4A (Expenses $ 13624831 including grants of $ 4267) (Revenue $ 17277720)
THE PURPOSE OF THE PLATTE COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC. IS TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY OF PLATTE AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS. THE FACILITY CONSISTS OF A 17-BED CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL, A 48-BED LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY, AND THREE RURAL HEALTH CLINICS IN PLATTE, GEDDES, AND WHITE LAKE, SOUTH DAKOTA. SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE PRIMARY CARE, EMERGENCY, SAME-DAY SURGERY, CARDIAC REHAB, PHARMACY, LABORATORY, IMAGING, PHYSICAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, TELEMEDICINE, AND NUMEROUS SPECIALTIES VIA OUTREACH PROVIDERS. INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT STATISTICAL DATA FOR THE YEAR WERE AS FOLLOWS: 540 INPATIENT DAYS; 653 SWING BED DAYS; 10,303 LONG-TERM CARE DAYS; 8,988 OUTPATIENT VISITS; AND 12,463 CLINIC VISITS.TO FULFILL ITS MISSION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER PROVIDES CHARITY CARE TO PERSONS WHO HAVE HEALTHCARE NEEDS AND ARE UNINSURED, UNDERINSURED, INELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM, OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO PAY FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE. CONSISTENT WITH ITS MISSION TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE LIVES AND HEALTH OF PERSONS AND COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES GUIDED BY CHRISTIN VALUES, PHC STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT THE FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF PEOPLE WHO NEED HEALTH SERVICES DOES NOT PREVENT THEM FROM SEEKING OR RECEIVING CARE.PHC ATTESTED TO THE PROGRAM YEAR 2021 OF MEANINGFUL USE. THIS ATTESTATION TO CMS STATES PHC HAS MET AND WILL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEANINGFUL USE. WITH THIS, PHC HAS ENHANCED PATIENT CARE BY IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE MANY PATIENT SAFETY MEASURES THAT COMES WITH IT.

PLATTE HEALTH CENTER-AVERA
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: THE CHNA COORDINATOR COLLECTED QUALITATIVE OR PRIMARY REVIEW DATA THROUGH THE USE OF A COMMUNITY-WIDE SURVEY AS WELL AS TWO FOCUS GROUPS AND THREE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS.THE GREATEST PORTION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S PATIENTS AND CUSTOMERS RESIDE IN THE COUNTY OF CHARLES MIX AND THE TOWNS OR PLATTE, GEDDES, AND WHITE LAKE. ONLINE AND PAPER SURVEYS WERE UTILIZED TO SOLICIT BROADER INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING POTENTIAL HEALTH NEEDS. PAPER COPIES WERE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORGANIZATION EVEN REACHED OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, UTILIZING THE FACILITY'S FACEBOOK PAGE AND AVERA'S WEBPAGE TO MAKE THE LINK AVAILABLE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. THE SURVEY WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2021, AND CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2021. A TOTAL OF 144 SURVEYS WERE COLLECTED. THE GOAL WAS TO OBTAIN AT LEAST 100 SURVEYS.FOCUS GROUPS CONSISTED OF DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS WITHIN THE HOSPITAL AND BOARD MEMBERS FROM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED WITH THE FOLLOWING KEY COMMUNITY MEMBERS: CHARLES MIX COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE, THE PLATTE-GEDDES SCHOOL COUNSELOR, AND RIVER COUNSELING LICENSED COUNSELORS.

PLATTE HEALTH CENTER-AVERA
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: AS PART OF THE CHNA, THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE DATA GATHERED AND CAME TO A CONSENSUS, RANKING THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AS FOLLOWS:1. PROVIDE ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE AND SCREENING PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION TO DECREASE THE RATE OF OBESITY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, DIABETES AND EARLY DETECTION CANCER. 2. IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES3. ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH TO INCLUDE HOUSING/DAYCARE AS A WORKFORCE ISSUE. ACTION PLANS HAVE BEEN DETAILED TO SOLVE THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA.1. MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO PREVENTION, SCREENING AND HEALTH PROMOTION ACTIVITIES: PLATTE HEALTH CENTER WILL CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH AVERA HEART HOSPITAL AND PROVIDE THE STAFFING AND RESOURCES FOR THE PROVISION OF PLANET HEART SCREENING SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE FACILITY WILL FURTHER COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE THE STAFFING AND RESOURCES TO PROMOTE SCREENING ACTIVITIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY, COLO-RECTAL CANCER, AND PROSTATE CANCER AND ENCOURAGE ANNUAL HEALTH/WELLNESS ASSESSMENTS. PHC WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE STAFFING AND RESOURCES FOR DIABETIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES. THE FACILITY WILL EXPLORE OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CLASSES AND OTHER INITIATIVES. THESE MAY INCLUDE THE WELLNESS CENTER, SCHOOL SYSTEM, AVERA HEALTH PLANS, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES. THE GOAL OF THESE INITIATIVES WILL BE TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND REDUCE THE ANTICIPATED LONG-TERM IMPACT RELATED TO OBESITY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND DIABETES. REGARDING PREVENTION/SCREENING/EDUCATION, THE PHC PROVIDES THE COMMUNITY WITH SERVICES THAT PROMOTE/IMPROVE HEALTHY LIVING. -PHC OFFERS PLANET HEART HEALTH SCREENINGS ONE DAY PER WEEK. -PHC OFFERS QUICKLABS ONE DAY A WEEK IN OCTOBER. WITH QUICKLABS, THERE IS NO NEED FOR A PHYSICIAN REFERRAL, THE PATIENT CAN SIMPLY STOP BY WHEN IT'S CONVENIENT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A VARIETY OF BLOOD TESTS FOR A FLAT FEE. THERE IS NO WAIT TIME OR APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.2. IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:PHC WILL EXPLORE COMMUNITY, AVERA, AND OTHER RESOURCES AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO FACILITY SPACE AND NECESSARY STAFFING RESOURCES TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. THE FACILITY HAS HIRED A PSYCHIATRIST WHO WILL BEGIN SERVICES IN NOVEMBER 2023; AND WILL PROVIDE TELEMEDICINE AND ONSITE VISITS IN PLATTE. 3. ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF CARE TO SUSTAIN HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE: PHC WILL EXPLORE STATE, COMMUNITY, AND OTHER RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN ADDRESSING HOUSING AND DAYCARE NEEDS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE TO MAINTAIN ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY. PHC ACQUIRED TWO MORE SINGLE-HOME DWELLINGS DURING THE YEAR. THESE HOMES ARE AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN SECURING A PLACE TO LIVE. THE FACILITY ALSO HAS AN EMPLOYEE WHO SERVES ON THE PLATTE AREA DEVELOPMENT BOARD. THIS IS KEY TO KEEPING COMMUNICATION OPEN BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY'S LARGEST EMPLOYER AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP. AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAS BEEN AN ONGOING CONCERN IN THE PLATTE COMMUNITY FOR YEARS; AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH PROGRESS IS BEING MADE WITH TWO NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITHIN THE PLATTE CITY LIMITS. OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED WERE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES, ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES, ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE DUE TO COST. DUE TO LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES, THE HOSPITAL IS NOT ABLE TO ADDRESS ALL OF THE IDENTIFIED NEEDS. INFORMATION AROUND THE NEED FOR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WILL BE SHARED WITH THE PLATTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND PLATTE-GEDDES SCHOOL DISTRICT AS THESE NEEDS ARE BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICES. ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS ARE OUTSIDE THE FACILITY'S CURRENT SCOPE OF PRACTICE TO ADDRESS. IT IS POSSIBLE THIS CAN BE INCLUDED AS A PART OF THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INITIATIVE. ACCESS TO MEDICAL SERVICE CONCERNS DUE TO COST IS ADDRESSED BY THE ORGANIZATION VIA PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. SOUTH DAKOTA LEGISLATURE IS EVALUATING THE EXPANSION OF THE MEDICAID PROGRAM WHICH WOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO SOUTH DAKOTANS.

PLATTE HEALTH CENTER-AVERA
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 13H: PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY CARE IS A TOOL OF LAST RESORT AND APPLIES ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER AVENUES HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHEN A PATIENT MAY APPEAR ELIGIBLE FOR A CHARITY CARE DISCOUNT, BUT THERE IS NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FORM ON FILE BECAUSE DOCUMENTATION WAS LACKING THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL AID. SUCH INSTANCES HAVE RESULTED IN A PATIENT'S BILL BEING ASSIGNED TO A COLLECTION AGENCY AND ULTIMATELY RECOGNIZED IN THE ACCOUNTING RECORDS AS A BAD DEBT EXPENSE, DUE TO A LACK OF PAYMENT. THIS APPROACH, HOWEVER, RESULTS NEITHER IN A FAIR SOLUTION FOR THE PATIENT NOR IN AN APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTING OF THE TRANSACTION. OFTEN THERE IS ADEQUATE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE PATIENT OR THROUGH OTHER SOURCES, WHICH COULD PROVIDE PHC WITH SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVIDE THE PATIENT WITH A CHARITY CARE DISCOUNT, WITHOUT NEEDING TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL INDIGENCE. THIS PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY, WHEN PROPERLY DOCUMENTED INTERNALLY BY PHC STAFF, IS SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE A CHARITY CARE DISCOUNT TO PATIENTS WHO QUALIFY. ONCE DETERMINED, DUE TO THE INHERENT NATURE OF THE PRESUMPTIVE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE ONLY DISCOUNT THAT CAN BE GRANTED TO THE PATIENT BY PHC IS A 100% WRITE-OFF OF THE ACCOUNT BALANCE.

PLATTE HEALTH CENTER-AVERA
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 24: THE POLICY DOES NOT COVER ELECTIVE PROCEDURES AND THE FACILITY HAS CONFIRMED NO FAP PATIENTS HAD ELECTIVE PROCEDURES.

PART V SECTION B, LINE 10A
THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND ATHTTPS://WWW.AVERA.ORG/ABOUT/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENTS/#PLATTE

PART V SECTION B, LINE 7A
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT IS AVAILABLE ATHTTPS://WWW.AVERA.ORG/ABOUT/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENTS/#PLATTE

PART V SECTION B, LINE 16A-C
THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY, PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY, AND APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE AT:HTTPS://WWW.AVERA.ORG/PATIENTS-VISITORS/PAY-MY-BILL-ONLINE/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE-PROGRAMS/

PART I, LINE 3C:
IN ADDITION TO FPG, PLATTE HEALTH CENTER (PHC) UTILIZES OTHER FACTORS INCLUDING AN ASSET TEST, MEDICAL INDIGENCY, INSURANCE STATUS, AND UNDERINSURANCE STATUS TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. PRESUMPTIVE CHARITY CARE MAY ALSO BE USED BASED ON INDIVIDUAL LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES (HOMELESSNESS, PATIENTS WITH NO INCOME, PATIENTS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED FOR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS FOOD STAMPS OR WIC).

PART I, LINE 7:
CHARITY CARE EXPENSE WAS CONVERTED TO COST ON LINE 7A BASED ON AN OVERALL COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO ADDRESSING ALL PATIENT SEGMENTS. LINE 7E, 7F AND 7I WERE OBTAINED UTILIZING THE ACTUAL GENERAL LEDGER SYSTEM.LINE 7G WAS DETERMINED USING THE MEDICARE COST REPORT.

PART I, LINE 7G:
LINE 7G INCLUDES REVENUE OF $2,357,518 AND EXPENSE OF $2,774,125 FROM RURAL HEALTH CLINICS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF $416,607.

PART III, LINE 2:
THE AMOUNT ON LINE 2 REPRESENTS IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS. THE HEALTH CENTER DETERMINES ITS ESTIMATE OF IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS BASED ON ITS HISTORICAL COLLECTION EXPERIENCE WITH THE RESPECTIVE CLASS OF PATIENTS AND RESIDENTS.

PART III, LINE 3:
THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF THE ORGANIZATION'S IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE ORGANIZATION'S CHARITY CARE POLICY IS CALCULATED BASED ON THE PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL IN CHARLES MIX COUNTY FOR 2021. THEREFORE, 24% OF IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS CAN REASONABLY BE CONSIDERED A COMMUNITY BENEFIT AS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN OFF TO CHARITY CARE.

PART III, LINE 4:
THE FOOTNOTE THAT DESCRIBES IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS IS ON PAGES 13-14 OF THE ATTACHED AUDIT REPORT.

PART III, LINE 8:
MEDICARE ALLOWABLE COST OF CARE WAS CALCULATED FROM THE MEDICARE COST REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 6/30/22. MEDICAL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WITH MEDICARE COVERAGE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A SURPLUS OR DEFICIT IS REALIZED. PROVIDING MEDICARE SERVICES PROMOTES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES WHICH ARE VITALLY NEEDED BY OUR COMMUNITY. THE MEDICARE COST REPORT IS COMPLETED BASED ON THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SET FORTH BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES.

PART III, LINE 9B:
IF A PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED, OR UNDER-INSURED PATIENTS AND IS COOPERATING WITH THE ORGANIZATION WITH REGARD TO EFFORTS TO SETTLE AN OUTSTANDING BILL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD, THE ORGANIZATION OR ITS AGENT SHALL NOT SEND, NOR INTIMATE THAT IT WILL SEND, THE UNPAID BILL TO ANY OUTSIDE COLLECTION AGENCY. AT SUCH TIME AS THE ORGANIZATION SENDS THE UNCOLLECTED ACCOUNT TO AN OUTSIDE COLLECTION AGENCY, THE AMOUNT REFERRED TO THE AGENCY SHALL REFLECT THE REDUCED-PAYMENT LEVEL FOR WHICH THE PATIENT WAS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR LOW-INCOME UNINSURED PATIENTS. PHC DOES NOT REPORT ANY DATA TO ANY OF THE CREDIT AGENCIES, HOWEVER, THE COLLECTION AGENCIES PHC UTILIZES MAY REPORT TO THE CREDIT AGENCIES.A DETERMINATION IS MADE THAT A PATIENT IS PRESUMED ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY CARE WHEN ADEQUATE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY THE PATIENT OR THROUGH OTHER SOURCES WHICH ALLOW PHC TO DETERMINE THAT THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR CHARITY CARE. FOR EXAMPLE: MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY, HOMELESS, NO INCOME, PARTICIPATION IN WIC, SUBSIDIZED SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY, DECEASED WITH NO KNOWN ESTATE, OR IF THE PATIENT IS INCARCERATED.

PART VI, LINE 2:
THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER IS CONSTANTLY EVALUATING THE NEEDS OF OUR PATIENTS AND THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. PATIENT SURVEYS ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN BOTH SHORT AND LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLANNING. THE PLATTE, GEDDES, AND WHITE LAKE MEDICAL CLINICS PERFORM AN ANNUAL PATIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY EACH MARCH. THE NURSING HOME ALSO PERFORMS ANNUAL SURVEYS IN MARCH. THE HOSPITAL SURVEYS ARE ONGOING. EMERGENCY AND INPATIENT SURVEYS ARE PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY UPON DISCHARGE, WITH QUARTERLY SCORES BEING PROVIDED TO ADMINISTRATION. ALL OF THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE REVIEWED BY ADMINISTRATION AND THEN DISCUSSED AT THE BOARD LEVEL. THE BOARD AGENDA HAS A STANDING STRATEGIC PLANNING ITEM THAT DISCUSSES FACILITY GOALS AND COMMUNITY NEEDS; AND HOW EACH CAN BE ACHIEVED. MONTHLY PROVIDER MEETINGS ARE ALSO INSTRUMENTAL TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR PATIENTS. ADMINISTRATION, PHYSICIANS, AND ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS MEET REGULARLY TO DISCUSS THE NEED FOR NEW SERVICES, EVALUATING CURRENT SERVICES, AND ESTABLISHING BEST PRACTICES TO ENSURE WE OFFER A TOP NOTCH PATIENT EXPERIENCE.

PART VI, LINE 3:
THE PATIENT ASSISTANCE POLICY IS POSTED ON OUR FACILITY'S WEBSITE AT WWW.PHCAVERA.ORG. SIGNAGE IS ALSO POSTED THROUGHOUT OUR FACILITY THAT EXPLAINS WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD DO IF THEY HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT PAYING THEIR BILL. DISCHARGE PACKETS INCLUDE THE SUMMARY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DOCUMENT.UPON OUTPATIENT SERVICE REGISTRATIONS AND/OR ADMISSION, THE BUSINESS OFFICE STAFF WORKS TO EDUCATE ALL SELF-PAY PATIENTS ON OUR PATIENT ASSISTANCE POLICY. SELF-PAY PATIENTS WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID OR OTHER STATE/FEDERAL BENEFITS ARE INFORMED OF A THIRD PARTY VENDOR WHOM THE FACILITY HAS ENLISTED TO ASSIST PATIENTS IN EXPLORING BENEFITS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE. THE THIRD PARTY VENDOR IS A PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FIRM THAT PROVIDES FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THAT VENDOR WILL CONTACT PATIENTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEM TO ASSIST IN AN APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS. WHEN THE GROUP ACCEPTS A CASE, THEY FOLLOW IT UNTIL APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED. ALL OF THIS IS DONE AT NO CHARGE TO THE PATIENT.THE SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DOCUMENT AND THE PATIENT ASSISTANCE FORM ARE SENT OUT WITH THE INITIAL SELF-PAY BILL TO ALL SELF-PAY PATIENTS WITHIN 7-10 DAYS OF THE DATE OF SERVICE. SELF-PAY BALANCES THAT GO UNPAID FOR 60 DAYS WILL RECEIVE A SERIES OF TWO LETTERS WITH THEIR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THE LETTERS EXPLAIN THE FACILITY'S COLLECTION PROCESS, AND INCLUDE THE PLAIN LANGUAGE DOCUMENT, THE PATIENT ASSISTANCE FORM, AND POLICY FOR THE GUARANTOR TO COMPLETE. THE FORM IS REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED IN A TIMELY MANNER. UPON RECEIPT OF THE PATIENT ASSISTANCE FORM, THE FORM IS REVIEWED TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF DISCOUNT THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR UNDER THE POLICY. A FOLLOW-UP LETTER IS MAILED TO THE PATIENT EXPLAINING THE AMOUNT OF DISCOUNT AND PAYMENT PLAN FOR THE REMAINING BALANCE. FAILURE TO RETURN THE COMPLETED PATIENT ASSISTANCE FORM OR CONTACTING THE FACILITY FOR PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE PATIENT ACCOUNT GOING TO THE FACILITY'S COLLECTION AGENCY PROVIDED AT LEAST 120 DAYS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE FIRST POST DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT WAS SENT TO THE PATIENT. IF THE PATIENT RETURNS THE COMPLETED ASSISTANCE FORM WITHIN 240 DAYS FROM THE FIRST POST DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT, PHC WILL HALT COLLECTION ACTIVITY UNTIL A DETERMINATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY CAN BE MADE. IF PHC APPROVES THE PATIENT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, COLLECTION ACTIONS WILL CEASE.

PART VI, LINE 4:
PLATTE HEALTH CENTER IS A CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL IN PLATTE, SD. PLATTE IS A RURAL COMMUNITY WITH ALMOST 1,400 RESIDENTS LOCATED IN SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA. THE FACILITY SERVES AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,000 PEOPLE IN CHARLES MIX, DOUGLAS, GREGORY, AURORA, AND BRULE COUNTIES. THE DOMINANT INDUSTRIES INCLUDE SMALL FAMILY BUSINESSES AND FAMILY FARMS. THE AREA IS VERY WELL KNOWN FOR RECREATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING, WHICH BOOSTS THE POPULATION BY ABOUT 20-25 PERCENT THROUGHOUT MAY TO OCTOBER.THE PHC ALSO PROVIDES CARE FOR DIFFERENT HUTTERITE COLONIES IN ITS GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: THE PLATTE COLONY, CEDAR GROVE COLONY, AND GRASS RANCH COLONY. THESE COLONIES MAKE UP A LARGE PORTION OF OUR POPULATION AND COMPRISE SOME UNIQUE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER MAKES EXTRA EFFORT TO ENSURE WE ARE MEETING THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. HUTTERITE COLONIES ARE NOT A PART OF THE REFERENCED CENSUS DATA.THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE SERVED BY PHC ARE LIVING IN NORTHERN CHARLES MIX COUNTY. THE COUNTY IS AN ESTIMATED 1100 SQUARE MILES AND HAS A POPULATION OF 9,163. CONSISTENTLY 80 PERCENT OF PLATTE HEALTH CENTER'S HOSPITAL DISCHARGES COME FROM CHARLES MIX COUNTY, AND ABOUT 74 PERCENT OF ALL SERVICES. ACCORDING TO THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU QUICK FACTS DATA, CHARLES MIX COUNTY IS COMPRISED OF ABOUT 62 PERCENT CAUCASIAN PEOPLE, 33.6 PERCENT NATIVE AMERICAN, AND 4 PERCENT OTHER. PHC PREDOMINANTLY SERVES A CAUCASIAN POPULATION. THE ANNUAL MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR CHARLES MIX COUNTY IN 2021 IS $52,981; HOWEVER, ALMOST 24 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION LIVES BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL ($26,500/YEAR FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR). THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 2,482 (OR 24%) PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR SOUTH DAKOTA MEDICAID; 910 ADULTS AND 1,572 CHILDREN, WHICH IS A STATISTIC THAT CONTINUES TO RISE EVERY YEAR. ABOUT 19% OF THE COUNTY'S POPULATION REMAINS UNINSURED, WHICH IS MORE THAN SEVEN PERCENT OF THE STATE AVERAGE. THE LOCAL PLATTE-GEDDES SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS APPROXIMATELY 16.7% OF THE STUDENTS ON FREE/REDUCED MEAL PLANS.

PART VI, LINE 5:
THE BOARD HAS A STANDING ITEM FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING ON THEIR MONTHLY AGENDA. THIS IS FOR DISCUSSION ON THE NEED FOR NEW OR EXPANDED SERVICES, BUILDING PROJECTS, PROVIDERS, OUTREACH SERVICES, AND OTHER PATIENT RELATED TOPICS. AS A STANDING ITEM, THESE ITEMS BECOME GOALS AND STRATEGY FOR THE FACILITY'S FUTURE. THE BOARD HAS COMMITTED TO CONTRIBUTING FUNDS ANNUALLY TO THE AVERA POOLED INVESTMENTS. THESE FUNDS ARE INTENDED TO SUPPORT EQUIPMENT UPGRADES AND FUTURE BUILDING PROJECTS.MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES ARE EXTENDED TO ALL QUALIFIED PROVIDERS IN THE AREA. IN TOTAL THE FACILITY HAS ABOUT 252 CREDENTIALLED PROVIDERS, WHICH INCLUDES E-SERVICES PROVIDERS FROM AVEL. THIS NUMBER INCLUDES THE THREE FULL-TIME EMPLOYED FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIANS, TWO CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS, TWO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, AND A CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST. PHC HAS NUMEROUS SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS VIA OUTREACH CLINICS AND E-SERVICES.PHC IS THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THE PLATTE COMMUNITY. THE NEXT CLOSEST CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL IS 35 MILES TO THE EAST; AND THE CLOSEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL IS 66 MILES NORTHEAST. PHC WORKS VERY HARD TO PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTHCARE IN A RURAL SETTING. PHC PROVIDES INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS LEVERAGED BY HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF WITH TELEMEDICINE SERVICES, WHICH INCLUDE EMERGENCY, ICU, PHARMACY, AND CONSULTING. THROUGH A GROWING TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, WE OFFER VIDEO TELECONFERENCING FOR EDUCATIONAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES. WE EXTEND OUR MISSION IN THE REGION THROUGH MOBILE OUTREACH PROGRAMS, AND PROVIDE LOCAL HEALTH CARE SPECIALISTS VISITS RIGHT HERE IN PLATTE SAVING OUR PATIENTS TIME AND TRAVEL EXPENSES. THE FACILITY IS CERTIFIED AS A TRAUMA RECEIVING FACILITY WITH FULLY INTEGRATED TELEMEDICINE EMERGENCY AND STROKE SERVICES IN BOTH EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) BAYS. EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES ARE A SUBSIDIZED SERVICE FOR THE ORGANIZATION. THIS SERVICE IS NOT ONLY PROVIDED TO COMPLY WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, BUT HAS ALSO BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A CRITICAL SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATION AS IT ENSURES ACCESS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.PLATTE HEALTH CENTER IS A FARM (FRONTIER AND RURAL MEDICINE) SITE. THE FARM PROGRAM IS THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA SANFORD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE'S RURAL TRACK MEDICAL STUDENT PROGRAM. THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SELECT GROUP OF MEDICAL STUDENTS TO OBTAIN NINE MONTHS OF THEIR CLINICAL TRAINING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES. THE PROGRAM EDUCATES MEDICAL STUDENTS ON THE NEED FOR PHYSICIANS IN RURAL FAMILY MEDICINE; AND THE FACILITY BUILDS ON RELATIONSHIPS THAT COULD RESULT IN THE RECRUITMENT OF FUTURE PHYSICIANS. THIS IS A COMPETITIVE PROGRAM IN WHICH BOTH THE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL STUDENT MUST APPLY FOR THROUGH AN APPLICATION PROCESS.PLATTE HEALTH CENTER IS A HEALING MINISTRY FOR THE SICK, THE ELDERLY, AND THE OPPRESSED, AND PROVIDES HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL PERSONS IN NEED, WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR ABILITY TO PAY.IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FACILITY'S COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT, THE FACILITY MAKES OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER ENCOURAGES VOLUNTEERING AT ALL LEVELS OF THE FACILITY. FACILITY EMPLOYEES ROUTINELY DONATE TIME AND MONEY TO VERY WORTHY CAUSES. DESPITE CHALLENGES DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE FACILITY WAS STILL ABLE TO PULL OFF SOME GREAT VOLUNTEER PROJECTS DURING THE YEAR: -PLATTE HEALTH CENTER STAFF VOLUNTEERS TO OPERATE THE PUBLIC MOVIE THEATER THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH. -STAFF CONDUCTED A FOOD DRIVE FOR THE HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY LOCATED IN PLATTE, SD. -THE MEDICAL CLINICS HOSTED COMMUNITY BAKE SALES. THE PROCEEDS WERE USED TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF MEDICAL LICENSES FOR TWO PHYSICIANS WHO ARE FULFILLING A MEDICAL MISSION IN NORTH AFRICA. -OUR RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED GO PINK EVENTS IN OCTOBER FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. FUNDS WERE RAISED TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP; AND TO PROVIDE SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS FOR UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED WOMEN. -SURPLUS MEDICAL SUPPLIES ARE SENT TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES IN NEED.-FACILITY PROVIDES MEDICAL, NURSING, AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSION STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOB SHADOW AND GAIN HANDS-ON LEARNING AT THE FACILITY.-EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED AND HELPED ORGANIZE NUMEROUS FUNDS RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS DEALING WITH SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS.

PART VI, LINE 6:
"THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER IS AFFILIATED WITH THE AVERA HEALTH SYSTEM, AND IS A MANAGED FACILITY OF AVERA QUEEN OF PEACE. AVERA QUEEN OF PEACE AND THE PHC WORK COOPERATIVELY TO ENHANCE HEALTHCARE. WE DEDICATE RESOURCES TO ENDEAVORS THAT MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY, CONTRIBUTIONS TO NONPROFIT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, NONPROFIT EVENT SPONSORSHIPS, DONATED MEDICAL SUPPLIES, COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPS, HEALTH SCREENINGS, FLU-SHOT CLINICS, AND VARIOUS OTHER ACTIVITIES.THROUGH THIS AFFILIATION, THE PLATTE HEALTH CENTER HAS ACCESS TO ""BACK OFFICE"" SUPPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS LEGAL CONSULTATION, QUALITY BENCHMARKING, CODING, COMPUTER SERVICES, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTATION, GROUP PURCHASING, HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANCE, PHYSICIAN RECRUITING, AND MANY OTHER SERVICES. AVERA HEALTH IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES TO THE HOSPITAL AT A COST BELOW THAT WHICH THE HOSPITAL COULD OTHERWISE ACHIEVE ON ITS OWN. IN TURN, LOCAL CAREGIVERS ARE ABLE TO DEVOTE MORE RESOURCES TO PATIENT AND RESIDENT CARE."