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD (""FASB"") ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATE (""ASU"") 2014-09, REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (TOPIC 606) (""ASC 606""), USING THE RETROSPECTIVE METHOD OF APPLICATION TO ALL CONTRACTS EXISTING ON OCTOBER 1, 2020. THE CORE PRINCIPLE OF THE STANDARD IS THAT AN ENTITY SHOULD RECOGNIZE REVENUE TO DEPICT THE TRANSFER OF PROMISED GOODS OR SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS IN AN AMOUNT THAT REFLECTS THE CONSIDERATION TO WHICH THE ENTITY EXPECTS TO BE ENTITLED IN EXCHANGE FOR THOSE GOODS OR SERVICES. THE ADOPTION OF THE STANDARD HAD NO IMPACT ON THE HOSPITAL'S CURRENT OR HISTORICAL FINANCIAL POSITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR CASH FLOWS. THE HOSPITAL NOW RECOGNIZES ITS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS, PRIMARILY RELATED TO ITS SELF-PAY PATIENT POPULATION, AS A DIRECT REDUCTION TO REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES AS AN IMPLICIT PRICING CONCESSION, INSTEAD OF SEPARATELY AS A DISCRETE DEDUCTION TO ARRIVE AT NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IN THE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OR AS A PARENTHETICAL NOTE ON ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FOR SERVICES TO PATIENTS IN THE BALANCE SHEET."

PART III, LINE 8:
SHORTFALL TREATED AS COMMUNITY BENEFITSTURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, IN KEEPING WITH ITS CHARITABLE MISSION, PROVIDES CARE TO MEDICARE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS OF THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES BEYOND THE AMOUNT IT RECEIVES FROM THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. THESE INDIVIDUALS WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL OUT OF OUR AREA OR POSSIBLY FORGO MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE SERVICES THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES. THE MEDICARE SHORTFALL INCURRED BY THE HOSPITAL IS VIEWED AS LESSENING THE BURDEN OF GOVERNMENT, THEREFORE PROVIDING A VALUABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT.

PART III, LINE 9B:
DEBT COLLECTION POLICYTHE HOSPITAL'S COLLECTION POLICY CONTAINS PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE KNOWN TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ONCE IT IS DETERMINED THAT A PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR FREE CARE, ALL COLLECTION PROCEDURES CEASE AND THE FULL BALANCE IS WRITTEN OFF. IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR PARTIAL FREE CARE, THE AMOUNT THAT QUALIFIES UNDER PARTIAL FREE CARE IS WRITTEN OFF AND THE REMAINING BALANCE IS SUBJECT TO NORMAL COLLECTION PROCEDURES. MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALS ARE REQUIRED TO ADOPT CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICIES. STATE REGULATIONS (101 CMR 613.00) OUTLINE THE SPECIFIC PROCESS FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND HOSPITAL COLLECTION PRACTICES. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES PATIENTS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT FREE CARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE HOSPITAL (A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF WHICH IS COORDINATED THROUGH THE STATE'S HEALTH SAFETY NET PROGRAM, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, SUCH AS MASSHEALTH AND COMMONWEALTH CARE, THAT ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES). THE HOSPITAL EMPLOYS TWO FULL-TIME FINANCIAL COUNSELORS THAT ASSIST PATIENTS, AND ANYONE ELSE PRESENTING WHO REQUIRES ASSISTANCE, IN APPLYING FOR FREE CARE AND STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THROUGH THE STATE'S UNIFORM APPLICATION. THE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND BILLING & COLLECTION POLICY, THAT OUTLINES ITS CHARITY CARE PRACTICES, IS FILED WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTER FOR HEALTH INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS AND ALSO AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS UPON REQUEST.

PART VI, LINE 2:
WITH GUIDANCE AND OVERSIGHT FROM THE HOSPITAL'S PLANNING COMMITTEE, STURDY'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT IS DEVELOPED TO REFLECT ON ACTIVITIES FROM THE PRIOR YEAR AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HOSPITAL'S FOCUS ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLANNING IS INTEGRATED INTO STURDY'S ANNUAL PLANNING AND BUDGETING PROCESS TO ENSURE WE EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMMING. STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS INVOLVED IN ONGOING ASSESSMENTS OF THE HEALTH NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND PARTICIPATES IN A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS. CONTINUALLY BEING ENGAGED IN AND FAMILIAR WITH OUR COMMUNITIES PROVIDES US WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO IDENTIFY HEALTH ISSUES OF GREATEST CONCERN TO OUR CARE PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND CONSIDER COMMITTING BUDGETED RESOURCES TO THOSE AREAS, WHENEVER APPROPRIATE, TO GUIDE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS. THE HOSPITAL CONSTANTLY MONITORS THE RESULTS OF PATIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS, SERVICE STATISTICS, PROVIDER AND COMMUNITY FEEDBACK, INSURER DATA, AND OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL DATA. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL CONTINUALLY WORKS CLOSELY WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS, SCHOOL AND SOCIAL SERVICES PERSONNEL, AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO IDENTIFY HEALTH CARE TRENDS AND NEEDS.

PART VI, LINE 4:
COMMUNITY INFORMATIONTHE HOSPITAL SERVES NEARLY 250,000 INDIVIDUALS (BASED ON 2020 U.S. CENSUS DATA) IN 12 SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES. THE INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE ARE LARGELY EDUCATED (COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL), EMPLOYED AND ENGLISH SPEAKING. INCLUDED IN THE POPULATION ABOVE, THE HOSPITAL'S PRIMARY SERVICE AREA ENCOMPASSES THE TOWNS OF ATTLEBORO, FOXBORO, MANSFIELD, NORTH ATTLEBORO, NORTON, PLAINVILLE, SEEKONK, REHOBOTH, AND WRENTHAM. NORFOLK, SHARON, AND WALPOLE ARE CONSIDERED PART OF OUR SECONDARY SERVICE AREA. ADDITIONALLY, WE SERVE THE BORDERING TOWNS IN NEARBY RHODE ISLAND.

PART VI, LINE 6:
STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS PART OF AN AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. UNDER THE CONTROL OF ITS PARENT ORGANIZATION, STURDY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, AFFILIATES STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND STURDY HEALTH, INC. F/K/A STURDY MEMORIAL ASSOCIATES COORDINATE THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN ITS SERVICE AREA OF BRISTOL AND NORFOLK COUNTIES IN MASSACHUSETTS.

PART VI, LINE 7, REPORTS FILED WITH STATES
MA

PART VI, LINE 3:
PATIENTS ARE INFORMED OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY WAY OF POSTED NOTICES THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL AS WELL AS PRINTED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BROCHURES AVAILABLE IN COMMON AREAS OF THE HOSPITAL. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION IS PRINTED ON ALL ITEMIZED BILLS AND PATIENT STATEMENTS. SCHEDULED SELF PAY SURGICAL DAY CARE (SDC) & INPATIENTS ARE REVIEWED PRIOR TO ADMISSION TO DETERMINE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS OR TO COORDINATE A MEETING WITH A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR. SDC & INPATIENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT OR MAKE A PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT TOWARDS A LARGE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO MEET WITH A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR. UPON DISCHARGE FROM THE EMERGENCY CARE CENTER (ECC), UNINSURED PATIENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MEET WITH A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR. IF UNABLE TO SEE A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR FOLLOWING DISCHARGE, THE PATIENT IS GIVEN A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LETTER OUTLINING THE APPLICATION PROCESS, THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED, TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND DIRECTIONS TO THE FINANCIAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE. FOLLOWING AN ECC VISIT, UNINSURED PATIENTS RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM A PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE ENCOURAGING THE PATIENT TO MEET WITH A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

PART VI, LINE 5:
PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTHSTURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FURTHERS ITS EXEMPT PURPOSE BY PROMOTING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING HEALTH CARE TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. IN FISCAL 2022, THE HOSPITAL OFFERED OVER 50 COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS. IN-PERSON PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT GROUPS RESUMED IN FY22 AND THE HOSPITAL WAS ABLE TO OFFER ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS VIRTUALLY. STUDY PROVIDES EMS EDUCATION AND INTERN/EXTERN PROGRAMS SERVING MEDICAL, NURSING AND STUDENT INTERNS FROM OVER 50 SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. THE HOSPITAL EXTENDS MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES TO ALL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS IN OUR SERVICE AREA. A MAJORITY OF THE HOSPITAL'S BOARD OF MANAGERS ARE COMPRISED OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE INDEPENDENT CIVIC, HEALTH CARE AND BUSINESS LEADERS. SURPLUS FUNDS ARE USED TO IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES, PURCHASE STATE-OF-THE ART MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND EXPAND OUR COMMUNITY OFFERINGS.