By C. COLT CRANE
The Voice
RUPERT – The county commissioners of Minidoka County received a year-end report from Minidoka Hospital concerning the health facility’s fiscal records.
Minidoka Hospital Executive Director Carl Hanson delivered the report to the commissioners during their weekly meeting on January 30, 2012.
Hanson reported that when compared to other hospitals, Minidoka Hospital was doing well. Hanson cited costs accrued due to new construction plans for the hospitals as one of the major reasons for slight drops in contractual adjustments, cash on hand, and other related expenses.
The costs for the hospital’s renovations are estimated to be approximately $6 million in construction and renovation expenses. The changes planned for the facility include a complete remodel to the hospital’s emergency room and adjustments to some of the exits on the existing facility. Other changes included in the costs of renovation include minor changes to the parking spaces that would allow for the proposed expansions.
“Our cash on hand has declined due to construction costs as well as the purchase of orthopedic equipment,” said Hanson.
After removing debt accrued for building costs throughout the year Minidoka Memorial Hospital’s auditor revealed an approximated $200,000 cash increase for the hospital in 2011.
The hospital report indicated approximately $392,000 in Medicare settlements as well minimal change in net revenue for Minidoka Hospital.
“Compared to other hospitals,” said Commissioner Sheryl Koyle, “We’re doing very well.”
Hanson reported areas of concern to the commissioners which included deductions from revenue in relation to insurance company collections, the cost of medical supplies, increased reliance on Medicare based programs, professional fees, and declining cash balan
