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With Medicare enrollment just around the corner, October 15th through December 7th, it is important to understand the options available so you can find the best fit for you. Attached are a few documents sent by the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) to help spread awareness on the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Understand Your Options Before Open Enrollment - Comparison of the pros and cons of both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage: Talking Points - Focus points for Medicare Advantage.

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community For Pay Period Ending August 3rd                                                                                  August has arrived, signifying a lot of things that June recently left behind: teacher orientations ramping up, band practices being designed, and of course football once again arriving in practice fields (do I hear of three-peat conversations – sure to jinx us at this early notice). Heat has yet to die down, so summer lingers for many of us… but signs of seasonal transition are again upon us.   A bit of a redirection from our past two plus month’s pattern at MCH, will not be all unwelcome to me. For just as good weather makes for a healthier and more active population, which for those of us lucky enough to experience are quite grateful…such that we have taken time off for vacations, and now anticipate the next annual life cycle event – isn’t that what each new start of school triggers: one incremental class grade to ours or our kids or our grandkids resumes, it almost feels like the start of school is far more of a “new year start” than that of a mid-winter January 1st..   All in all, our summer business has really not more than leveled off from its busy spring numbers…we have not seen a decline like in prior years.  Our day’s cash on hand is holding its own and, as any Flint Hill’s rancher, teacher, or work at home entrepreneur will tell you…cash still rules, as that is what pays expenses. I honestly believe our ER severity levels have continued to grow in the past couple of years, which is a very nice tribute to our resident’s thorough trust in our care. I am proud of our ER support team!   I close with a thank you to all of those student minded folks who are considering either starting or extending training in health related programs. Our MCH Auxiliary gave out two scholarships this week to two recent high school grads now enrolled in college to pursue Physical Therapy and Ultrasound degrees or certifications. This adds to numerous others I am hearing about that are in nursing programs, EMT, radiology, and lab tech programs…all of whom we are eager to make contact with and assist you with your mandatory clinical rotations. We can also assist you with your training costs in exchange for a commitment to work here following completion of your training. It is great to at last see an uptick in folks choosing the health care field, following some disruptive COVID related withdrawals from our space.   And, thanks to all our staff who are daily mindful that our customers and visitors come first! Kevin Leeper, CEO

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community For Pay Period Ending July 20th            This political year is getting more and more interesting from my one biweekly report to the next (not every day we talk about assassination attempts and significant resignations). By sitting in a lead chair of a County owned business I am not permitted to speak from a politically directed perspective, but I CAN encourage everyone to dial in the best way they can as to what is really going on in our Country (and World) and recognize that the stakes for America’s ongoing global financial leadership may never be more vulnerable than they are today…and our lives will definitely not be the same if we lose that ranking. And I can also say that this year’s elections, starting on August 6, 2024 (with its primaries), are very important for us all to utilize our rights and voices and make sure we vote with a conviction from our studied hearts and minds. Even little Morris County has very important choices to make and I encourage everyone to turn out and “vote their preferences like they matter”!   Our local businesses (and hospital) are definitely impacted by choices made in Washington and to some extent in Topeka. We are all struggling with the added costs of business, driven by inflation, which has been escalated by the never before seen spending frenzy in Washington due to the COVID triggered stimulus spending…which I hope has reached its end, even though millions of people are still living with some financial distress. MCH is continuing its year and a half trend of significant growth in its business, partially contributed by the closure of the Herington Hospital, and also by continuing to bring in new services, but our rising expense impact, caused by inflation, has prevented us from growing our margin like we might have expected in the pre-Covid market. I know MCH is not alone in this dynamic, and it just accentuates the fact that we need change in how we are governed – which would be a whole lot easier if we weren’t such a divided nation – something not soon to end as things are now going.   Forgive my wandering, but it is getting late into a meaningful election year.  The MCH Board did just receive our Final 2023 Audit Report from Forvis this week, and the audit validated everything I just said: much improved growth in services, and also a growth in costs…bringing considerable improvement over a rough previous year, but not where we still aspire to be. That’s why we’re back pushing hard in 2024. I want to thank everyone for their recent work in prepping for an expected State survey by year’s end – also enduring a recent mock survey in decent fashion. The work for one of these required functions is a bit different than regular duties of patient care, but it is important, as it actually dovetails into how, via updated policies, we actually give that care. So thanks team for continuing with those tasks as well!   Glad to have Dr. Samani now start visiting us every week, and congrats to the Surgery and Nursing teams for delivering two total knee replacements in a single day this week…a first for our facility! And, thanks to all our staff who are daily mindful that our customers and visitors come first! Kevin Leeper, CEO

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community For Pay Period Ending July 6th Does it feel safe to say that the Dog Days of Summer are starting to secure their grip on us? I see three digit temperatures are again in our forecast, and surely our abundance of rain is soon to dry up. Indeed the passage of time has no brakes, and the next season is creeping up on us just as we are beginning to enjoy summer’s edge. For MCH, we have passed our mid-year cycle and June, which started out quite sluggishly, ended with a bang. It was very rewarding to be called to deliver some newly approved medications through our infusion center, which resulted, in essence, in an expanded service center for us. Whatever we can do to help keep our  area-wide residents from traveling to more congested health centers, the better for all of us.   It has been reported that our new, as the first of the year, Pulmonary Rehab Center, is now graduating members with a far greater capacity of unburdened exertion than they had experienced 3-4 months before. This mirrors our targeted results, but it so is nice when patients actually speak proudly of achieving those goals. Also, Dr. Samani has commenced with his now weekly visits to Council Grove, and he is already scheduling more rehabilitative surgeries to help our patients’, right here at home.   Our recruiting efforts for next year’s residency graduates of Drs. Peach and Gillam ended unceremoniously with their election to go to western Kansas, where they had gone through a rural training rotation at Scott City Hospital. Coming in a strong second place just doesn’t feel good, but partially with their recommendations, we have 3-4 more prospects to whom we will be showcasing our wonderful Community. We mustn’t hang our heads…because we do have plenty to offer, and recruiting two families of three can be more slippery than focusing on just one doctor (and family) at a time.   As July represents Men’s Health Month, I encourage all males of households to consider getting their prostate cancer screenings done and if it has been a while, to schedule a complete wellness exam. Know also, that our doctors and midlevels are all well trained and skilled in analyzing skin growths and removal of suspect spots.   Thanks to all our staff who are daily mindful that our customers and visitors come first! K evin Leeper, CEO

The heat doesn't have to stop you from getting outside and getting a good walk! Here are some tips to keep moving (and getting the benefits of walking outdoors) even when the temps begin to rise. Choose the Right Time: Plan your outdoor workouts during the cooler parts of the day, typically early morning or late evening. Avoid exercising during the peak heat hours, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key when exercising in the heat. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Carry a water bottle with you as you head out the door, and electrolyte drinks can also help replenish salts lost through sweat.  Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing that allows your body to breathe and sweat effectively. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry.  Pace Yourself: Reduce the intensity and duration of your workouts in hot weather, especially if you're not accustomed to exercising in high temperatures. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.  Seek Shade or Cool Areas:  If possible, choose shaded or cooler locations for your workouts, such as trails with some tree coverage.  This can help reduce the overall heat stress on your body.  Wear Sunscreen:  Protect your skin from sunburn by applying sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outdoors. Reapply as necessary, especially if you're sweating heavily. A hat is a great choice to protect your face if you don’t want to chance sweating sunscreen into your eyes.  Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses:  Be aware of symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, or cramps. If you experience any of these, stop exercising immediately, find a cool place, and hydrate.  Consider Indoor Alternatives:  On extremely hot days, consider indoor alternatives such as gym workouts, swimming, or exercise classes in air-conditioned environments. Our local Council Grove Life Center has some great indoor exercising options. Gradually Acclimate:  If you're new to exercising in the heat, gradually acclimate your body by starting with shorter workouts and slowly increasing intensity and duration over time.  Listen to Weather Warnings: Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat advisories in your area. It's crucial to adjust your workout plans accordingly to ensure safety.  Health Wise Lunch Bunch meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and in July, Vanessa Kitchens, RRT will be talking about our new Pulmonary Rehab center and how you can improve your lung function. She is a great resource for those with lung disease such as Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis and much more!  Lunch is $6 and you do need to reserve your spot. You can call 620-767-6811 ext. 148 or email szeigler@mrcohosp.com  to reserve a spot. Save the date for the 27th annual MCH Golf Benefit tournament to be held on Saturday, August 17th at the Council Grove Country Club. If you need a registration flyer, you can pick one up from the hospital, or at www.mrcohosp.com . Morris County Assisted Living residents love a good bingo game as they stay indoors trying to beat the heat.  Do you know someone who would benefit from joining this fun group? We currently have three apartments open and ready to move in! Contact Laverne for a tour and more information. 620-767-5600.

The primary purpose of the FHLB Owner Occupied Rehab grant is to improve or modernize low-income to moderate-income family homes. The FHLB Owner-Occupied Rehab grant repair/replacement program includes accessibility modifications, weatherization, energy efficiency, critical repairs, and exterior repair services to remedy code violations and revitalize neighborhoods.   Benefits:   ·         Families can live in a safe and well-maintained home ·         Neighborhoods become revitalized ·         Affordable housing across the state inventory is preserved.   Types of Repairs/Replacement:   ·         Roof, Gutter, and Siding repair or replacement ·         Exterior doors and window repair or replacement ·         Plumbing, electrical, water heater, and HVAC repair or replacement ·         Accessibility modifications ·         Emergency repairs ·         Sewer/Septic tank repair or replacement ·         Bathroom and Kitchen upgrades/remodels

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community Administrator’s Bi-Weekly Review For Pay Period Ending June 22nd Seems like we are on a run of Holidays as we approach Independence Day…having just experiencing Memorial Day, Father’s Day, with Juneteenth Day and locally, Washunga Day, all in the mix! I think our culture does like reasons to celebrate, lol, with all these days being good reasons for such. I think we at MCH have good reasons to celebrate, as well. Today marks a visit for three prospective physicians, as Dr. Bethany Peach is shadowing our work flows to get a better sense if she and her colleague Dr. Morgan Gillam will definitively choose us as their post residency destination! And I am also visiting with a former MCH Doc, Joel Hornung, who is considering a return in some fashion to our campus, following a “retirement of sorts”, from practicing in Manhattan Via Christi’s ER in a few weeks. We would love for all three of these physicians to choose the MCH family as their next practice partner. More to follow.   As our mid-year winds to a close, we are fortunate to still being busy and staying well ahead of last year’s pace. We are still battling inflation, as is everyone, and with the cost of doing business up substantially from a year and two years ago, we are grateful for incremental business which is the best remedy for contending with those issues.   I remind everyone to be careful opening emails that seem or feel odd. We have too many in-state sister hospitals who have had their computer systems compromised recently, and the backlash from those incidents is NOT something anyone wants to deal with. But we are ALL vulnerable and must be diligently alert to intrusion possibilities.   Our Board approved a new anesthesia machine this week to replace a reliable but old and ready for retirement unit. So our growing Surgery business is in a better position! I see a newly resurfaced parking lot is nearing completion and I thank everyone for meeting the parking challenges over the past couple of days.  I wish a safe and enjoyable 4th of July for everyone and may we all take serious pride in our freedoms and not take them for granted!   Kevin Leeper, CEO

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community Administrator’s Bi-Weekly Review For Pay Period Ending June 8th This week ends in Father’s Day, to which we salute all of our Dads! It also marks the end of Men’s Health Week… you know the gender that needs their wives to schedule their preventative procedures and assist them in proper healthcare protocols. So I also salute the respective ladies who try their best to help us guys take care of their selves! Summer is showing its face this week with the first tilting towards three digit temperatures. It is hard to imagine that summer solstice is less than a week away (June 20, 2024) and that next Friday the daylight hours per day will already have begun their shrinking status. Don’t worry though…lots of summer still remains. We have time to begin some summer capital projects, as we will soon see wire pulling for our replacement patient call system and security system. We hope to start the resealing of our parking lot soon, and also tile replacement throughout our hospital’s hallways. Need for our overnight beds remains rather meager, but patient traffic for all other services seems to be holding on, despite a mostly red two weeks relative to our goal attainment. We are excited that Dr. Samani will be moving towards his weekly visits at our hospital starting next Tuesday, but know that his routine day is moving to Wednesdays, accept for the one monthly eye day we conduct, at which point he will come the Tuesday prior on those specific weeks. Our outpatient nurse treatment services are growing lately, as there are more and more infusion type treatments becoming available, to replace some of the daily oral pill and/or injection type therapies. We will be glad to get feedback on whether these new treatment approaches truly aide our patient’s lifestyles and ability to reach their goals. I wish everyone a great father’s day weekend and I thank our staff for watching their resource utilization and for taking great care of our patients and visitors! Kevin Leeper, CEO

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community Administrator’s Bi-Weekly Review For Pay Period Ending May 26th This report will again be brief as I spent the bigger part of last week at the annual KHA/KHSC Board Retreat, in which we developed a new three year strategic plan for a State-wide hospital industry which is really in a financial recovery mode from the pandemic driven recoil and subsequent inflationary times. We learned of some key factors contributing to our financial pressures that have to do with reimbursements, which perhaps can be significantly remedied. Because these involve certain payor sources, we are developing a game plan at this time before releasing many specifics which might compromise our position. So more on this topic to follow soon. You will see below a nice pick up in business from our last pay period, aided by an earlier in the month “eye day”. It is always good to have pay periods in the green for cash collected, one of the nineteen green metrics! But also notice the big drop off in overnight census for the month of May – it was less than half of our targeted number for the entire month…I always attribute that to nice weather, but more likely just the season. Hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day Weekend! Thanks for watching your resource utilizations and for taking great care of our patients and visitors! Kevin Leeper, CEO

Continued Dedicated Service to Our Community Administrator’s Bi-Weekly Review For Pay Period Ending May 11th This report will be very brief as I managed a full week away last week (spent on Estero Island on Ft. Meyer Beach). It is evident from this recent pay period ending 5-11-2024, that our YTD surge in Census has ended…good weather will do that. With very low inpatient volumes, we realized misses in most of our weekly budgeted metrics, but overall revenues did not suffer too severely. Our budgeted volumes were very aggressive this year, so we should expect a few periods like we just experienced. Hope everyone enjoyed the Hospital Week festivities! Thanks for watching your resource utilizations and for taking great care of our patients and visitors! Kevin Leeper, CEO