Brian Ivie, the President and CEO of Skagit Regional Health (SRH), was our program on August 13 to give us an update on the regional health system in light of the Covid-19 impacts.   SRH operates the Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, as well as the Skagit Valley Hospital and over 20 clinics.

 

Before becoming the chief administrator of SRH in 2017, Brian was with Dignity Health in Sacramento, CA.  He has been in health care administration for over 30 years.  The Covid-19 crisis was something, of course, like he has never seen before.

 

Since becoming the CEO, about 60 new providers have been added.  The financial condition of SRH was very strong before the crisis hit in March.  Its mission is now and has always been delivering a high level of care.

 

Brian reported the Covid-19 numbers as of August 10 in Snohomish County:  5,532 individuals who have been tested have tested positive.  There have been 719 hospitalized with 198 deaths and 3,886 recoveries.

 

The immediate priorities of SRH in responding to the pandemic were as follows:

Fortunately, our region has not seen the surge that other areas of the state has seen.  For protection purposes, acute respiratory clinics were established to screen potential cases outside of the hospital setting.  It also responded to the Governor’s mandate to suspend all elective surgeries in order to make sure of capacity and to preserve PPE.

 

Because of a very low profit margin for hospitalizations, SRH relies heavily on its surgeries to meet its budget goals. Gross billings to meet expenses must be about $29 million each week.  Of its gross billings SRH only collects 20 to 23 cents per dollar.  When the pandemic hit SRH was on track to have an $8 million profit.  Even with the infusion of $20 million of federal CARES support, SRH has about an $11 million loss.

 

The challenge in getting back to profitability is for people to again feel safe to seek medical care.  Brian stressed that although it is safe to stay at home, it is not safe to delay care.  Elective surgeries are being performed contrary to the community’s belief that there is no room for them in the hospital.  Delayed care is resulting in persons seeking help needing more help when they finally seek medical attention.

 

One of the positive impacts has been the rise of telehealth.  Even though 66% of surveys of patients before the pandemic said they would take advantage of telehealth, only about 8% actually took advantage.  Here is a chart showing the increase in video and telephone visits.

 

 

One of the keys to recovery is to make it safe for health care consumers.  Here are some of the steps taken to regain consumer confidence:

 

Despite the financial stress, SRH has gone forward with projects and plans.  Recently 3D mammography has been added at Cascade Valley Hospital.  Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat has become part of SRH and its providers will be doing surgeries in Arlington.  Starting November 1, the U of W Neighborhood Clinic will once again become a SRH location. Provider recruitment has also been stepped up. 

 

Brian used his presentation to thank the community for its generosity and support during the pandemic.  He noted that it is a contrast from what he would have expected while he was in California.  There have been more than 100 individuals, clubs, groups and businesses to thank. One business that he singled out for recognition was Arlington’s Grocery Outlet for mask and food donations.  Another was the video  featuring CVH “heroes in scrubs” produced by the Kuhns.

 

Because our president Bryce was tied up with a patient, our Club Administration Director Jola Barnett presided over the meeting.  Not only was it her birthday, but she is also one of SRH administrators.  She was recognized by Brian for her leadership at SRH, and Jola had a lot of praise for Brian’s leadership.

 

 

The video of Brian’s presentation is available on our club’s YouTube channel.  To see the video of the presentation, click HERE.  This was Brian's last  message: