2014-08-15T10:29:23-05:00 2013-09-30 621517792 PERSHING YOAKLEY & ASSOCIATES P C ONE CHEROKEE MILLS 2220 SUTHERLAND AVE KNOXVILLE TN 37919 990 2012-10-01 581694098 NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER INC NORT 7702196646 743 SPRING STREET GAINESVILLE GA 305013899 ANTHONY HERDENER 7702196646 2014-08-15 1 SUSAN P CLARKCPAFHFMA P00017549 8656730844 2012 2015-11-30 17:44:51Z CAROL BURRELL 743 SPRING STREET GAINESVILLE GA 305013899 727146925 0 X WWW.NGHS.COM X 1986 GA TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY. 14 8 0 638 2879942 -93806 1584101 2504670 647814844 680350741 34902826 43159018 1163689 959770 685465460 726974199 202601 1814498 0 0 244747884 262129014 0 0 0 342170142 353730602 587120627 617674114 98344833 109300085 1023124372 1128236649 677586138 724824863 345538234 403411786 X THE MISSION OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER (NGMC) IS TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE, ACCESSIBLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY. 0 0 542937145 1814498 680546409 NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. IS A 557 BED REGIONAL REFERRAL FACILITY PROVIDNG A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ACUTE CARE AND SPECIALTY MEDICAL CARE. NGMC SERVES THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA; HALL COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES.**SEE SCHEDULE O FOR PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONTINUATION****SEE LATER IN SCHEDULE O FOR PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONTINUATION** 542937145 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 374 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 14 8 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 GA X LINDA D NICHOLSON CONTROLLER 7702196646 743 SPRING STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501 JACKIE WALLACE 1.00 X 0 0 0 ALEX WAYNE 1.00 X 0 0 0 KIT DUNLAP 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN HEMMER 1.00 X 0 12120 0 JAY HORTENSTINE 1.00 40.00 X 0 448190 28416 ROGER OWENS 1.00 X 0 0 0 LUA BLANKENSHIP 1.00 X 0 0 0 RODNEY SMITH 1.00 X 0 0 0 KAYE ANN HERTH 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN NIX 1.00 X 0 0 0 JANE SMOOT 1.00 X 0 0 0 DOUG CARTER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN PRIEN 1.00 X 0 0 0 LARRY E DENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 DALLAS GAY 1.00 X 0 0 0 JACK KEENER 1.00 X 0 0 0 SPENCE PRICE 1.00 X 0 0 0 DEBORAH MACK 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN A WILLIAMSON 40.00 1.00 X 0 337413 64336 CAROL H BURRELL 1.00 40.00 X 0 955367 912364 ANTHONY M HERDENER 1.00 40.00 X 0 529141 139459 NANCY J MARTIN 40.00 1.00 X 0 316924 82236 SONJA F MCCLENDON 40.00 1.00 X 0 0 0 TRACY M VARDEMAN 1.00 40.00 X 0 277018 65979 JAMES BAILEY 1.00 32.00 X 0 597914 28418 KAREN S WATTS 40.00 1.00 X 0 0 0 MARY M STRAND 1.00 40.00 X 0 54951 1104 SAMUEL O JOHNSON 1.00 40.00 X 0 437805 68068 ALLANA L CUMMINGS 1.00 40.00 X 0 434062 56407 JAMES WALKER 1.00 40.00 X 0 258465 49504 BRADLEY K NURKIN 40.00 1.00 X 0 153794 5356 LINDA NICHOLSON 1.00 40.00 X 0 253528 75883 PAUL G VERVALIN 1.00 40.00 X 0 375481 63188 STEPHEN A CARLSON 40.00 X 0 172955 37230 DEBRA DUKE 40.00 X 0 159549 38018 ZAN E MILLER 40.00 X 0 216121 22880 RANDALL P MILLER 40.00 X 0 263673 33271 DAVID E PATTERSON 40.00 X 0 195486 22798 HAROLD V LAW JR 40.00 X 0 173055 21812 CHRISTOPHER PARAVATE 40.00 X 0 197163 25705 JAMES E GARDNER JR 0.00 X 0 703102 3606 SANDRA K JOHNSON 0.00 X 0 116821 8019 0 7640098 1854057 0 1 1 0 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS PO BOX 402076 ATLANTA GA 30384 EQUIP MAINTENANCE/ REPAIR 4162659 PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS NA PO BOX 100355 ATLANTA GA 30384 EQUIP MAINTENANCE/ REPAIR 3647886 MILNER VOICE AND DATA 5125 PEACHTREE IND BLVD NORCROSS GA 30092 TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES 2737088 WILLIS INVESTMENT COUNCIL 710 GREEN STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501 INVESTMENT SERVICES 1334034 AESYNT 500 CRANBERRY WOODS DR CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP PA 16066 SOFTWARE/ EQUIP MAINTENANCE 1210051 273 2504670 2504670 NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE 621400 669041455 666205949 2835506 PHARMACY REVENUE 446110 8841033 8841033 CAFETERIA REVENUE 722210 2218452 2218452 DAY CARE CENTER 624410 205365 205365 MANAGEMENT REVENUE 900099 44436 44436 680350741 20233608 20233608 785129 17214 767915 767915 3813 764102 22958834 122088 0 155512 22958834 -33424 22925410 22925410 PARTNERSHIP INCOME 621990 191855 191855 191855 726974199 666401617 2879942 55187970 1799210 1799210 15288 15288 1140635 977638 162997 203437303 174366112 29071191 12556646 10762301 1794345 29933159 25655711 4277448 15061271 12909015 2152256 21949394 18812826 3136568 1530911 1312144 218767 1455815 1247779 208036 33639180 28832141 4807039 592317 507675 84642 8667127 7428595 1238532 426424 365488 60936 31020268 26587472 4432796 42727500 36621740 6105760 1567656 1343638 224018 UBI TAX -163189 -139869 -23320 SUPPLIES 83637125 71685380 11951745 BAD DEBT EXPENSE 67133568 67133568 MEDICAL SUPPLIES 25724158 25724158 33822348 28989135 4833213 617674114 542937145 74736969 0 911053 5565232 93850 79499 77345665 87894418 536244 532786 3723022 4924999 3341634 4422452 863399681 437901546 397401887 425498135 539359757 598367637 34817 56852 376443 894639 1023124372 1128236649 48995094 64961130 599177071 626004501 166007 104226 29247966 33755006 677586138 724824863 X 345538234 403411786 345538234 403411786 1023124372 1128236649 X 109300085 -3007149 -48419384 X 0 1 X 1 0 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 26835 26835 0 EXPLANATION OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES: PART II-B, LINE 1: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PAYS MEMBERSHIP DUES TO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR RESPIRATORY CARE, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES, AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN MEDICAL REHABILITATION PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HEALTHCARE HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS, COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES, CLINICAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, GEORGIA HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION, GREATER HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, GEORGIA SOCIETY FOR HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLATIVE CARE ORGANIZATION, SOCIETY OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY, SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS, SOCIETY OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY, REGION 2 EMS DIRECTOR'S ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION, ASSOCIATION FOR PROFESSIONALS IN INFECTION CONTROL, COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS, GEORGIA HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION, GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, HEALTHCARE INFORMATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SOCIETY, FOOTHILLS OF GEORGIA SHRM CHAPTER, AND SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCES. A PORTION OF THESE DUES ARE DESIGNATED FOR LOBBYING ACTIVITIES BY THESE ORGANIZATIONS. 15041133 4067156 139010 2329610 67800 16849889 11866689 2888063 279190 41382 -48573 15041133 10371919 2757537 50661 1305082 8346 11866689 9240287 1974645 106903 938110 11806 10371919 10316115 2333317 36357 3552570 -107068 9240287 0.17160 0.82840 0 1 1 8855006 8855006 379355586 117991764 261363822 10210993 7311409 2899584 412513406 305186664 107326742 52464690 7411709 45052981 425498135 ESTIMATED THIRD PARTY PAYER SETTLEMENTS 14302680 CAPITALIZED LEASES 1668843 DEFERRED COMPENSATION 12198762 ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF INTEREST RATE SWAPS 5584721 33755006 X 656415444 -67876157 -67876157 724291601 1455815 1226783 2682598 726974199 546558113 17214 17214 546540899 1455815 69677400 71133215 617674114 DESCRIPTION OF INTENDED USE OF ENDOWMENT FUNDS: PART V, LINE 4: ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE HELD BY THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION, INC. ( A RELATED TAX-EXEMPT ENTITIY) FOR THE BENEFIT OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. SPECIFICALLY, ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE TO BE USED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, NGMC EXPENSES AND INDIGENT CARE. DESCRIPTION OF UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS UNDER FIN 48: PART X, LINE 2: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. (NGMC) IS CLASSIFIED AS AN ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. AS SUCH, NO PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES HAS BEEN MADE IN THE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, MANAGEMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE NGMC HOLDS ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE UNDER GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. IT IS THE NGMC'S POLICY TO RECOGNIZE INTEREST AND/OR PENALTIES RELATED TO INCOME TAX MATTERS AS AN OPERATING EXPENSE WHERE APPLICABLE. PART XI, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE 518,353. NON-OPERATING EXPENSES -1,260,942. ESTIMATED PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS -67,133,568. PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: PARTNERSHIP INCOME NOT ON BOOKS 212,505. RENTAL EXPENSES -17,214. NET ASSETS RELEASED FROM RESTRICTIONS 1,031,492. PART XII, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: RENTAL EXPENSES 17,214. PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: NON-OPERATING EXPENSES 1,260,942. PARTNERSHIP EXPENSES NOT ON BOOKS 48. ESTIMATED PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS 67,133,568. TRANSFERS TO/FROM AFFILIATES 1,282,842. 1 1 1 X 1 X 1 1 1 0 1 1 27630112 27630112 0.05020 80957579 78867934 2089645 0.00380 2153372 1870773 282599 0.00050 110741063 80738707 30002356 0.05450 27 201349 1974249 24151 1950098 0.00350 10 6206 1194065 1194065 0.00220 107145928 101883682 5262246 0.00960 1 80 545759 174535 371224 0.00070 19 800 448396 3845 444551 0.00080 57 208435 111308397 102086213 9222184 0.01680 57 208435 222049460 182824920 39224540 0.07130 11 309000 153671 3450 150221 0.00030 1 900 200 700 0.00000 2 3 850 0 850 0.00000 1 500 100 400 0.00000 6 172 405088 0 405088 0.00070 1 807 0 807 0.00000 22 309175 561816 3750 558066 0.00100 1 67133568 0 165310512 168869687 -3559175 X 1 1 1 1 NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER

743 SPRING STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501

X X X NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER 1 1 X X X X X X X X X 12 1 0 1 X X X X X X X X X X 0 0 1 1 150.000000000000 1 300.000000000000 1 X X X X 1 1 X X X X 1 0 1 X 0 0 24 IMAGING CENTER - GAINESVILLE

1315 JESSE JEWELL PKWY GAINESVILLE GA 30501

IMAGING / RADIOLOGY CENTER LAURELWOOD

200 WISTERIA DRIVE GAINESVILLE GA 30501

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IMAGING CENTER - BRASELTON

5875 THOMPSON MILL ROAD HOSCHTON GA 30548

IMAGING / RADIOLOGY CENTER TOCCOA CANCER CENTER

1656 FALLS ROAD TOCCOA GA 30577

CANCER SERVICES NEW HORIZONS NORTH

600 BEVERLY ROAD NE GAINESVILLE GA 30501

LONG TERM CARE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE

597 SOUTH ENOTA DRIVE NE GAINESVILLE GA 30501

REHABILITATION SERVICES NEW HORIZONS LANIER PARK

675 WHITE SULPHUR ROAD GAINESVILLE GA 30501

LONG TERM CARE WOUND OSTOMY CONTINENCE

675 WHITE SULPHUR ROAD GAINESVILLE GA 30501

WOUND HEALING CENTER SLEEP LAB-BRASELTON SATELLITE

5737 THOMPSON MILL ROAD HOSCHTON GA 30548

SLEEP DISORDER CENTER SLEEP LAB - MAIN

1466 JESSE JEWELL PKWY GAINESVILLE GA 30501

SLEEP DISORDER CENTER SLEEP LAB-BUFORD SATELLITE

4445 SOUTH LEE STREET BUFORD GA 30518

SLEEP DISORDER CENTER BLOOD LAB - BRASELTON

5737 THOMPSON MILL ROAD HOSCHTON GA 30548

BLOOD TESTING IMAGING CENTER - DAWSONVILLE

108 PROMINENCE COURT DAWSONVILLE GA 30534

IMAGING / RADIOLOGY CENTER REHAB - BRASELTON

5875 THOMPSON MILL ROAD HOSCHTON GA 30548

REHABILITATION SERVICES REHAB - CLEVELAND

640-A HELEN HWY CLEVELAND GA 30528

REHABILITATION SERVICES ONCOLOGY INFUSION SERVICES

1498 JESSE JEWELL PARKWAY SUITE C HALL GA 30501

CANCER SERVICES REHAB - OAKWOOD

3931 MUNDY MILL ROAD SUITE B OAKWOOD GA 30566

REHABILITATION SERVICES REHAB - DAHLONEGA

95 MORRISON MOORE PKWY DAHLONEGA GA 30533

REHABILITATION SERVICES REHAB - BUFORD

4889 GOLDEN PKWY SUITE 150 BUFORD GA 30518

REHABILITATION SERVICES REHAB - DAWSONVILLE

5959 HIGHWAY 53EHIGHTOWER PLACE ST 200 DAWSONVILLE GA 30534

REHABILITATION SERVICES DIABETES ED

675 WHITE SULPHUR ROAD GAINESVILLE GA 30501

DIABETES SERVICES BLOOD LAB - DAWSONVILLE

108 PROMINENCE COURT DAWSONVILLE GA 30534

BLOOD TESTING ESSENTIALLY FOR WOMEN - LACTATION

825 JESSE JEWELL PKWY GAINESVILLE GA 30501

LACTATION BARIATRIC SERVICES

675 WHITE SULPHUR ROAD GAINESVILLE GA 30501

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SERVICES PART I, LINE 6A: THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT IS PUBLISHED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM AND INCLUDES PROGRAMS FOR NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER AND ITS AFFILIATES. THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE (WWW.NGHS.COM) AS WELL AS IN ITS ANNUAL COMMUNICARE MAGAZINE. PART I, LINE 7: CHARITY CARE COST WAS CALCULATED APPLYING SEPARATE COST-TO-CHARGE RATIOS (CCR) TO THE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF) AND TO THE REMAINING PATIENT CHARGES FROM ALL OTHER HOSPITAL ACTIVITIES. THE CCR FOR THE SNF WAS COMPUTED USING THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE SNF LESS BAD DEBT DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL GROSS CHARGES FOR THE SNF. THE CCR FOR THE REMAINING PATIENT CHARGES WAS COMPUTED PURSUANT TO WORKSHEET 2 IN THE SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS.THE CCR FOR THE UNREIMBURSED MEDICAID SERVICES WAS COMPUTED USING A CCR COMPUTED PURSUANT TO WORKSHEET 2 IN THE SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS. OTHER MEANS TESTED GOVERNMENT PROGRAM COST WAS DERIVED FROM INTERNAL TRENDSTAR SYSTEM DATA WHICH COMPUTED COST AT THE PATIENT DETAIL LEVEL. PART I, LINE 7G: SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES WERE FOR INPATIENT REHAB, INPATIENT MEDICINE, AND LAURELWOOD (MENTAL HEALTH). NO COSTS WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PHYSICIAN CLINICS. PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN (F): THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE INCLUDED ON FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 25, COLUMN (A), BUT SUBTRACTED FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGE IN THIS COLUMN IS $ 67133568. PART II: IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED THAT MANY FACTORS COMBINE TO AFFECT THE HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES. WHETHER PEOPLE ARE HEALTHY OR NOT IS DETERMINED BY THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. TO A LARGE EXTENT, FACTORS SUCH AS WHERE WE LIVE, THE STATE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, GENETICS, OUR INCOME AND EDUCATION LEVEL, AND OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALL HAVE CONSIDERABLE IMPACTS ON HEALTH. THE DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH INCLUDE THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, AND A PERSON'S INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIORS. ADDITIONAL FACTORS THAT RELATE INCLUDE EDUCATION, CULTURE, INCOME AND SOCIAL STATUS, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS, SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS, GENETICS, HEALTH SERVICES, AND GENDER. IF COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE ADEQUATE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, INCOME, A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND SUPPORTIVE SOCIAL NETWORKS, THEY WILL HAVE THE CAPACITY TO MAKE HEALTHIER BEHAVIOR CHOICES AND BE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES. THEREFORE, NGMC AS AN ORGANIZATION MUST CONSIDER THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH STATUS AS PART OF PREVENTATIVE CARE.THE COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN PART II INCLUDE:SPONSORSHIP OF CHILDREN'S CENTER FOR HOPE AND HEALINGNGMC SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN'S CENTER FOR HOPE AND HEALING WITH A DONATION TO HELP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE.SPONSORSHIP OF WOMENSOURCENGMC SUPPORTS WOMENSOURCE, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DESIGNED TO HELP WOMEN SUCCEED BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY. WOMENSOURCE PROVIDES, AMONG OTHER PROGRAMS, A FINANCIAL LEARNING SEMINAR FOR WOMEN WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING IN THIS AREA.SPONSORSHIP OF THE WISDOM PROJECTTHE WISDOM PROJECT IS A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS SPONSORED BY BRENAU UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR LIFETIME STUDY. IT SEEKS TO RECRUIT THOSE 50 AND OLDER "TO SHARE THEIR WISDOM, EXPERIENCES AND TALENTS IN CREATIVE WAYS THROUGH ACTION AND ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF HALL COUNTY." NGMC SPONSORED 3 PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAM. PART III, LINE 4: BAD DEBT EXPENSE REPORTED ON LINE 2 REPRESENTS GROSS CHARGES WRITTEN OFF DURING THE FISCAL YEAR NET OF ANY RECOVERIES. THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DO NOT CONTAIN A FOOTNOTE REGARDING BAD DEBTS. PART III, LINE 8: THE MEDICARE COSTS SHOWN ON LINE 6 WERE COMPUTED USING THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO REFLECTED IN THE ORGANIZATION'S MEDICARE COST REPORT. PART III, LINE 9B: THE CHARITY CARE AND PAYMENT FOR SERVICES POLICY DESCRIBES HOW UNINSURED PATIENTS CAN RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE POLICY DESCRIBES THE AVAILABILITY OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND INDICATED THAT AN APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS PART OF THE PROCESS. IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE FUNDS FOR UNCOMPENSATED CARE ARE NOT ABUSED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IN NEED WITHIN THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA, NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER WILL MAKE REASONABLE ATTEMPTS TO ASSIST ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES TO BECOME COVERED UNDER ANY AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION IS ON EACH PATIENT STATEMENT AND PROVIDED AT EACH REGISTRATION AREA. ONCE A COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS RECEIVED, DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS MADE. CHARITY AND/OR INDIGENT CARE APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AT ANY TIME IN THE COLLECTIONS CYCLE UNTIL THE ACCOUNT IS IN A LEGAL DEFAULT STATUS. PATIENTS BELOW 150% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES (FPL) ARE NOT BILLED FOR ANY MEDICALLY NECESSARY HOSPITAL CARE. PATIENTS BETWEEN 151-185% FPL ARE DISCOUNTED BY THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE RATE PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 40%. PATIENTS BETWEEN 186-235% FPL ARE DISCOUNTED BY THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE RATE PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 20%. PATIENTS BETWEEN 236-300% FPL ARE DISCOUNTED BY THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE RATE. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 3: THE HOSPITAL TOOK INTO ACCOUNT INPUT FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL FACILITY, INCLUDING THOSE WITH SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF OR EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC HEALTH VIA 6 FOCUS GROUPS AND 20 KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS. SEE ATTACHED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR A LISTING OF THE PARTICIPANTS. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7: 1. PROGRAMS DIRECTED TOWARD THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED:WHILE NGMC IS MORE INVOLVED WITH REHABILITATION PROGRAMS, THIS IS COMPLEMENTED BY A NUMBER OF HALL COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES THAT ADVOCATE FOR AND HELP SUPPORT THE CAUSES OF THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED. SOME OF THEM INCLUDE THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER, OUR NEIGHBOR, AND RANDY'S HOUSE DESCRIBED BELOW:DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OFFERED TO INDIVIDUALS IN THE NORTH GEORGIA AREA WITH DISABILITIES. THE RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ASSISTS IN THESE INDIVIDUALS LIVING A MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE. SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE ADVOCACY, INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, PEER SUPPORT, ASSISTIVE DEVICE ASSISTANCE, COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINING, HOME MODIFICATIONS, AND SUPPORT GROUPS. OUR NEIGHBOR, INC.: OUR NEIGHBOR, INC. SUPPORTS 10 RESIDENTS IN THREE HOMES AND ONE APARTMENT. THROUGH BOTH PRIVATE & PUBLIC FUNDING, VOLUNTEER EFFORTS, A DEDICATED STAFF, A BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND THE EFFORTS OF RESIDENTS, ONI OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF SUPPORT FOR DISABLED YOUNG ADULTS. AT PRESENT, SERVICES INCLUDE: HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT & RESUME BUILDING, NETWORKING & REFERRALS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, SOCIAL & LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATES, SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS NUMEROUS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH VARYING LEVELS OF ABILITY.RANDY'S HOUSE: AS PART OF OUR NEIGHBOR, RANDY'S HOUSE IS A HOME FOR YOUNG HANDICAPPED ADULTS. NOT ONLY DOES THE HOME GIVE RESIDENTS INDEPENDENCE, IT GIVES THEIR FAMILIES PEACE KNOWING THAT THEIR ADULT CHILDREN CAN HAVE MORE MEANINGFUL LIVES. THE GOAL IS TO HAVE A COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE DO NOT NOTICE A PERSON'S DISABILITY, BUT EMBRACE A PERSON FOR WHO THEY ARE. THE LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO DUPLICATE WHAT RANDYS HOUSE IS DOING IN GAINESVILLE IN OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE, SO THAT DISABLED PERSONS CAN LIVE WHEREVER THEY WOULD LIKE NEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OR IN AN ENTIRELY NEW COMMUNITY.2. PROMOTION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN:WHILE NGMC DOES PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, THERE ARE OTHER AGENCIES IN THE COUNTY THAT ARE MEETING THIS NEED. A FEW ARE OUTLINED BELOW.GAINESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION HAS SEVERAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS POISED TO HELP IN THE BATTLE AGAINST OBESITY, SUCH AS 20 PARKS, 14 PLAYGROUNDS, AND 8 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS IN NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, PUBLIC TENNIS COURTS, THE FRANCES MEADOWS AQUATIC AND COMMUNITY CENTER WHICH OFFERS YEAR ROUND PUBLIC SWIMMING, YOUTH ATHLETICS, SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS, AND MORE. ADDITIONALLY, A PRIORITY OF THIS AGENCY IS THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO PROGRAMS; THEREFORE, THEY HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CALLED CHILDREN AT PLAY FUND TO HELP CHILDREN WHO OTHERWISE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE.HALL COUNTY PARKS & LEISURE'S MISSION IS TO DEVELOP, MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE A VARIETY OF QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES FOR ALL RESIDENTS. SOME OF THESE INCLUDE 1,459 ACRES OF PARK SPACE, 24 PARKS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, WALKING TRAILS, SOCCER COMPLEX, AND MORE.3. NEED FOR FREE OR LOW COST OPTIONS FOR THE WORKING POOR, UNINSURED, OR THE UNDERINSURED RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES; NEED FOR MORE FUNDING RESOURCES TO COVER THE HIGH COST OF MENTAL HEALTH RELATED MEDICATIONS:WHILE LAURELWOOD IS A RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY, THE NEEDS FOR THESE TYPES OF SERVICES ARE GREATER THAN THE RESOURCES WE COLLECTIVELY HAVE. WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE AVITA COMMUNITY PARTNERS (AVITA COMMUNITY PARTNERS WAS FORMED BY THE 1993 GEORGIA STATE LEGISLATURE TO SERVE PERSONS EXPERIENCING THE DISABLING EFFECTS OF MENTAL ILLNESS, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND ADDICTIVE DISEASES) AND THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, HOWEVER THE NEED IS GREATER THAN RESOURCES AT HAND. THE LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IS A STATE-WIDE AND A NATIONAL ISSUE. 4. NEED FOR EDUCATION AND AWARENESS IN RELATION TO SENIORS' HEALTH ISSUES ACROSS THE HEALTHCARE CONTINUUM; NEED FOR FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:WHILE NGMC DOES PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES TO ASSIST THE SENIOR POPULATION IN GETTING THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT THEY NEED, THE OVERALL NEEDS ARE GREATER THAN JUST ONE ORGANIZATION CAN MEET. GAINESVILLE-HALL COUNTY IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES THAT HELP THE AREAS SENIOR POPULATION. LEGACY LINK AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA): DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IN THE NORTH EAST GEORGIA MOUNTAINS, AAA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVOCACY FOR SENIORS, PLANNING, AND ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAMS, COORDINATION AND MONITORING SERVICES IN THE AREA. FEDERAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED BY A WIDE VARIETY OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS AND PROGRAMS ARE UTILIZED BY THIS NON-PROFIT AGENCY. THE 13 COUNTY SERVICE AREA INCLUDES: BANKS, DAWSON, FORSYTH, FRANKLIN, HABERSHAM, HALL, HART, LUMPKIN, RABUN, STEPHENS, TOWNS, UNION, AND WHITE.AAA HAS THE LEGACY SHOPPE LOCATED IN LAKESHORE MALL WHERE SENIORS CAN COME BY FOR INFORMATION ON SEMINARS, CLASSES OR JUST TO ASK QUESTIONS.A PLACE FOR MOM: THIS COMPANY HAS A LOCAL OFFICE AND PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT SENIOR HOUSING AND ELDER CARE PROVIDERS TO SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES.5. TRANSPORTATION:WHILE NGMC WILL NOT SPEARHEAD DIRECT PROJECTS RELATED TO THE TRANSPORTATION ISSUE, NGMC DOES HAVE SEVERAL SERVICES THAT MAKE HEALTHCARE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY AS DESCRIBED BELOW. THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE RED RABBIT, WHICH PROVIDES SCHEDULED BUS SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE AND PARTS OF THE CITY OF OAKWOOD. BUSES OPERATE FIVE DAYS A WEEK FROM 7:00 AM TO 5:30 PM. THE RED RABBIT SERVES THE LOW INCOME POPULATION AND ALL COMERS; IT MAKES STOPS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, GNCS, NGMC AND INCOME BASED HOUSING IN GAINESVILLE CITY. THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER IN GAINESVILLE, THE AGENCY THAT OVERSEES THE RED RABBIT, SERVES ON NGMCS ADVISORY BOARD AS WELL AS ON THE HEALTH PARTNERS BOARD. 6. NEED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT IMPACT THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY:SEVERAL REVIEWS AND STUDIES HAVE BEEN MADE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY. NGMC ACKNOWLEDGES THIS IS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF OUR AVAILABLE SERVICES.DISTRICT 2 PUBLIC HEALTH PROVIDES AN ARRAY OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS AND PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN OUR AREA. SERVICES INCLUDE CLINICAL PROGRAMS LIKE IMMUNIZATIONS, CHILD HEALTH CHECKS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS INCLUDE FOOD SERVICE INSPECTIONS, TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS INSPECTIONS, AND INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE SYSTEM PERMITS. PART VI, LINE 2: ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS, NGMC SEEKS A VARIETY OF DATA SOURCES AND RELIABLE INDICATORS TO HELP IDENTIFY AND WORK TO IMPROVE ON HEALTH INEQUITIES IN THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY ARE LISTED BELOW:SINCE 1997, NGMC HAS CONDUCTED PERIODIC COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS THROUGH A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CALLED HEALTHY HALL. RESULTS WERE SHARED VIA OUR WEBSITE, WWW.HEALTHYHALL.COM. THE ASSESSMENT INCLUDED FOCUS GROUPS, A TELEPHONE SURVEY AND A REVIEW OF SECONDARY RESEARCH. OUR WORK HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED ON A NATIONAL LEVEL WITH A PRESENTATION GIVEN AT THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT'S (ACHI) NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES, CA, IN MARCH 2009 BY NGMC'S MANAGER OF COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND BILL STILES OF STILES HEALTHCARE STRATEGY. THE TITLE OF PRESENTATION: "HEALTHY HALL: ONE COMMUNITY'S GUIDE TO CONDUCTING SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS THAT LEAD TO POWERFUL OUTCOMES." (THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT (ACHI) IS A PUBLIC HEALTH ORGANIZATION FOUNDED IN 2002. IT IS A PROGRAM OF THE HEALTH RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST AND AN AFFILIATE OF THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION.) NGMC ALSO PARTNERED WITH THE HALL COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION TO PRODUCE THE HALL LIFE REPORT. THE PURPOSE OF THIS "PUBLIC STATUS REPORT ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN HALL COUNTY," IS TO PROVIDE POLICY STAKEHOLDERS, PUBLIC AGENCY PROGRAM PERSONNEL, PRIVATE PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH UPDATED INDICATOR DATA TO INFORM CURRENT POLICY DISCUSSIONS AND DECISION-MAKING. THE HALL LIFE REPORT IDENTIFIES THE STATUS OF LEADING INDICATORS FOR EXCELLENCE. THE FIVE TOPIC AREAS USED IN THIS REPORT ARE CURRENTLY THE SAME AS THOSE USED BY THE FAMILY CONNECTION PARTNERSHIP AT THE STATE LEVEL AS THEY PRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THE ANNUAL KIDS COUNT DATA FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA. THE TOPIC AREAS ARE: HEALTHY CHILDREN, CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL, CHILDREN SUCCEEDING IN SCHOOL, STABLE AND SELF SUFFICIENT FAMILIES, AND STRONG COMMUNITIES. THIS REPORT CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.HCFCN.ORG.ADDITIONALLY, NGMC HAS PARTNERED WITH OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO FORM THE HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE CONSORTIUM. THIS GROUP IS WORKING WITH A LOCAL UNIVERSITY TO DEVELOP AN ONGOING DATABASE OF FIVE DATA ELEMENTS THAT WILL GIVE THE COMMUNITY UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE HEALTH ISSUES AFFECTING ITS RESIDENTS. THE FIVE DATA ELEMENTS THE GROUP PLANS TO COLLECT ARE: BMI (HEIGHT/WEIGHT), A1C, BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL, LDL, AND MICRO ALBUMEN. THIS WILL GIVE US INFORMATION RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING HEALTH ISSUES: OBESITY, DIABETES, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND HYPERTENSION.COUNTY BY COUNTY DATA HAS ALSO BEEN MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE "PARTNER UP! FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN." THIS IS A STATE WIDE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN FUNDED BY THE HEALTHCARE GEORGIA FOUNDATION DESIGNED TO ADVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH IN GEORGIA. MORE INFORMATION AND THE DATA BY COUNTY CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.TOGETHERWECANDOBETTER.COM. THE HALL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALSO SHARES ITS HEALTH RISK SNAPSHOTS FOR COUNTIES IN THE SERVICE AREA, WHICH FOCUSES ON POPULATION TRENDS, YOUTH RISK, INFANT RISK, GENERAL RISK, STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE, TOP CAUSES OF DEATH AND WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM INFORMATION.WE ALSO MONITOR THE COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS PUBLISHED BY THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION (HTTP://WWW.COUNTYHEALTHRANKINGS.ORG/ABOUT-PROJECT). PART VI, LINE 3: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER POSTS NOTICES AT ALL REGISTRATION AREAS TO INFORM PATIENTS AND FAMILIES OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ALL UNINSURED PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL ARE CONTACTED BY THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT AND SCREENED FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAID, INDIGENT CARE, AND OTHER ASSISTANCE AS APPROPRIATE. EACH PATIENT BILLING STATEMENT INCLUDES THE DIRECTIONS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR PATIENTS TO CONTACT OUR HOSPITAL FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE PROVIDES DETAILED INFORMATION TO PATIENTS UNABLE TO PAY AS WELL AS A LINK TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION WITH DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETION. PART VI, LINE 4: THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S TOTAL SERVICE AREA ("TSA") EXPERIENCED AN AVERAGE POPULATION GROWTH OF 3.4% PER YEAR FROM 2000 TO 2010; THIS WAS DOUBLE THE STATE OF GEORGIA RATE OF 1.7% OVER THAT SAME 10-YEAR TIME PERIOD. PROJECTING OUT TO 2014, THE TSA'S POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE GROWING AT A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RATE THAN GEORGIA AS A WHOLE. SIGNIFICANT POPULATION GROWTH IN THE SERVICE AREA WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE ABOVE AVERAGE DEMAND FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES.UNEMPLOYMENT DATA FOR THE REGION ILLUSTRATES THE REGION'S ECONOMY IS MORE RESILIENT THAN THAT OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND THE NATION AS A WHOLE DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.IN 2013, NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER BROKE GROUND ON A NEW 100-BED INPATIENT HOSPITAL AT NGMC'S RIVER PLACE CAMPUS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF HALL COUNTY. THE PROPERTY COMPRISES 119 ACRES AND CURRENTLY CONTAINS ONE MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING HOUSING MEDICAL-PRACTICE AND OTHER MEDICAL-RELATED OFFICES. AT LEAST TWO MORE MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDINGS ARE PLANNED FOR THE RIVER PLACE CAMPUS. (NOTE: THE STATE OF GEORGIA REGULATES THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOSPITALS AND HOSPITAL BEDS ALONG WITH A VARIETY OF OTHER HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND RELATED EXPENDITURES THROUGH ITS CERTIFICATE OF NEED ("CON") LAW. GAINING REGULATORY APPROVAL IN LATE 2006, NGMC'S NEW HOSPITAL IS THE FIRST INCREMENTAL HOSPITAL (I.E., NOT A REPLACEMENT OR CONSOLIDATION OF EXISTING HOSPITAL(S)) APPROVED IN GEORGIA IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS. THE LAST DECADE OR MORE OF POPULATION GROWTH IN THIS AREA OF THE STATE HAS RESULTED IN HIGH, UNMET DEMAND FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL BEDS ACCORDING TO THE STATE'S OWN CON "NEED" CALCULATIONS.)IN LATE 2011, NGMC AND THE GREATER HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENGAGED GEORGIA TECH'S ENTERPRISE INNOVATION INSTITUTE TO EXAMINE THE POTENTIAL FISCAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE NEW HOSPITAL. OVERALL, THE FISCAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL OFFICE COMPLEX ARE VERY ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND TO THE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT. SOME OF THE STUDY'S RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: - IMPACT: THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE HOSPITAL ON HALL COUNTY'S GOVERNMENT IS MEASURED BY THE 20-YEAR NPV (NET PRESENT VALUE), WHICH COMES TO $3,770,955. - IMPACT: THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE HOSPITAL ON HALL COUNTY'S SCHOOL SYSTEM COMES TO A 20-YEAR NPV OF $4,973,998. - IMPACT: THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICE COMPLEX OF PROVIDERS AND NON-PROVIDERS ON HALL COUNTY'S GOVERNMENT COMES TO A 20-YEAR NPV OF $4,664,663. - IMPACT: THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICE COMPLEX OF PROVIDERS AND NON-PROVIDERS ON HALL COUNTY'S SCHOOL SYSTEM COMES TO A 20-YEAR NPV OF $7,674,804.THE HEALTH SYSTEM ANTICIPATES INVESTING CLOSE TO $200 MILLION ON THE NEW HOSPITAL CAMPUS OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS TO MEET THE WELL-ESTABLISHED DEMAND IN THAT COMMUNITY FOR HEALTHCARE AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL SERVICES. PART VI, LINE 5: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS COMPRISED OF 15 MEMBERS AND INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL STAFF AND THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER. BOARD MEMBERS PROVIDE LEADERSHIP THAT SUPPORTS THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER EXTENDS OPEN MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES TO QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS FOR MOST SERVICES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOME EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT SERVICES SUCH AS PATHOLOGY, RADIOLOGY AND ANESTHESIOLOGY. ALL PHYSICIANS UNDERGO AN EXTENSIVE CREDENTIALING PROCESS PRIOR TO BEING GRANTED MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES. THE MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTS PHYSICIAN MANPOWER STUDIES TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF PHYSICIANS NEEDED BY SPECIALTY TO MEET COMMUNITY NEED. INFORMATION FROM THESE STUDIES IS USED TO HELP GUIDE DECISIONS FOR PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT. ALL REVENUES IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES ARE REINVESTED INTO HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY AND NO PROFITS ACCRUE TO INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS. THE MEDICAL CENTER'S CHARITY CARE POLICY HELPS ENSURE ACCESS TO HOSPITAL SERVICES TO LOW INCOME PATIENTS. I.E. PATIENTS WITH A FAMILY INCOME OF LESS THAN OR 150% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES QUALIFY FOR A 100% CHARITY ADJUSTMENT, WHICH MEANS THAT THEIR SERVICES ARE FREE. PART VI, LINE 6: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER (NGMC) IS AN AFFILIATE OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM. OTHER AFFILIATES INCLUDE NORTHEAST GEORGIA PHYSICIANS GROUP, THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION, AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH PARTNERS.THE MISSION OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER AND ALL RELATED AFFILIATES IS "TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY IN ALL WE DO." AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITAL, NGMC TREATS PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY AND IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE FOR THE PROVISION OF CHARITABLE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES ACUTE AND SPECIALTY INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES FOR A 13-COUNTY REGIONAL COMMUNITY AND RECEIVES NO LOCAL TAX SUPPORT FROM ANY OF THOSE COUNTIES FOR OPERATIONS OR INDIGENT CARE. THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION HELPS SUPPORT THE MISSION OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM THROUGH FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES THAT IMPROVE SERVICES OFFERED AT NGMC, AS WELL HEALTH-FOCUSED SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY. NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH PARTNERS WORKS TO BUILD COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HOSPITALS, PHYSICIANS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, EMPLOYERS AND THE EMPLOYEES THEY REPRESENT THROUGH INSURANCE PRODUCTS THAT HELP SUPPORT PATIENT ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE REGION.NORTHEAST GEORGIA PHYSICIANS GROUP IS A MULTI-SPECIALTY GROUP WITH MORE THAN 125 PHYSICIANS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND OTHER CLINICAL STAFF PROVIDING HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT 30 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA, WHICH FURTHER IMPROVES THE 13-COUNTY REGIONAL COMMUNITY'S ACCESS TO CARE.NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. OPERATES RIVER PLACE MEDICAL OFFICE PLAZA, A MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING THAT IS HOME TO AN URGENT CARE CENTER,IMAGING CENTER, OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION CENTER, FULL SERVICE LAB AND MANY PRIVATE PHYSICIAN PRACTICES REPRESENTING MORE THAN20 MEDICALSPECIALTIES, IMPROVINGACCESS TO CARE TO IN THE SOUTHERN REGION SERVED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM REPORTS FILED WITH STATES PART VI, LINE 7 GA 1 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PO BOX 102454 ATLANTA GA 30368 131788491 501(C)(3) 8583 RELAY FOR LIFE SPONSORSHIP GOOD NEWS CLINIC 810 PINE STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501 582058853 501(C)(3) 476682 DONATION FOR OPERATING COSTS AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION PO BOX 4002900 DES MOINES IA 50340 135613797 501(C)(3) 10500 GALA AND 3K HEART WALK INTERACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD 999 CHESTNUT STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501 753077646 501(C)(3) 5600 SPONSORSHIP THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION INC 743 SPRING STREET GAINESVILLE GA 30501 581694820 501(C)(3) 1282845 GENERAL SUPPORT 5 0 SCHOLARSHIPS 6 13476 PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING GRANTS IN THE U.S.: PART I, LINE 2: SCHEDULE I, PART I, LINE 2: THE MAJORITY OF GRANTS ARE TO 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS. BOARD APPROVAL IS OBTAINED PRIOR TO DISBURSEMENT. 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 JAY HORTENSTINE 0 426288 0 0 0 21902 0 8750 0 19666 0 476606 0 0 JOHN A WILLIAMSON 0 229063 0 90184 0 18166 0 46454 0 17882 0 401749 0 25469 CAROL H BURRELL 0 555627 0 363678 0 36062 0 884483 0 27881 0 1867731 0 0 ANTHONY M HERDENER 0 341600 0 132316 0 55225 0 115107 0 24352 0 668600 0 0 NANCY J MARTIN 0 198992 0 107511 0 10421 0 66730 0 15506 0 399160 0 49326 TRACY M VARDEMAN 0 187290 0 71286 0 18442 0 48599 0 17380 0 342997 0 21164 JAMES BAILEY 0 551606 0 19113 0 27195 0 8750 0 19668 0 626332 0 0 SAMUEL O JOHNSON 0 321628 0 94406 0 21771 0 48848 0 19220 0 505873 0 0 ALLANA L CUMMINGS 0 317482 0 102659 0 13921 0 47151 0 9256 0 490469 0 0 JAMES WALKER 0 197312 0 41287 0 19866 0 32756 0 16748 0 307969 0 0 BRADLEY K NURKIN 0 105549 0 32000 0 16245 0 1500 0 3856 0 159150 0 0 LINDA NICHOLSON 0 155251 0 74165 0 24112 0 61330 0 14553 0 329411 0 19706 PAUL G VERVALIN 0 256501 0 112634 0 6346 0 40888 0 22300 0 438669 0 32502 STEPHEN A CARLSON 0 150308 0 19181 0 3466 0 25574 0 11656 0 210185 0 0 DEBRA DUKE 0 133845 0 17869 0 7835 0 21260 0 16758 0 197567 0 0 ZAN E MILLER 0 185874 0 29532 0 715 0 6702 0 16178 0 239001 0 0 RANDALL P MILLER 0 240972 0 0 0 22701 0 27225 0 6046 0 296944 0 0 DAVID E PATTERSON 0 194186 0 0 0 1300 0 7015 0 15783 0 218284 0 0 HAROLD V LAW JR 0 154131 0 17858 0 1066 0 4416 0 17396 0 194867 0 0 CHRISTOPHER PARAVATE 0 169242 0 22036 0 5885 0 726 0 24979 0 222868 0 0 JAMES E GARDNER JR 0 0 0 200886 0 502216 0 0 0 3606 0 706708 0 0 SANDRA K JOHNSON 0 97220 0 0 0 19601 0 2357 0 5662 0 124840 0 0 PART I, LINES 4A-B PART I, LINE 4A JAMES GARDNER, JR. WAS EMPLOYED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. FROM MARCH 2004 UNTIL MARCH 2011. MR. GARDNER WAS HIRED TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE SYSTEM. DURING 2012, MR. GARDNER WAS PAID SEVERENCE OF $502,216 BASED ON THE TERMS OF HIS EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT. PART I, LINE 4B - EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TO 457(F) EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ANTHONY M. HERDENER $ 76,176 PAUL G. VERVALIN $ 32,138 TRACY M. VARDEMAN $ 23,230 LINDA NICHOLSON $ 19,282 JAMES WALKER $ 24,473 CAROL H. BURRELL $851,311 ALLANA L. CUMMINGS $ 38,401 SAMUEL O. JOHNSON $ 40,098 NANCY J. MARTIN $ 24,279 JOHN A. WILLIAMSON $ 28,402 CAROL H. BURRELL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, BEGAN HER CAREER AT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM IN 1999. SHE WAS PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT AND CEO IN JULY 2011. HER FIRST FULL YEAR AS CEO WAS COMPLETED IN 2012 WHICH IS REFLECTED IN HER PAY AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION. THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE 457(F) EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN ON HER BEHALF FOR 2012 ($851,311) WAS COMPUTED BASED ON HER AGE, LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT, AND CURRENT POSITION WITH NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FROM 457(F) PLAN (INCLUDING VESTED EARNINGS ON PREVIOUSLY REPORTED COMPENSATION): NANCY J. MARTIN $49,739 TRACY M. VARDEMAN $22,118 JOHN A. WILLIAMSON $26,617 LINDA NICHOLSON $20,594 PAUL G. VERVALIN $33,967 A THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE (2010A) 586002388 362762KB1 2010-02-18 311522031 REFUND PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF SERIES 2007G AND SERIES 2008B-H BONDS 0 0 0 B THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE (2010B) 586002388 362762KS4 2010-02-18 246724247 REFUND PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF SERIES 2007G AND SERIES 2008B-H BONDS 0 0 0 C THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE (2008A) 586002388 NONEAVAIL 2011-08-26 46625000 REFUND PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF SERIES 2008A 0 0 0 D THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE (2012) 586002388 NONEAVAIL 2012-12-17 200000000 FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACILITY 0 0 0 A 312294866 26214539 7297582 57074032 2013 1 0 1 1 B 247554908 20359320 703 2013 1 0 1 1 C 46625000 46625000 200000 2011 1 0 1 1 D 200000000 631164 27700000 17230000 0 0 0 1 A 0 1 1 1 1 1 0.00260 0.00020 0.00280 0 0 1 B 0 1 1 1 1 1 0.00260 0.00020 0.00280 0 0 1 C 0 1 1 1 1 1 0.00260 0.00020 0.00280 0 0 1 A 0 1 0 0 0 1 JP MORGAN 20.000000000000 0 0 0 0 1 B 0 1 0 0 0 1 JP MORGAN 20.000000000000 0 0 0 0 1 C 0 1 0 0 1 1 CITIBANK NA 15.000000000000 0 0 0 0 1 D 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 A 1 B 1 C 1 D 1 2012 BOND ISSUE IN DECEMBER 2012, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF HALL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE (THE AUTHORITY) ISSUED REVENUE ANTICIPATION CERTIFICATES SERIES 2012 IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000,000 PURSUANT TO A TRUST INDENTURE. THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2012 CERTIFICATES WERE LOANED TO NGHS UNDER A LOAN AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 1, 2012 AND WILL BE USED TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW HOSPITAL FACILITY TO BE LOCATED IN BRASELTON, GEORGIA, AS WELL AS ROUTINE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT EXISTING FACILITIES. THE PROCEEDS OF THE CERTIFICATES WILL BE ISSUED IN A "DRAW-DOWN" FORMAT PURSUANT TO A FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN NGHS AND A BANK. UNDER THE FUNDING AGREEMENT, THE BANK WILL FUND DRAWS ON THE CERTIFICATES ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS PURSUANT TO DRAW REQUESTS TO BE MADE BY NGHS. THE LONGSTREET CLINIC PC RODNEY SMITH, BOARD MEMBER, IS A PARTNER OF THE LONGSTREET CLINIC, P.C. 256568 NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PAYS THE LONGSTREET CLINIC, P.C. FOR HOSPITALIST AND PHYSICIAN SERVICES. RODNEY SMITH, BOARD MEMBER, IS A PARTNER WITH GREATER THAN 5% OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN THE LONGSTREET CLINIC, P.C. ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE CONDUCTED AT ARM'S LENGTH. 0 BRADEE BURRELL CAROL BURRELL, PRESIDENT & CEO, IS A FAMILY MEMBER OF BRADEE BURRELL. 12877 BRADEE BURRELL IS EMPLOYED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. 0 AUNDREA STEVENS JACK KEENER, BOARD MEMBER, IS A FAMILY MEMBER OF AUNDREA STEVENS. 78357 AUNDREA STEVENS IS EMPLOYED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. 0 RACHEL BAILEY JAMES BAILEY, OFFICER, IS A FAMILY MEMBER OF RACHEL BAILEY. 54839 RACHEL BAILEY IS EMPLOYED BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. 0 FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. IS THE SOLE MEMBER OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER ARE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. - A RELATED 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER ARE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. - A RELATED 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 INFORMATION FOR THE FORM 990 WAS PROVIDED TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT FOR PREPARATION OF RETURN. AFTER THE RETURN WAS PREPARED, IT WAS REVIEWED BY SENIOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. THE 990 IS MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C BOARD MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE ANNUALLY. EMPLOYEES ATTEST TO THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND REPORTING/DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AT HIRE AND ANNUALLY. COMPLIANCE IS MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY THE BOARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD (NGHS BOARD) HAS DEVELOPED AND INSTALLED COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT SEEK TO FURTHER THE PURPOSE OF NGHS AND AFFILIATES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE POLICIES TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN KEY EMPLOYEES. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE IS COMPOSED OF VOTING DIRECTORS WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF NGHS. ALL DECISIONS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ARE REVIEWED AND RATIFIED BY THE NGHS BOARD. THE COMMITTEE'S METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH INCORPORATES BOTH QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CONSIDERATIONS, WHICH ARE REFLECTED IN THE COMMITTEE'S DETERMINATIONS CONCERNING KEY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND THE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS THEREOF. THE COMPENSATION DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE DESCRIBED BELOW AS TO EACH OF THE THREE CATEGORIES. BASE SALARY: ANNUAL BASE SALARIES ARE SET AT COMPETITIVE LEVELS WITH HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS OF A SIMILAR SIZE AND COMPLEXITY FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. SPECIFICALLY THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS PEER GROUP COMPARISONS FROM SURVEY DATA FOR OTHER HEALTH SYSTEMS, RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AN INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT, RECOMMENDATIONS ON RANGES AND PLACEMENT FROM THE CEO, AND INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR EACH POSITION. IN EACH INSTANCE THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS REACH A CONSENSUS BASED ON THE COMBINATION OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION, AND THE COMMITTEE SETS A BASE SALARY LEVEL FOR EACH KEY EMPLOYEE. PERFORMANCE BASED VARIABLE COMPENSATION: NUMEROUS PERFORMANCE GOALS ARE QUANTITATIVE IN NATURE, RESULTING IN A PERFORMANCE BASED VARIABLE COMPENSATION COMPONENT THAT IS WEIGHTED TOWARD ATTAINING NGHS BOARD-APPROVED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. ANNUAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE ESTABLISHED THROUGH A FORMAL PLANNING PROCESS INVOLVING BOARD AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THE BOARD APPROVES THESE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH YEAR. OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE CASH AWARDS AS A FORMULA DRIVEN PERCENTAGE OF BASE SALARY LEVELS BASED ON ACHIEVEMENT AND PREDETERMINED INDIVIDUAL OBJECTIVES. BENEFITS AND RETENTION PROGRAMS: BENEFIT CATEGORIES AND AMOUNTS ARE DETERMINED BY A COMPARISON PROCESS SIMILAR TO DETERMINING BASE SALARIES WITH POSITIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS SIMILAR TO NGHS. INCLUDED IN BENEFITS ARE RETIREMENT PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE RETENTION AND PROGRESS TOWARD LONG-TERM GOALS WITHIN NGHS' MISSION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND STATISTICS ARE FILED QUARTERLY WITH DIGITAL ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION, LLC (DAC BOND). DAC BOND SERVES AS A DISCLOSURE DISSEMINATION AGENT FOR ISSUERS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS ELECTRONICALLY POSTING AND TRANSMITTING INFORMATION TO REPOSITORIES AND INVESTORS. ALL OTHER ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. CHANGES IN NET ASSETS OR FUND BALANCES: FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: INTERCOMPANY DEBT FORGIVENESS -48,206,928. PARTNERSHIP INCOME NOT ON BOOKS -212,456. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONTINUATION: LOCATED IN THE NORTHEASTERN SECTION OF THE STATE IN HALL COUNTY, NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER (NGMC OR THE MEDICAL CENTER) IS A 557-BED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT REGIONAL REFERRAL FACILITY THAT PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ACUTE CARE AND SPECIALTY SERVICES. THROUGH ITS ROLE AS A REGIONAL SAFETY NET HOSPITAL, NGMC SERVES THE AREA'S LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED, UNDERINSURED AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. APPROXIMATELY HALF OF NGMC'S PATIENTS COME FROM OUTSIDE OF HALL COUNTY. AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITAL, NGMC REINVESTS ALL FUNDS IN EXCESS OF OPERATING EXPENSES INTO HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES NO OPERATING FUNDS FROM HALL OR OTHER COUNTIES SERVED, AND SERVICES ARE FUNDED BY REVENUE GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS. NGMC PROVIDED INDIGENT CARE TO HALL COUNTY RESIDENTS AT A COST OF $16.9 MILLION IN 2013 WITH ANOTHER $10.6 MILLION PROVIDED TO REGIONAL RESIDENTS OUTSIDE HALL COUNTY. THE MEDICAL CENTER'S CHARITY CARE POLICY PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WITH A HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF UP TO 300 PERCENT OF THE POVERTY LEVEL DOUBLE THE AMOUNT GENERALLY PROVIDED BY OTHER HOSPITALS ACROSS THE STATE. THE HOSPITAL IS A KEY PARTICIPANT AND FISCAL SPONSOR IN PROGRAMS AIMED AT TREATING LOW-INCOME AND UNINSURED PATIENTS, INCLUDING THE GOOD NEWS CLINICS, THE LARGEST FREE HEALTH CARE CLINIC IN GEORGIA, AND HEALTH ACCESS INITIATIVE (HAI), A LOCAL SERVICE THAT MATCHES FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE PATIENTS TO SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS AND PROVIDES ACCESS TO CARE, AMONG OTHER SERVICES. ADDITIONALLY: -LOCATED IN GEORGIA'S FASTEST GROWING REGION, THE 62-YEAR-OLD HOSPITAL HAS EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY IN RECENT YEARS TO MEET DEMAND AND UPDATE ITS AGING PLANT, INVESTING A QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS IN ITS FACILITIES; -NGMC'S QUALITY OF CARE IS OFTEN AWARDED, AND THE HOSPITAL RANKS AMONG THE TOP IN THE STATE FOR CARDIAC SERVICES; -SINCE 2000, NGMC HAS PROVIDED NEARLY THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF INDIGENT AND CHARITY CARE SET FORTH IN REQUIREMENTS BY THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF A CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR NEW SERVICES, AND, UNLIKE MANY GEORGIA NOT-FOR-FOR PROFIT HOSPITALS HELD TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS, NGMC DOES NOT RECEIVE TAX FUNDING FROM ITS LOCAL COUNTY TO HELP FUND INDIGENT CARE TO AREA RESIDENTS; -NGMC IS THE PRIMARY HOSPITAL FOR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS IN GAINESVILLE-HALL COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT THE REGION IN COUNTIES SUCH AS BANKS, LUMPKIN, AND WHITE, WHERE MANY KEY MEDICAL SPECIALTIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER: IN 2012, THE LATEST DATA AVAILABLE, NGMC WAS SIXTH IN THE STATE FOR NET UNCOMPENSATED CARE. NGMC PROVIDED INDIGENT CARE TO HALL COUNTY RESIDENTS AT A COST OF $16.9 MILLION IN 2013, WITH ANOTHER $10.6 MILLION PROVIDED TO REGIONAL RESIDENTS OUTSIDE HALL COUNTY. NGMC RECEIVES NO LOCAL TAX REVENUE FROM HALL COUNTY (OR ANY COUNTIES SERVED IN REGION 2) TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS OR CARE PROVIDED TO INDIGENT RESIDENTS, UNLIKE A NUMBER OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS. NGMC SERVES AS A FINANCIAL ENGINE FOR ITS LOCAL ECONOMY. IN 2011 (LATEST NUMBERS AVAILABLE), THE HOSPITAL GENERATED MORE THAN $1 BILLION DOLLARS IN REVENUE FOR THE LOCAL AND STATE ECONOMIES, ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY THE GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, WHICH APPLIED AN ECONOMIC MULTIPLIER TO THE HOSPITAL'S DIRECT EXPENDITURES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE "RIPPLE" EFFECT THE HOSPITAL'S SPENDING HAS ON OTHER SECTORS OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY. APPLYING AN EMPLOYMENT MULTIPLIER, THE REPORT FOUND THAT THE HOSPITAL SUSTAINED MORE THAN 8,000 JOBS IN 2011 IN ADDITION TO THE MORE THAN 5,000 EMPLOYED DIRECTLY BY NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM. UNDER IRS LAW, A TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION, CLASSIFIED AS A 501(C)(3) CHARITY, IS REQUIRED TO: HAVE A MISSION THAT WILL BENEFIT ITS COMMUNITY; REINVEST ALL SURPLUS FUNDS IN THE ORGANIZATION IN A WAY THAT BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY; COMPENSATE EXECUTIVES, CONTRACTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES IN ACCORDANCE TO FAIR MARKET VALUE; REMAIN ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY; REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATING IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS FOR OR AGAINST CANDIDATES AND/OR LOBBY AS A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF ITS ACTIVITIES; AND, REMAIN FINANCIALLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY BY NOT ALLOWING ANY PORTION OF ITS NET EARNINGS TO BENEFIT ANY PRIVATE SHAREHOLDER OR INDIVIDUAL. AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITAL, NGMC CARRIES ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES, AS ESTABLISHED BY THE IRS IN 1965: OPERATE A FULL-TIME EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) THAT IS AVAILABLE TO ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY; -NGMC OPERATES THE 4TH BUSIEST ER IN GEORGIA. IN 2013, MORE THAN 20% OF ALL NGMC'S EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS WERE MADE BY SELF-PAY PATIENTS. PROVIDE NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES TO ANYONE ABLE TO PAY; -NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY, ADVANCED SPECIALTY AND PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA COMMUNITY, SERVING ALMOST 700,000 PEOPLE IN MORE THAN 13 COUNTIES. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, NGMC'S PAYOR MIX WAS 60% MEDICARE/MEDICAID, 30% COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AND 10% SELF PAY. PARTICIPATE IN MEDICAID AND MEDICARE; -51% OF PATIENTS SERVED BY NGMC IN FISCAL YEAR 2013 WERE MEDICAID AND MEDICARE PATIENTS. CREATE A GOVERNING BOARD THAT IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES; -MORE THAN 80 COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN GOVERNANCE THROUGH NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, NGMC AND OTHER SUBSIDIARY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES. ALLOW MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES TO ANY PROFESSIONAL WHO IS QUALIFIED AND APPLIES; -NGMC HAS A MEDICAL STAFF OF ROUGHLY 600 PHYSICIANS REPRESENTING NUMEROUS ADVANCED SPECIALTIES SUCH AS GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY, ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, CARDIAC SURGERY, CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE, SURGICAL TRAUMA, NEONATOLOGY AND PERINATOLOGY. REINVEST SURPLUS FUNDS IN OPERATIONS. -AS NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, NGMC AND ITS PARENT ORGANIZATION, NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM, REINVEST ALL REVENUE GENERATED ABOVE OPERATING EXPENSES INTO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH NEW FACILITIES, SUCH AS THE NORTH PATIENT TOWER AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S PAVILION, AND IN NEW ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, SUCH AS THE REGION'S FIRST 3T MRI, THE STATE'S FIRST STEREOTAXIS ODYSSEY MAGNETIC CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM AND REGION 2'S ONLY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CHAMBER. NGMC PARTICIPATES IN THE INDIGENT CARE TRUST FUND (ICTF), A 20-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM THAT EXPANDS MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY AND SERVICES, SUPPORTS RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES THAT SERVE THE MEDICALLY INDIGENT AND FUNDS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS FOR MEDICALLY INDIGENT GEORGIANS. GEORGIA'S DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE HOSPITAL (DSH) PROGRAM IS FUNDED THROUGH THE ICTF, AND ASSISTS HOSPITALS AND OTHER HEALTH PROVIDERS THAT CARE FOR HIGH PROPORTIONS OF MEDICAID, UNINSURED AND/OR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS. IN 2013, NGMC RECEIVED $9.6 MILLION IN NET FUNDS ALLOCATED THROUGH THE ICTF AND UPL PROGRAM TO PARTIALLY OFFSET A FINANCIAL LOSS OF $38.2 MILLION IN COSTS THE MEDICAL CENTER INCURRED TREATING UNINSURED AND MEDICAID PATIENTS. COMMUNITY BENEFITS: SITUATED IN A REGION WITH AN UNINSURED RATE THAT IS HIGHER THAN THE STATE AVERAGE, AREA HEALTH CONSUMERS CAN FACE SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS IN AFFORDING CARE. NGMC HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO LOCAL PROGRAMS THAT AIM TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES, PRIMARILY THROUGH ITS SUPPORT OF THE GOOD NEWS CLINICS AND HEALTH ACCESS INITIATIVE (HAI). GOOD NEWS CLINICS: WITHIN HALL COUNTY, THERE ARE SEVERAL LOW-COST ALTERNATIVES TO HELP PEOPLE AVOID CHOOSING THE HOSPITAL'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR PRIMARY CARE SERVICES. SERVING AS THE LARGEST FREE CLINIC IN GEORGIA, THE GOOD NEWS CLINICS OFFERS PRIMARY MEDICAL, OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICES AND DENTAL CARE, AS WELL AS MEDICATIONS TO INDIGENT, HOMELESS AND LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AT OR BELOW 150 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL IN HALL COUNTY WHO HAVE NO HEALTHCARE INSURANCE AND CANNOT AFFORD MEDICAL CARE. ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE, EVEN THOUGH THE CLINIC RECEIVES NO FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING. PATIENTS WHO NEED SPECIALTY CARE ARE REFERRED TO HAI. SINCE 1999, NGMC HAS PROVIDED $4,002,731 IN SUPPORT OF GOOD NEWS CLINICS WITH AVERAGE ANNUAL SUPPORT OF $314,933 IN FISCAL YEARS 2007-2013. IN 2013, NGMC CONTRIBUTED OVER $362,913 IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT. HEALTH ACCESS INITIATIVE: FOUNDED BY THE HALL COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY AND LAUNCHED IN 2003, HALL COUNTY'S HEALTH ACCESS INITIATIVE (HAI) IS A REFERRAL SERVICE THAT MATCHES FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE PATIENTS TO PHYSICIANS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO PROVIDE FREE TREATMENT TO PATIENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR SERVICES. HAI PROVIDES HELP WITH OBTAINING MEDICATIONS AND OFFERS ANCILLARY SERVICES SUCH AS X-RAYS AND TRANSLATION SERVICES. HAI ALSO PROVIDES ANCILLARY SERVICES AND OUTREACH EDUCATION FOR ITS COMMUNITY, AND COLLABORATES WITH OTHER MEDICAL CENTERS, SUCH AS NGMC. IN FISCAL YEAR 13, HEALTH ACCESS PROVIDED 5,783 SPECIALTY REFERRAL PATIENT VISITS AND SERVED 2565 PATIENTS. A NETWORK OF 240 SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS AND NGMC PROVIDED PATIENT VISITS AND INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES PROVIDING SPECIALTY CARE SERVICES VALUED AT $13.3 MILLION. TO QUALIFY FOR HAI SERVICES, A PATIENT'S INCOME MUST BE AT OR BELOW 150 PERCENT FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL AND A PATIENT MUST HAVE NO MEDICAL INSURANCE. THE PATIENT MUST LIVE IN HALL COUNTY AND MUST BE REFERRED BY A PHYSICIAN THAT IS IN THE HAI NETWORK. HEALTH ACCESS IS NOW A COMPONENT OF PROGRAMMING AT GOOD NEWS CLINICS. HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES: NGMC VALUES COOPERATIVE EFFORTS WITH COMMUNITY SERVICES AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF AREA CITIZENS. NGMC DEMONSTRATES ITS VALUE FOR COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH MANY PARTNERSHIPS, RANGING FROM SERVING AS LEAD AGENCY OF THE SAFE KIDS COALITION OF GAINESVILLE-HALL COUNTY, TO PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS, TO HELPING REACH AT-RISK POPULATIONS IN NEED OF HEALTHCARE. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, OVER $4 MILLION WAS PROVIDED IN COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS/OUTREACH. COMMUNITY EDUCATION WAS PROVIDED THROUGH FREE COMMUNITY LECTURES, VARIOUS SUPPORT GROUPS, AND THE SEMI-ANNUAL HEALTH MAGAZINE, COMMUNICARE. PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE THROUGH THE SPEAKER'S BUREAU, AND NGMC ALSO OFFERED SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES, AS WELL AS LIVING LIGHTER, A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM. NGMC OFFERED SEVERAL COMMUNITY EDUCATION SEMINARS IN 2013 ON TOPICS INCLUDING PROSTATE CANCER, PARKINSON'S DISEASE, HEALTH TIPS FOR SENIORS, WOMEN'S HEALTH EDUCATION AND MORE. THESE SEMINARS INVOLVED MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS AND MANY DIFFERENT PHYSICIANS FROM PRACTICES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATED IN THE SEMINARS. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT: NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER (NGMC), WITH INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY, COMPLETED A COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) IN 2013. NGMC'S ASSESSMENT INCLUDES A SECONDARY DATA SCAN AND A COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFILE FOR HALL COUNTY. THE ASSESSMENT FOCUSES MAINLY ON THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY'S MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH LOW-INCOMES WHO ARE UNINSURED. SIX FOCUS GROUPS WERE HELD AND NEARLY 25 ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED WITH STAKEHOLDERS. THE STUDY CULMINATED IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF 10 PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS. GO TO WWW.NGHS.COM TO SEE A SPREADSHEET OF INTIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES WITH WHICH NGMC IS INVOLVED AND HOW NGMC INTENDS TO ADDRESS EACH NEED. MANY ACTIVITIES OVERLAP DIFFERENT PRIORITIES, AND NGMC'S INVOLVEMENT RANGES FROM PROVIDING THE ACTIVITY ITSELF TO CONTRIBUTING IN SOME WAY. THE SPREADSHEET IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST, BUT HIGHLIGHTS MANY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S EFFORTS TO ADDRESS IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS. THE FULL CHNA IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE. PARTNERING TO REACH THE UNINSURED: INDIGENT CARE COUNCIL: NGMC HAS DEVELOPED A COMMUNITY COUNCIL ON CARING FOR THE INDIGENT. THE PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL IS TO IDENTIFY A ROADMAP TOWARD GREATER ALIGNMENT AND COORDINATION AROUND MEDICAL HOME MANAGEMENT, THE OBJECTIVE OF WHICH IS THE UNITY OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN AND AROUND HALL COUNTY WHO CARE FOR THE INDIGENT POPULATION TO ENSURE CONSISTENT AND QUALITY PATIENT CARE THROUGH ENHANCED COORDINATION. MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM NGMC, THE PRIMARY CARE CLINIC AT HALL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC, THE LONGSTREET CLINIC, GOOD NEWS CLINICS (INDIGENT CLINIC), MEDLINK (FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER), AS WELL AS PHYSICIANS. GOOD NEWS CLINICS: FUNDING FROM NGMC HELPS PROVIDE MEDICATIONS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR GOOD NEWS CLINICS (GNCS) THE LARGEST FREE CLINIC IN GEORGIA. FOUNDED IN 1992, GNCS IS A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY THAT PROVIDES MEDICAL CARE TO THE INDIGENT AND UNINSURED POPULATION AT NO CHARGE. FORTY-FOUR PHYSICIANS, FIVE MID-LEVEL PROVIDERS AND FORTY-THREE DENTISTS VOLUNTEER TO TREAT PATIENTS AT GNCS. IN ADDITION, 218 SPECIALIST PHYSICIANS VOLUNTEER TO TREAT PATIENTS IN THEIR OFFICES THROUGH REFERRALS FROM GNCS, NORTHEAST GEORGIA PHYSICIANS GROUP PRACTICE AT THE HALL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND PHYSICIANS IN HALL COUNTY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, OVER $300,000 WAS DONATED TO HELP GNCS PROVIDE CARE TO INDIGENT PATIENTS WHO WERE AT OR BELOW 150% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES AND DID NOT QUALIFY FOR OTHER PROGRAMS. CLINICAL PROFESSIONALS FROM NGMC STAFF THE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE CLINIC AT GNCS, AS WELL AS A CARDIOLOGY CLINIC. ADDITIONAL HEALTH SCREENINGS ARE PROVIDED TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AT GNCS SUCH AS PROSTATE SCREENINGS, CANCER EDUCATION AT CHURCHES OR AT COMMUNITY EVENTS. HEALTH DEPARTMENT PRIMARY CARE CLINIC: NGMC PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN FUNDING A PRIMARY CARE CLINIC AT THE HALL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, NGMC CONTRIBUTED OVER $500,000. PRENATAL CARE PROGRAM AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT: NGMC PARTNERS WITH THE LONGSTREET CLINIC TO IMPROVE BIRTH OUTCOMES BY INCREASING EARLY INITIATION OF PRENATAL CARE FOR LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED, AND UNDER-INSURED PREGNANT WOMEN VIA THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S PRIMARY CARE CENTER. THE YEARLY COST TO NGMC IS APPROXIMATELY $200,000. INDIGENT PATIENT FUND: AT NGMC, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS TO OBTAIN URGENTLY NEEDED DISCHARGE MEDICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR THESE FUNDS ARE THOSE PATIENTS WHOSE NEEDS CANNOT BE MET THROUGH PRIMARY INSURANCE, THEIR OWN PERSONAL FUNDS, GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, OR OTHER CHARITABLE SERVICES. THIS HELPS TO ENSURE MEDICATION COMPLIANCE AND MAXIMIZE CONDITIONS FOR RECOVERY AND RECUPERATION. THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THIS FUND. NGMC VOLUNTEERS: IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, NEARLY 638 NGMC VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN 61,627 VOLUNTEER HOURS, EQUIVALENT TO 36 FULL TIME EMPLOYEES AND A VALUE OF OVER $1.3 MILLION. WHILE THESE FIGURES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE QUANTITATIVE PORTION OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT, THEY SHOW THE DEPTH OF SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY GIVES NGMC. THE TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HAD 117 TEEN PARTICIPANTS IN 2013. THE TEENS CAME FROM SEVEN COUNTIES AND REPRESENTED 21 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS WITHIN THE AREA. TEENS DONATED MORE THAN 4,900 HOURS OF SERVICE. ENCOURAGING MEDICAL VOLUNTEERING: NGMC PROVIDES INFORMATION AT PHYSICIAN ORIENTATION TO ENCOURAGE PHYSICIANS TO STEP UP THROUGH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT LOCAL FREE CLINICS (GOOD NEWS CLINICS IN GAINESVILLE AND HELPING HAND CLINIC IN CLEVELAND) AS WELL AS HEALTH ACCESS. NGPG ALSO ENCOURAGES PHYSICIANS TO GIVE OF THEIR TIME BY VOLUNTEERING AT THESE LOCATIONS. THE CANCER CENTER AT NGMC HAS DEVELOPED A MEMBERSHIP MODEL FOR PHYSICIANS THAT CONTAINS CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION WHICH INCLUDES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN A SPEAKER PROGRAM, SCREENING ACTIVITY, CANCER PREVENTION ACTIVITY, OR OUTREACH. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MEMBERSHIP MODEL IS TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE QUALITY, ACCESS, AND PROGRAMMATIC EXCELLENCE. FINANCIAL NAVIGATORS: NGMC HAS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COUNSELORS WHO HELP PATIENTS BECOME INSURED, BE IT THROUGH MEDICAID, PEACHCARE, OR OTHER PROGRAMS. NGMC IS CURRENTLY MAKING FINANCIAL COUNSELORS INTO "FINANCIAL NAVIGATORS." THIS TEAM FOCUSES ON BEING ADVOCATES FOR UNINSURED AND UNDER-INSURED PATIENTS AIDING THEM IN FINDING VIABLE MEANS TO ACCESS CARE. THEY FIND THE BEST SOLUTIONS FOR HELPING PATIENTS APPLY FOR MEDICAID, DISABILITY, ACCESSING THE NEW HEALTHCARE EXCHANGES, OR PROCESSING CHARITY WHEN APPROPRIATE. THE TEAM IS UNDERGOING TRAINING TO BECOME CERTIFIED IN THIS AREA AS "CERTIFIED HEALTHCARE REFORM SPECIALISTS." PATIENT NAVIGATORS: NGMC ALSO HAS A PATIENT NAVIGATION PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES CANCER PATIENTS WITH GUIDANCE THROUGHOUT THEIR CANCER JOURNEY, AND THEY ARE SEEN AS A "LIVING RESOURCE DIRECTORY" FOR PATIENTS. SERVICES INCLUDE: PROVIDING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, HELPING PATIENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR DIAGNOSIS, COMMUNICATING WITH HEALTHCARE STAFF AND PROVIDERS, ADDRESSING LOGISTICAL ISSUES SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, AND HELPING PATIENTS UNDERSTAND MEDICAL TERMS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS. THE CANCER CENTER OFFERS THE COMMUNITY TWO PATIENT NAVIGATORS AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PATIENT NAVIGATION PROGRAM: ONE RN IS A CERTIFIED BREAST HEALTH NAVIGATOR WHO WORKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH BREAST CANCER PATIENTS; AND THE SECOND IS AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PATIENT RESOURCE NAVIGATOR WHO ASSISTS ALL CANCER PATIENTS AND IS BILINGUAL. PARTNERING IN THE COMMUNITY: VISION 2030: NGMC IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN VISION 2030 (WWW. VISION2030.ORG). THIS PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY THE GREATER HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND IS A COMMUNITY PROJECT. PARTICIPATION IS OPEN TO EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY. AN NGMC EMPLOYEE CURRENTLY SERVES ON THE BOARD OF VISION 2030. VISION 2030 FOCUSES ON THE CREATION OF A CULTURE OF COMMUNITY WELLNESS, THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFELONG LEARNING, THE BUILDING OF AN ECONOMY AROUND EMERGING LIFE SCIENCES, THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF INNOVATIVE GROWTH/INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE PROMOTION OF CULTURAL INTEGRATION. NGMC IS ALSO AN ACTIVE PARTNER ON OTHER CHAMBER COMMITTEES SUCH AS THE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE AND THE HEALTH INITIATIVE CONSORTIUM. NGMC IS A PARTNER IN HALLMARK, WHICH IS A COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLAN THAT ADDRESSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PARTNERSHIP. NGMC HELPS PROMOTE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN THROUGH PARTICIPATION ON THE HEALTHY BEGINNINGS PARTNERSHIP, A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN NGMC, UNITED WAY, FAMILY CONNECTION, GAINESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION, GOOD NEWS CLINICS AND MORE, THAT SEEKS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HEALTHY LIVING, PARTICULARLY TO FAMILIES. MEMBERS OF NGMC'S BARIATRIC SERVICE LINE ALSO SERVE ON HALL COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM'S WELLNESS COUNCIL. AN NGMC REPRESENTATIVE SERVES ON HALL COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION (HCFC). HCFC ADOPTED TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION AND OBESITY PREVENTION AS ITS TWO FOCUS AREAS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS. HALL COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION IS A COLLABORATIVE WHICH SERVES AS THE LOCAL DECISION-MAKING BODY, BRINGING COMMUNITY PARTNERS TOGETHER TO DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT, AND EVALUATE PLANS THAT ADDRESS THE SERIOUS CHALLENGES FACING THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR COUNTY. ITS VISION IS THAT EVERY CHILD HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH HIS OR HER FULL POTENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH, BE SECURE FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT, AND BECOME A LITERATE, PRODUCTIVE, ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY. THE MISSION OF HCFC IS TO IDENTIFY AND MONITOR AREAS OF COMMUNITY CONCERN AND TO MOBILIZE THE COMMUNITY AND ITS RESOURCES IN A COMMON EFFORT TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS. THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION (MCF) RAISES FUNDS TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY: MCF IS THE FUNDRAISING ARM OF NGMC AND RAISES FUNDS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. MCF'S OPERATING EXPENSES ARE SUPPORTED BY NGMC SO THAT DONATED FUNDS CAN BE USED TO SUPPORT NGMC PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES. THE FOLLOWING ARE ITEMS OF INTEREST TO NOTE: -SINCE 1997, OVER $2.7 MILLION HAS BEEN RAISED FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THROUGH THE MEDICAL CENTER OPEN. -THE 2013 MEDICAL CENTER OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISED OVER $217,101 FOR MY SISTER'S PLACE, A MINISTRY THAT CARES FOR AND HELPS HOMELESS WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, BY FUNDING THE REMODEL AND EXPANSION OF A NEWLY ACQUIRED, 3,200 SQUARE-FOOT PROPERTY TO DOUBLE THEIR CURRENT CAPACITY. -W.A.T.C.H. MEMBERS HAVE DONATED MORE THAN $4 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE HEALTHY JOURNEY CAMPAIGN SINCE THE PROGRAM'S INCEPTION IN 2000. INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH: SAFE KIDS COALITION WORKS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE: THE GAINESVILLE-HALL COUNTY SAFE KIDS COALITION, LED BY NGMC, IS PART OF THE NATIONAL SAFE KIDS CAMPAIGN, THE FIRST AND ONLY NATIONAL ORGANIZATION DEDICATED SOLELY TO THE PREVENTION OF UNINTENTIONAL CHILDHOOD INJURY, WHICH IS THE NATION'S NUMBER ONE KILLER OF CHILDREN AGES 14 AND UNDER. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES AFFORDABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS CAR SEATS AND BIKE HELMETS TO AREA CHILDREN IN NEED. WORKING WITH A COALITION MADE UP OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, AREA SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND OTHERS, SAFE KIDS PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND PROGRAMS THAT TEACH CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS HOW TO AVOID ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES. SAFE KIDS CONTINUED THE WORK OF INJURY PREVENTION FOR FAMILIES IN THE HALL COUNTY COMMUNITY IN 2013 THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF MCF AND THE HEALTHY JOURNEY CAMPAIGN. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, MEMBERS OF THE GAINESVILLE-HALL COUNTY SAFE KIDS COALITION PROVIDED OVER 367 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS THAT REACHED AN ESTIMATED 58,000 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, TEACHERS AND CAREGIVERS. THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS, OVER 3,241 SAFETY DEVICES WERE DISTRIBUTED TO FAMILIES WHO WERE IN NEED OF THEM. PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM: AS PART OF A COMMUNITY FOCUSED EFFORT TO REDUCE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE, NGMC HAS INSTITUTED SPECIALIZED PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION GUIDELINES WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THERE IS A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC OF PRESCRIPTION NARCOTIC ABUSE. WITH THIS IN MIND, NGMC PUT INTO PLACE NEW POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS TO ASSIST IN THE MANAGEMENT AND TRACKING OF ED NARCOTIC USE AND PRESCRIPTIONS. THIS IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND NATIONWIDE EFFORTS TO SAVE LIVES. GOOD NEWS CLINICS IS A PARTNER IN THIS EFFORT AS WELL, AND IT WILL SOON BE EXPANDED INTO NGPG'S URGENT CARE CENTERS. NGMC IS ALSO PARTNERING WITH THE DRUG FREE COALITION OF HALL COUNTY LOCALLY AS WELL AS THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA'S "THINK ABOUT IT CAMPAIGN." THE "THINK ABOUT IT" CAMPAIGN FOR THE EDUCATION ABOUT AND PREVENTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE IS A PROJECT SPONSORED BY THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION. "THINK ABOUT IT" IS COMPOSED OF THREE COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVES: DEVELOPMENT OF A STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE DRUG POLICY; SAFE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, AND EDUCATION OF BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONALS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF AND PREVENTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE. THE "THINK ABOUT IT" CAMPAIGN IS WORKING WITH A BROAD RANGE OF ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING MEDICAL SPECIALTY SOCIETIES, THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, THE GEORGIA BOARD OF PHARMACY, THE GEORGIA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION, THE GBI, OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, RELIGIOUS, CIVIC, AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS TO FURTHER EDUCATE AND CREATE PROGRAMS TO HELP ERADICATE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE ACROSS OUR STATE. NGMC'S ER MEDICAL DIRECTOR, A BOARD MEMBER, PHYSICIANS, AND OTHER ER STAFF ARE HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THESE EFFORTS. IN THE PAST, WE HAVE HOSTED SPEAKERS ON THE TOPIC AND MADE DONATIONS TO THE CAMPAIGN, AND WE PLAN TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT IN THE FUTURE. SAFE KIDS OF GAINESVILLE HALL COUNTY, LED BY NGMC, PARTNERS WITH OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES ON "DRUG TAKE BACK DAYS"(OPERATION PILL DROP), WITH VARIOUS COLLECTION POINTS IN THE COUNTY. THIS GIVES COMMUNITY MEMBERS A SAFE WAY TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED, UNUSED DRUGS. EDUCATION AT INTERACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR KIDS (INK): NGMC PROVIDES AN EXHIBIT AT INK THAT ENCOURAGES MULTI-SENSORY LEARNING THROUGH TOOLS THAT ALLOW KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE WORKING (AND PLAYING) IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY. THROUGH HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE PLAY, KIDS HAVE FUN DOING EVERYTHING FROM DRESSING UP IN DOCTOR'S SCRUBS AND PUSHING A "PATIENT" AROUND IN A WHEELCHAIR, TO TAKING THEIR PARENT OR FRIEND'S MAKE-BELIEVE BLOOD PRESSURE OR LISTENING TO THEIR HEART WITH A REAL STETHOSCOPE. IT IS HOPED THAT BEING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT WILL HELP KIDS FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN A DOCTOR'S OFFICE OR IN THE HOSPITAL. A SECOND EXHIBIT CALLED THE BUILDING A HEALTHY BODY EXHIBIT, FUNDED BY THE MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION, SERVES AS INK'S CORE GALLERY ON HEALTH-RELATED EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING. THE EXHIBIT EXPLORES TWO PRIMARY THEMES: MAINTAINING A HEALTHY BODY AS IT RELATES TO NUTRITION, EXERCISE, AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES; AND THE ANATOMY OF A HEALTHY BODY AS IT RELATES TO BODY SYSTEMS, ORGANS AND FUNCTIONS. THE MAIN CENTERPIECE IS A LARGER-THAN-LIFE BOY NAMED "BUDDY" WHICH STANDS FOR BODY UNDER DEVELOPMENT. BUDDY IS A FUN, INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT THAT KIDS AND PARENTS CAN EXPLORE AND GAIN A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: OBESITY/EXERCISE/NUTRITION, SMOKING, HYGIENE/GERMS AND DIABETES. DIABETES EDUCATION: THE DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM AT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER IS RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION FOR QUALITY SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION. A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IS OFFERED TO PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND THEIR FAMILIES BY CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS, REGISTERED NURSES, AND REGISTERED DIETITIANS. EDUCATION FOR SENIORS: GETTING OLDER AND BETTER WORKSHOP: OVER 200 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE GETTING OLDER AND BETTER WORKSHOP IN MAY AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN GAINESVILLE AND THE SPOUT SPRINGS LIBRARY IN FLOWERY BRANCH. THIS EVENT WAS SPONSORED BY THE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY, PROVIDED BY NGMC, AND FEATURED PHYSICIANS WHO SPOKE ON THE TOPIC OF EYE AND SKIN HEALTH. FLU AND PNEUMONIA PROGRAM AT THE GUEST HOUSE: NGMC PROVIDES FLU AND PNEUMONIA VACCINATIONS AT NO CHARGE TO CLIENTS AT THE GUEST HOUSE, AN ADULT DAY HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDED IN THE COMMUNITY. THESE ARE OFTEN THE FRAIL AND ELDERLY WHO HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING TO THEIR PHYSICIAN. WISDOM PROJECT: NGMC SUPPORTS THIS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR SENIORS TO SHARE THEIR WISDOM, EXPERIENCE AND TALENTS IN CREATIVE WAYS THROUGH ACTION AND ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF HALL COUNTY. THE INITIATIVE IS SPONSORED BY BRENAU UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR LIFETIME STUDY. AN NGMC STAFF MEMBER PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROGRAM. SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH: NGMC EMPLOYEES ARE VERY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEERING AT THE GOOD NEWS CLINICS, IN THEIR CHURCHES ON MISSION TRIPS AND FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES SUCH AS THE HUMANE SOCIETY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. OVER 2,700 EMPLOYEES DONATED OVER $402,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2013 TO MCF'S EMPLOYEE GIVING CLUB, W.A.T.C.H. (WE ARE TARGETING COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE). RELAY FOR LIFE, AMERICAN HEART WALK, MARCH FOR BABIES: NGMC EMPLOYEES ALSO TURNED OUT IN FULL FORCE FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS SUCH AS THE AMERICAN HEART WALK, MARCH OF DIMES' WALKAMERICA AND AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S RELAY FOR LIFE, AVERAGING 200 PARTICIPANTS EACH EVENT. BLOOD DRIVES: NGMC EMPLOYEES DONATED OVER 450 UNITS OF BLOOD IN FISCAL YEAR 2013. EMPLOYEES LEAD THE WAY: UNITED WAY PACESETTER & MORE NGHS EMPLOYEES CONTRIBUTED OVER $107,000 TO UNITED WAY AS A CORNERSTONE COMPANY. SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS: IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, NGMC SPONSORED OR MADE A DONATION TO APPROXIMATELY 20 COMMUNITY AGENCIES SERVING HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS, RANGING FROM SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TO TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION. SPONSORSHIPS/DONATIONS TOTALED OVER $850,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2013. TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: NGMC CONTINUES THE ACTIVITIES BELOW TO SERVE AS A "PIPELINE" TO HELP GET MORE QUALIFIED PEOPLE INTERESTED IN HEALTHCARE POSITIONS OR GET THEM THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION THEY NEED: -ALLIED STUDENT HEALTH EDUCATION CLINICAL ROTATIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR ALLIED HEALTH STUDENTS FROM AREA SCHOOLS AT NGMC. -COMMUNITY BASED VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTION - NGMC IS A TRAINING SITE FOR HANDICAPPED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. STUDENTS WORK APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES PER WEEK FOR A FEW HOURS WITH AN INSTRUCTOR FROM THE SCHOOL AND WORK IN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT, NUTRITIONAL SERVICES, PHARMACY AND LINENS. THEY GAIN KNOWLEDGE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM, LEARNING SKILLS THAT ENABLE THEM TO GET JOBS WHEN THEY GRADUATE. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, 11 STUDENTS AND 2 INSTRUCTORS PARTICIPATED. -CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES PROVIDED FOR PHYSICIANS AND ALLIED HEALTH PERSONNEL WITHIN NGMC AND ALSO OFFERED OUTSIDE THE ORGANIZATION. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, THERE WERE 138 LIVE CMES PROVIDED TO 21,956 PHYSICIANS AND 4,180 ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. -JOB SHADOWING - THIS PROGRAM IS COORDINATED VIA THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ALLOWS HIGH SCHOOL AND POST SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM AREA SCHOOLS TO SHADOW PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE STAFF FOR THE PURPOSE OF BETTER UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS HEALTHCARE ROLES. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO FOSTER STUDENT INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE FIELDS AND ENCOURAGE ENROLLMENT IN PROGRAMS OF STUDY THAT WOULD TRAIN AND EDUCATE FUTURE HEALTHCARE WORKERS. THIS IS AN OBSERVATIONAL PROGRAM REQUIRING A STAFF MENTOR. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, 77 JOB SHADOWS WERE PLACED. -SUPPORT OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA: NGMC PARTNERS WITH NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE IN KIND SUPPORT FOR THE ASN (ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN NURSING) PROGRAM BY PROVIDING FUNDING FOR ONE FULL TIME FACULTY POSITION. -NURSE EXTERN PROGRAM: NGMC PROVIDES A 10-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM FOR RISING SENIOR NURSING STUDENTS TO WORK ON NURSING UNITS AS EMPLOYEES TO GAIN ADDITIONAL CLINICAL SKILLS AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. THE EXTERNS ARE ORIENTED AS A GROUP TO THE ORGANIZATION, THEN PLACED ON NURSING UNITS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE PROGRAM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. ALL APPLICANTS ARE INTERVIEWED BY RECRUITERS AND NURSING MANAGERS PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, THERE WERE 33 EXTERNS. -NURSING STUDENT EDUCATION- CLINICAL ROTATIONS AT NGMC IN FISCAL YEAR 2013 TOTALED APPROXIMATELY 1,500. -PARTNERS IN EDUCATION: THE GAINESVILLE/HALL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO PARTNER. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONS WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY. NGMC IS THE PARTNER IN EDUCATION FOR WEST HALL HIGH SCHOOL AND NORTH HALL MIDDLE SCHOOL. -PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM: THE PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM AT NGMC IS A ONE-YEAR POSTGRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR LICENSED PHARMACISTS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES DIRECT CLINICAL PHARMACY EXPERIENCE IN THE AREAS OF CRITICAL CARE, CARDIOLOGY, INTERNAL MEDICINE, EMERGENCY MEDICINE, ONCOLOGY, AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH WITH A GOAL OF GRADUATING A PRACTITIONER WHO IS PREPARED TO ACCEPT A CLINICAL PHARMACY POSITION IN ANY NUMBER OF SETTINGS. -RADIOLOGY TECH PROGRAM: NGMC PARTNERS WITH LANIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE TO HOUSE THE RADIOLOGY TECH PROGRAM AT LANIER PARK CAMPUS IN FOUR CLASSROOMS FULL-TIME. NGMC ALSO PROVIDES ONE FACULTY SALARY. -SUPPORT TO FOOTHILLS AHEC: FOOTHILLS AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC) IS A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN, NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, SUPPORTED BY FEDERAL AND LOCAL SOURCES. THE MISSION IS TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, ESPECIALLY IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS. THROUGH JOINT EFFORTS, COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCE IMPROVED SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND RETENTION OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. FOOTHILLS AHEC SERVES 31 COUNTIES IN THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA AREA. NGMC PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THIS PROGRAM THROUGH EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGES, PHONE, UTILITIES, AND CLEANING SERVICE EXPENSES. -YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP HALL COUNTY STUDENTS FROM SEVEN AREA HIGH SCHOOLS APPLY FOR UNPAID YOUTH APPRENTICESHIPS IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, 44 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED. NGMC PROVIDES HEALTH INFORMATION & SUPPORT: CANCER INFORMATION LINE: NGMC OPERATES A CANCER INFORMATION LINE 1(800) 466-5416. THIS IS A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE FOR NORTHEAST GEORGIA COMMUNITIES THAT PROVIDES INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND RESOURCES TO CANCER PATIENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. NURSELINE: NGMC PROVIDES NURSELINE, A FREE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC THAT PROVIDES TELEPHONE TRIAGE AND HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES. THIS SERVICE INCREASES THE HALL COUNTY COMMUNITY'S ACCESS TO MEDICAL INFORMATION; PROVIDES STANDARDIZED MEDICAL INFORMATION INSTEAD OF JUST "NURSING JUDGMENTS"; AND HELPS OFF-LOAD PHYSICIAN OFFICE MEDICAL INFORMATION CALLS, ALLOWING THEM MORE TIME TO CARE FOR PATIENTS. THE HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY AND RESOURCE CENTER AT NGMC: SERVES THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE LIBRARY IS LOCATED ON THE MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS IN GAINESVILLE. CONSUMERS, PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO CREDIBLE RESOURCES RELATING TO MEDICAL SYMPTOMS, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. THE RESOURCE CENTER ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES AND BECOME ACTIVE, INFORMED PARTNERS IN THEIR HEALTHCARE. CLERGY SEMINARS & ACCREDITATION BY ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION: NGMC HELD TWO CLERGY SEMINARS IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, TWO UNITS OF CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION, AND SEVEN LUNCH AND LEARN MEETINGS FOR VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS. THE SEMINARS WERE ON THE TOPICS OF END OF LIFE ISSUES AND CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT. OVER 80 CLERGY MEMBERS FROM ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA PARTICIPATED IN THESE EVENTS. NGMC PLANS TO DO MORE OF THESE TYPES OF EVENTS OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER IS HOME TO A CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION CENTER, WHICH IS FOCUSED ON OFFERING OUR AREA CLERGY PRACTICAL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN A CLINICAL SETTING THROUGH THE CPE MODEL. OUR CENTER IS ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION, INC. (ACPE). HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT CAMP AND SUPPORT GROUPS: CAMP BRAVEHEART: NGMC PROVIDES A DAY CAMP FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH OF A CLOSE FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER. THIS CAMP IS FREE AND AVAILABLE TO ANY YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAS EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT DEATH. FACILITATED BY A TEAM OF LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS, THERAPISTS AND TRAINED VOLUNTEERS, CAMP BRAVEHEART IS A STRUCTURED, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHICH PROVIDES CAMPERS WITH VOCABULARY TO TALK ABOUT DEATH, LOSS AND INTENSE EMOTIONS; HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH THOSE INTENSE EMOTIONS; OPPORTUNITIES TO TALK ABOUT AND REMEMBER THEIR LOVED ONE; A SAFE PLACE TO TALK ABOUT CHANGES, FEARS AND FRUSTRATIONS; THE CHANCE TO INTERACT WITH OTHER CHILDREN/TEENS WITH SIMILAR LOSSES. SCHOOL BASED BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS: BRAVEHEART COUNSELORS GUIDE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS AT SCHOOLS. COUNSELORS UNDERSTAND CHILDREN'S NATURAL RESILIENCY AND CAN HELP THEM NAVIGATE THEIR FEELINGS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL EMOTIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS. STEMI CONFERENCE: HOSTED EACH YEAR BY NGMC, THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA REGIONAL STEMI CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER PARAMEDICS, EMS STAFF AND DOCTORS FROM ACROSS THE STATE. THEY MEET TO DISCUSS THE STATE OF THE NORTHEAST GEORGIA REGIONAL STEMI SYSTEM A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER AND EMS IN 15 COUNTIES ACROSS THE REGION TO PROVIDE FAST AND EFFICIENT TREATMENT TO PATIENTS SUFFERING SEVERE HEART ATTACKS KNOWN AS STEMI (S-T SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION). KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE INCLUDE THE NATION'S LEADING CARDIOLOGISTS AND EXPERTS IN THE STUDY OF REGIONAL APPROACHES TO HEART ATTACK CARE. THE STEMI PROGRAM BENEFITS ALL PATIENTS, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. MENDED HEARTS: MENDED HEARTS, INC., IS A NATIONWIDE SUPPORT ORGANIZATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEART DISEASE, INCLUDING PERSONS RECOVERING FROM HEART ATTACKS, ANGIOPLASTY OR OPEN HEART SURGERY. MENDED HEARTS VOLUNTEERS VISIT CARDIAC PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERIES AND HELP ANSWER QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS, OFFER HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT AND SHARE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS. SINCE AUGUST 2002, MEMBERS OF CHAPTER 302 AT NGMC HAVE DONATED 20,000 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VISITED MORE THAN 21,000 PATIENTS. IN KEEPING WITH GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORTING, NGMC DID NOT INCLUDE QUANTITATIVE DATA ON THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS/PROJECTS, BUT THEY DO MEET HEALTH NEEDS IN THE COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED VIA THE 2013 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND WARRANT INCLUSION IN THIS SUMMARY: PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL NEIGHBORHOOD: NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM (NGHS) HAS BEEN SELECTED AS ONE OF 15 COMMUNITIES IN THE NATION TO ESTABLISH A PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL NEIGHBORHOOD (PCMN) AS PART OF A CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID (CMS) INNOVATION CHALLENGE GRANT. THE PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL NEIGHBORHOOD (PCMN) BUILDS ON THE CONCEPT OF A PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME (PCMH) BY CONNECTING ACUTE- CARE HOSPITALS, SPECIALTY AND SUB-SPECIALTY PRACTICES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES WITH PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS IN ORDER TO DRIVE HIGHER-QUALITY, PROVIDE MORE AFFORDABLE CARE AND ENSURE A POSITIVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE. THE FIRST STEP IN THIS THREE-YEAR PROJECT IS TO BUILD STRONG MEDICAL HOME PRACTICES. PARTNERING WITH NORTHEAST GEORGIA PHYSICIANS GROUP (NGPG) AND OTHER COMMUNITY PRACTICES, THIS PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MORE INDIVIDUALIZED CARE TO PATIENTS. A MEDICAL HOME IS A CONCEPT OF CARE NOT A BUILDING, A HOUSE, OR A HOSPITAL. THE GOAL OF THE MEDICAL HOME MODEL IS TO BETTER COORDINATE CARE THROUGH PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES WITH HOSPITALS, MEDICAL SPECIALTIES AND OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES TO SUPPORT A MORE FULLY-INTEGRATED APPROACH TO CARE. BEING CARED FOR IN A PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL HOME MEANS NGMC'S HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WILL WORK WITH PATIENTS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THEIR TOTAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS AND CONNECT THEM WITH COMMUNITY AND OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP MEET THEIR INDIVIDUALIZED NEEDS. A PARTNERSHIP IS DEVELOPED BETWEEN THE PATIENT, THE PERSONAL PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HEALTHCARE TEAM, AND THERE IS A KEY FOCUS ON ENCOURAGING PATIENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR CARE. DISEASE CARE MANAGERS: NGMC EMPLOYS FOUR DISEASE CARE MANAGERS TO FOCUS ON THE CORE MEASURES IDENTIFIED BY CMS, WHICH ARE PNEUMONIA AND SEPSIS, HEART FAILURE, STROKE AND ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. CMS BEGAN FOCUSING ON THESE DISORDERS TO IMPROVE CARE AND REDUCE COSTS, THEREFORE THESE PROFESSIONALS MANAGE CARE TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES. DISEASE MANAGERS PROVIDE COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SOME DISEASE MANAGERS PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION AT GOOD NEWS CLINICS (THE INDIGENT CLINIC). OTHER COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROVIDED BY DISEASE MANAGERS INCLUDES CHURCH/CIVIC/SENIOR GROUPS, HEALTH FAIRS, AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS. SANE PROGRAM: NGMC PROVIDES A SANE PROGRAM (SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER) PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES NURSES SPECIAL TRAINING IN RAPE CRISIS, TRIAL TIME WITH DISTRICT ATTORNEY, TRAINING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PEDIATRICIAN'S OFFICE. NGMC EMPLOYS NURSES WHO HAVE SPECIALIZED TRAINING TO COMPLETE THE SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAM AND PROVIDE SPECIALIZED CARE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT A REQUIREMENT OF HOSPITALS AND IS ALSO NOT PROVIDED AT ALL HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. LIFELINE: NGMC HAS A LIFELINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE WHICH ALLOWS PEOPLE TO CONTINUE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR HOMES WITH THE SECURITY OF KNOWING THEY CAN QUICKLY ACCESS HELP IF THEY NEED IT. BY PRESSING A LIGHTWEIGHT, WATERPROOF ALERT BUTTON WORN AROUND THE NECK OR WRIST, SUBSCRIBERS CAN SIGNAL LIFELINE MONITORS WHO DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF HELP IS NEEDED AND CALL FOR IT IMMEDIATELY. CURRENTLY NGMC HAS APPROXIMATELY 330 SUBSCRIBERS. NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER (NGMC) RECENTLY ACHIEVED STAGE 6 DESIGNATION OF THE HEALTH INFORMATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SOCIETY (HIMSS) ANALYTICS HOSPITAL ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD (EMR) ADOPTION MODEL. THIS DISTINCTION HONORS NGMC'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO IMPLEMENT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY OF CARE. NGMC IS ONE OF 487 HOSPITALS IN THE UNITED STATES AND 12 IN GEORGIA TO EARN THIS DESIGNATION. THIS WILL IMPROVE COORDINATION OF CARE ACROSS MULTIPLE PROVIDERS AND BETTER SUPPORT COORDINATION OF CARE ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE LANGUAGE ISSUES. SPECIAL NOTES: NGMC USES THE PRECEPTS OUTLINED IN "A GUIDE FOR PLANNING AND REPORTING COMMUNITY BENEFIT," PROVIDED BY THE CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND VHA, INC. THE GUIDE'S PURPOSE IS TO HELP NOT-FOR-PROFIT MISSION-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS DEVELOP, ENHANCE AND REPORT ON THEIR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS. COMMUNITY BENEFIT DEFINITION: PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY MUST ADDRESS A DEMONSTRATED COMMUNITY NEED, AND SEEK TO ADDRESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY BENEFIT OBJECTIVES: -IMPROVE ACCESS -ENHANCE POPULATION HEALTH -ADVANCE GENERALIZABLE KNOWLEDGE -RELIEVE GOVERNMENT BURDEN TO IMPROVE HEALTH THE PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY MUST: -PRIMARILY BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY RATHER THAN THE ORGANIZATION -RESULT IN MEASURABLE EXPENSE TO THE ORGANIZATION IF THE PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY IS PROVIDED PRIMARILY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES, STANDARD PRACTICE, EXPECTED OF ALL HOSPITALS (SUCH AS ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ACCREDITATION, LICENSURE, OR TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDICARE) OR IS PRIMARILY FOR EMPLOYEES (NOT INCLUDING INTERNS, RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS) AND/OR AFFILIATED PHYSICIANS, IT IS NOT COMMUNITY BENEFIT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CHRISTY MOORE, MANAGER, COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT, AT (770) 219-8097 OR GO TO WWW.NGHS.COM. 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