Hospital receives Medicare number

Vicki Hyatt

Jun. 16, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Haywood Regional Medical Center received its new official Medicare provider number on Friday.

The news signalled a mass release of bills for services offered since May 22 -- the date the hospital was recertified as a Medicare provider -- and June 13 when a new provider number was issued.

Representatives from The Compass Group, the consulting company hired by the hospital to guide them through the recertification process, originally said once the hospital passed a second inspection, Medicare would be restored.

While technically true because bills can be issued retroactive to the recertification date, no billing could physically be done at Haywood Regional until a new provider number was issued.

During the three-month period the hospital's Medicare certification was revoked, the facility was unable to bill the federal government for most services provided. Many private insurers stipulate if a facility or provider is not Medicare-certified, they will not pay for services either.

Some services such as home health and radiology operate under a different Medicare provider number and were not impacted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services action.

It will be 14 calendar days between the time the Medicare bills are electronically sent out and the time payment is received, Gwen Evans, the hospital's chief financial officer, told the board of trustees at a recent meeting.

"The good news is we finally got a provider number to input so we can get reimbursement," said Mark Clasby, the HRMC board treasurer.

The hospital has been operating on its reserve funds since the Feb. 24 CMS action.

Al Byers, the hospital's interim CEO, said he is pleased with the receipt of the new number and offered thanks to those who made the recertification possible.

"Today would not have been possible without the help and hard work of our physicians and staff, and dedication of so many people outside the HRMC family."

Byers extended a special thanks to U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler and his staff for the work they did.

"I cannot fully express my gratitude to them. Congressman Shuler has remained in constant communication with me, visited with us, and stood by us all along," Byers said.

Shuler said he knows how important the hospital is to the community.

"I applaud the effort and sacrifice the doctors, nurses and staff of HRMC made to ensure it remained open to serve the people of Haywood County. I know there are bright days ahead for this facility," Shuler said.

Byers also thanked the state legislators who worked closely with HRMC throughout the recertification process, including state representatives Phil Haire, Ray Rapp and Charles Thomas and state senators Joe Sam Queen and John Snow.

"These men joined together to effect action and for the good of Haywood County. I don't believe an area could have better or harder working representatives," Byers said.

Receiving the provider number is another step in the road to recovery at Haywood Regional Medical Center since the late February decertification.

The event was followed by a board and staff shakeup, a systemwide retraining and new policies being implemented.

While the recertification date, May 22, is the retroactive billing date for both Medicare and Medicaid, bills for all procedures since that time could not be sent until a new number was issued.

"As HRMC begins this new era, quality patient care and patient safety is our first concern," Byers stressed. "We are returning to full service capacity as we recruit and train additional staff. I want to express appreciation to our community for standing with us while we move forward to become a stronger hospital."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0259-26013310