NIHD news release

An increase in August revenues gave the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors continued optimism that the District’s budget may be back on track after falling short last fiscal year.

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Dr. Kevin Flanigan

During its monthly meeting Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Board was told that increased productivity at the Rural Health Clinic, plus a 15 percent hike in outpatient visits, and new growth in Outpatient Rehabilitation Services helped NIHD’s August net revenues exceed budget by $295,000.

Interim Chief Financial Officer John Tremble told the board that to-date the District’s yearly net income rests at $527,000. Taking other factors and variables into consideration, Tremble said he conservatively projects the District could end the year with a net income of $1,043,000 – a favorable increase compared to the District’s budgeted figure of $623,000.

Last year, NIHD struggled with its budget as it transitioned from reliance on inpatient-based revenue to an approach that puts patient wellness first. As such, over the next few years, the District will come to rely more and more on funding from its outpatient care services.

Chief Executive Officer Kevin S. Flanigan, MD MBA, expressed his gratitude to the NIHD staff for the financial change of direction. “Everyone has taken a more mindful approach to the budget, the physicians and advanced practice providers have stepped up and are leading the increase in productivity, and leadership continues to explore the expansion of needed services like Outpatient Rehabilitation,” he said.

Dr. Flanigan went on to say that carefully-chosen expansions can quickly enhance the lives of those served by the District. For example, Dr. Flanigan said many local families are already taking advantage of Rehabilitation’s newly-expanded children’s services so they can help their sons and daughters achieve developmental milestones.

“It is critically important to have a different level of service for children,” he said. “Adults need physical therapy because they’ve injured themselves or have worn out some joint or tendon, and they need to recover. Children haven’t developed the proper use in the first place, so it’s about learning how to properly do something – how to properly keep your balance, how to properly walk, or how to properly swallow – as opposed to trying to recover.”

Dr. Flanigan invited board members to Rehabilitation Services’ upcoming Open House, Friday, Oct. 27, 3-6 p.m. Both Adult and Children Rehabilitation Services will be open for public tours with staff therapists available to answer questions. Children’s activities will feature a superhero-theme.

In other action, the NIHD Board of Directors unanimously approved the addition of Bishop resident Heidi Dougherty to the NIH Foundation Board of Directors. Dougherty joins the existing ten-member board as it prepares for its largest fundraiser of the year, the second annual Avenue of Excellence Awards Dinner.

The dinner, planned for Saturday, Nov. 11 at Cerro Coso Community College, is designed to celebrate staff excellence in the delivery of quality healthcare. The evening includes a reception, silent auction, catered dinner and awards program.

Honored for their service and commitment to the residents of Northern Inyo County will be Dr. Jeanine Arndal, named Physician of the Year; registered nurse Cynthia Dayhuff, the 2017 DAISY Award recipient; and, certified nurse’s aide Francine Berube, named Employee of the Year.

The Foundation provides support to NIHD by funding health programs and initiatives that directly benefit those served by the healthcare district. Each year, the foundation also makes necessary equipment purchases not covered by the district’s budget or other funding sources.

Tickets for the dinner are still available by calling Greg Bissonette, Foundation Executive Director, at (760) 873-2166.

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