Officials at the first Nebraska hospital to transition to rural emergency status said the conversion has been a game changer, CBS affiliate KOLN reported Aug. 13.
Jared Chaffin, who serves as CEO and CFO of Friend (Neb.) Community Healthcare System, said the hospital has been able to pay its monthly bills and has not needed assistance from the city like it did a year ago, according to the report.
Mr. Chaffin said the hospital has also paid back over $1 million in debt in six months, according to the report.
Friend Community Healthcare System became a rural emergency hospital in February.
COO Amy Thimm told the outlet that ED and clinic visits have expanded. The hospital also added two more providers and is planning a $3 million renovation to their operating room to increase outpatient surgeries.
They now see 150 patients per month, up from 60 to 80, according to the report. The emergency department now sees 40 patients per month, up from 30.