Small Town News

Clinic, medical center join forces to build stronger healthcare model

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Two long-standing healthcare institutions of north central North Dakota have joined to form one organization. The Johnson Clinic PC with locations in Rugby, Dunseith, Maddock, and Towner, has been purchased by the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby (HAMC).

The signing of the official agreement was a major milestone in what has been a collaborative process between the two parties over the past two and a half years: The idea transformed from initial discussions beginning in early 2008 to a formal resolution undertaken in September 2009. Representatives of the clinic and hospital recognized they could build a stronger organization that would deliver a better model of healthcare for the region. Under the agreement The Johnson Clinic PC will undergo a name change to Heart of America Johnson Clinic.

Joint leadership has been key Bonnie Mattern, clinic administrator, reinforced this while reflecting on integration. "It has been a challenging process, but by keeping our eyes focused on the goal of an integrated healthcare system, we recognize it will bring great value to our patients within Rugby and the surrounding communities."

The hospital, incorporated under the Good Samaritan Hospital Association (GSHA), has been located in Rugby since 1911. Johnson Clinic started operations in 1946 on an adjacent site, beginning the long-established relationship. The process of integrating the two has undergone extensive planning to assure the transition will be as seamless as possible to their patients, reflecting the relationship they have had for over half a century.

Jeff Lingerfelt, HAMC CEO, described the advantages and process. "We are very excited to get the deal done. It's a huge step. It will assist the hospital in recruitment efforts and really give us an integrated system that is the model of the future. And, it will allow the hospital to really be financially sound going forward with the clinic."

"The process was one of a lot of folks working hard; Dr. Selland and the whole group from the Johnson Clinic, Bonnie Kuehnemund, our comptroller, and numerous hospital staff, and Wes Black, our chairman, with the entire hospital board working hard and offering encouragement. This type of teamwork gives us a really positive outlook for the future."

Joint operations offer many advantages for regional healthcare. Among these are consistencies in patient care, improved financial outlook, combined resources for service and technological advancement, and prospective provider recruitment.

Patient care consistency and quality is achieved by having more providers operating jointly between facilities and under one system. Medical records have been combined, and under a developing electronic health records system, will advance continuity between in- and outpatient consultations.

Gains in efficiency are expected to be realized contributing to improved financial performance. Reimbursement from insurances, especially Medicare and Medicaid, will increase for the Clinic by joining with the Hospital. The efficiency gains and improved reimbursement structure will strengthen the financial future for all of HAMC. Utilizing the working capital and existing resources of both facilities provides a means to enhance service, improve infrastructure, and purchase the latest equipment.

Providers will find the new organization offers a more comprehensive medical center and better working arrangements increasing prospects for recruitment. Financial outlook is also an important factor in securing physicians.

The combined institutions will yield increased service choices and position HAMC and Heart of America Johnson Clinic to continue delivering high-quality healthcare well into the future.

Wes Black, Chairman of the GSHA Board, had this to say "The integration is a positive step for the future of medical care in Rugby and surrounding communities. The hospital board is pleased with the results and feels we have a great group of medical providers and staff to successfully implement the change. Thank you to all that have played a part in the process, and we look forward to a great future together."It has been a challenging process, but by keeping our eyes focused on the goal of an integrated healthcare system, we recognize it will bring great value to our patients within Rugby and the surrounding communities."

Bonnie Mattern, Clinic administrator



Copyright 2010 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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