January 17
Figures are in for November and December 2013 for embattled Tulare Regional Medical Center (TRMC) and will be reported at next week’s district finance committee meeting.The numbers,posted January17, show the hospital’s patient census at a very low 38 in December in a facility offering 112 beds.The number of patients has declined over the past few years with 51 patients listed a year ago December and an average of 66 in 2010.
With less patient revenue the district recorded a net operating loss in December of $887,764 and a $4.2 million loss year-to-date based on its July to June fiscal year.
TRMC actually reported some rare black ink in November with a $234,691 operating gain. Compared to its $4.2 million loss so far this fiscal year the district had budged only a $1.5 million loss. At this time last fiscal year – TRMC had lost $4.1 million.
Details of December’s performance are full of declines compared to budgeted assumptions. Surgeries were down 8% from budget,MRI procedures down 31%, admissions from ER visits were down 24%, primary care clinic visits declined in December by 41% while home health visits were down 38%.
In the past few week the district hospital entered into a new management contract to run the business with HealthCare Conglomerate Associations (HCCA) and TRMC let go their CEO Shawn Bolouki. HCCA promises to work to turn around the financially ailing district
Also the contractor Harris Construction voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit against the district over non-payment of monies to complete the 57 bed hospital tower after they lost a court case.
The tower expansion project financials show that as of December 31 there is $6.7 million left in cash to complete the long delayed project that still has some months to go. Harris had complained in court filings that they did not believe TRMC had enough money to complete the project.