BY THE NUMBERSErlanger at Hutcheson losses• $888,960: May• $1,100,000: June• $1,854,553: July• $1,797,162: August• $2,653,937: September• $1,619,602: October• $1,081,867: November• $894,354: December• $982,953: January• $1,083,383: February• $1,767,773: MarchSource: Erlanger at Hutcheson
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Posted by Duggar Family Official on Thursday, May 21, 2015
FORT OGLETHORPE - After several months of improving finances, Erlanger at Hutcheson lost nearly $1.8 million in March, its worst numbers since September.
The Georgia hospital had budgeted to lose $350,000 in March. It has lost nearly $15 million since Erlanger Health System took over its management at the end of May.
The public hospital, governed by Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties, has used $9.9 million of a $20 million line of credit from Erlanger. The line of credit is backed up by Hutcheson's mortgage and two $10 million pledges by Catoosa and Walker counties.
During a finance committee meeting Wednesday, Hutcheson Controller Denise Baker told hospital trustees that the losses were because of a large number of nonpaying patients. In March, the hospital saw the highest percentage of uninsured patients since May 2011.
"It was a very difficult month," Baker said.
According to numbers provided by Baker, Hutcheson had an average of 23 patients a day in March, compared to 38 in March 2011. Total surgeries also were down significantly compared to a year ago.
Committee members voted to accept the financial numbers with little discussion, noting that the hospital cut expenses and came in below budget on salaries and other expenses.
CEO Roger Forgey said in an emailed statement that Hutcheson is focused on providing quality care for patients and a stable hospital for the employees, physicians and the community.
"During the anticipated 24-month transition period, Hutcheson's leadership team has concentrated on rebuilding its physician base and effectively managing costs," he said. "We need the support of North Georgia residents and physicians with referrals and admissions."
The hospitals' agreement calls for a significant investment in doctors, facilities and other medical services from Erlanger.
Before the management deal with Erlanger, Hutcheson defaulted on a $35 million bond issue and was losing about $1 million a month.