The St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange took a major step forward in trying to keep the doors open.
St. Mark’s received federal approval for a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation in a letter that was dated April 12 from the Medicare Administrative Contractor.
The notification stated that the designation is effective retroactive to the REH classification application date, which was February 24.
Under the REH designation, St. Mark’s receives a five percent higher Medicare reimbursement, as well as a monthly facility fee that helps to address operational cost increases including areas of labor and supplies.
The designation is part of the board of directors continued to work toward a longer term solution to continue providing health care in Fayette and Lee Counties.
St. Mark’s CEO Mark Kimball told the Fayette County Record that he is very proud of their staff and the way that they have been able to navigate the changes.
Kimball added that RN Laurie Quitta is now serving as Director of Emergency Services. She joins Emergency Services Medical Director Dr. Roger Willis in providing quality care to their patients.
Under the REH designation, St. Mark’s will be providing 24/7 emergency services, plus things like observation, laboratory, imaging and X-Rays, mammography, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular imaging, wound care, and sleep study.
