Hospital board discusses QIPP
Linda Tinnerman ends her service to the Chambers County Public Hospital District No. 1 board Sept. 25. She is shown (center) with fellow directors Eric Humphrey, Andy Legg, Annette Abernathy and Leslie Turner. Photo by Sue Hawthorne
ANAHUAC– The Chambers County Public Hospital District No. 1 board discussed the Quality Incentive Payment Program Sept. 25.
QIPP is a Texas payment program designed to help nursing facilities improve care quality, first implemented on Sept. 1, 2017.
CCPHD No. 1 holds the license to 20 nursing homes across Texas and receives revenue from the state as the facilities document levels of care to patients. The firm New Light administers the program for the hospital district.
Chief Financial Officer Kim Cooper told the board that she forecasts a profit of $860,000 from the QIPP program this fiscal year.
The board also discussed the expected increase in patient revenue with the recent addition of providers for the district’s three clinics.
“Everything on our financials look really good,” she added as the board went through the rest of the financial report.
In other matters, the board discussed the new Emergency Room canopy at Bayside Community Hospital. Chief Executive Officer Ann Newton reported that although the canopy construction ran into a few issues, the project should be finished soon.
A new canopy was necessary because newer ambulances are taller than when the original canopy was built, most likely 75 years ago.
Chambers County Health Clinics Director Elissa Lofgren reported that bids are being received for the parking lot expansion for West Chambers Health Clinic in Mont Belvieu. The board has approved up to $215,000 for the project.
The board discussed the School-based Health Clinics in Anahuac ISD and Dayton ISD. Lofgren reported that Dayton ISD is out-performing Anahuac ISD in student/staff visits. It was discussed that recent staff changes at AISD may contribute to the decrease in use of the clinics that operate in partnership with the campuses.
The board discussed the potential of offering hospice services with Newton replying that the hospital district contracts with three hospice agencies to use Bayside Community Hospital. Newton also reported that the hospital provides respite care for caregivers, allowing ill persons needing long-term care to stay in the hospital for up to five days.
Board Vice President Annette Abernathy suggested that the services be promoted, including through social media. Directors also discussed Care Message, the new patient messaging system.
Newton also reported on festivities celebrating the hospital’s 75th anniversary. A Legacy Reunion was held recently with a Family Fun Day set for Oct. 4 on the hospital grounds. Free flu vaccines will all be available Oct. 4.
Sponsorships are being solicited for an Anniversary Gala Oct. 11 at White’s Park. Tickets for the dinner, dance and silent auction are available by calling 409-267-3143.
The board approved a new Mission Statement Sept. 25: “To provide exceptional healthcare close to home, serving our communities with quality, compassion, and dedication to a healthier tomorrow.”
The board regretfully accepted the resignation of director Linda Tinnerman. Tinnerman, who is moving away from the area, is a long-time Anahuac ISD educator and administrator, having served in many local organizations through the years.
“It is really hard to accept this resignation,” said Board President Andy Legg.
“I have enjoyed working with you through the years in different organizations in the community – frying fish!” he added.
“Serving on this board has been one of my loves,” replied Tinnerman.
The board will consider how to proceed in filling Tinnerman’s vacant seat temporarily. Her first term ends in May 2026.