Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board Meeting July 29, 2010 7:30 a.m.
At this Annual Meeting the existing Officers and Committee Chairs were reelected with unanimous support. This begins the third year of their tenure.
Finance Committee report noted that patient numbers are down and Medicaid revenues are below budget, some of which is attributable to payments backed up at the State. The next Board meeting will address how to read financial statements vis a vis projections.
Illinois Hospital Assn. dues were discussed and it was decided that their services and the benefits of participation outweighed the cost ($165,000). A contract that supplies coders (critical to billing) was renewed for six months while the problem of filling positions on a long term basis is addressed. Coders are in demand, certification is required and salaries are low. Human Resources will be asked to address productivity.
Meeting dates for the coming year were approved and will be posted on the Website.
CEO Foley reported on a visit to Oak Forest to assess strategies for development into a Regional Outpatient Center. Needs include staffing (now at 3.5 vs national 4.6) and IT.
A long discussion reviewed the contract with ACS for implementation of a new billing system. $11.5 million of a $34 million contract have already been invested in the system.
The problem lies with interface with the County system. The County will not decide on which system it will use until September. The conclusion was to continue with ACS on a reduced level until September.
Representatives from the County conducted a training session on the County Ethics Ordinance. It is required of all employees. A second session and quiz will take place next month. Gifts and political activity were emphasized in this session.
The Chief Medical Officer of ACHN (clinics) reported on productivity, access problems, partnerships, computerization of lab results, and billing. Delays continue to occur for both primary care and specialty appointments. Attention will be directed at getting more mid-level providers (Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants).
Moved to Closed session at 10:30 a.m.
Nancy Staunton, Observer
