Case Analysis: Medical Center of Southern Indiana Essay Example
Case Analysis: Medical Center of Southern Indiana Essay Example

Case Analysis: Medical Center of Southern Indiana Essay Example

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  • Pages: 9 (2406 words)
  • Published: October 31, 2017
  • Type: Case Analysis
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Introduction

The Medical Center of Southern Indiana (MCSI) has experienced significant transformations since its inception in 1973, evolving into a fully operational hospital.

Over time, MCSI has consistently experienced financial losses and gone through different ownership transitions, leading to a lack of trust among residents of Clark County, IN and the local medical community towards MCSI.

The city of Charlestown bought the infirmary in 1991 with the goal of transforming it into a profitable medical center that offers vital services to the community. In 1992, American MedTrust, the management contractor, devised an ambitious expansion plan, which resulted in an operating profit of $480,545 in 1998. This was a significant milestone for MCSI.

After achieving profitability for the first time in a long while, the hospital is now contemplating its future. MCSI must decide between pursuing aggressive expansion or slowing

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down growth to focus on excellent service within its current capacity. Additionally, they should explore cost reduction and revenue increase opportunities.

Key Demographics and Facts

Several factors of the MCSI case are vital in determining the most suitable strategy for the future.

The community general infirmary environment has seen a recent downturn. From around 5,000 community hospitals in the United States, approximately 22% had a bed capacity of 50 to 99 in 1997. However, there was a decline of 24% in the number of hospitals with this bed capacity from 1980 to 1997.

With only 96 beds, the future does not look promising for MCSI. When the hospital was acquired by the city of Charlestown, American MedTrust introduced its aggressive "revitalization initiatives" to aid in MCSI's profitability. This was done under the leadership of American MedTrust.

Between 1992 and 1998, MCSI expended over $3 million

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to implement ambitious strategies aimed at expanding the range of services provided and improving relationships with insurance companies and the local medical community. MCSI, as a comprehensive healthcare facility, already offered a wide array of medical services. However, due to consistently low patient numbers (with an occupancy rate of approximately 45%), it was crucial to develop methods to attract new patients.

By 1998, a new inmate geropsychiatric unit, skilled nursing installation, and a place wellness bureau were added to the mix. Infirmary executives recognized a demand in the community for these services and realized that the competition did not offer them.

All three new service lines were bringing in at least $ 1 million in total revenue. Other important investments included the establishment of an outpatient mall, purchasing new technology, and the establishment of satellite specialty and primary care clinics. Finding and expanding sources of revenue was also a key feature in the aggressive strategic plan. MCSI recognized that to enhance revenue, it needed to focus on various strategies.

The infirmary had to engage with managed care companies due to strained relationships with MCSI and insurance companies. To address this issue, MCSI sought assistance from the provincial legislative assembly and insurance commissioner in implementing the Any Willing Provider measure. This measure mandated that insurance companies collaborate with providers such as MCSI and provide written explanations for any contract rejections. In 1994, MCSI held two managed care contracts, while the number increased to 25 by 1998.

To broaden their sources of income, MCSI had to enhance their managed care contracts since 65% of their patients were covered by Medicare. Through offering enhanced services, the workforce at MCSI increased from 183

employees in 1994 to 270 employees in 1998. Additionally, MCSI experienced a favorable employee turnover rate of 11% and achieved greater efficiency through an improved organizational structure. Nevertheless, despite having these established systems, challenges persist for MCSI.

Between 1992 and 1998, the salary and pay disbursal underwent a substantial increase, going from $3.3 million to $9.88 million, representing a three-fold growth compared to the initial amount. Additionally, there were a total of 270 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees throughout this timeframe.

The medical staff currently consists of 75 active members, but the gross revenue generated by doctors is unevenly distributed. In 1998, around 11 out of the 75 doctors accounted for approximately 75% of the total gross revenue. To plan for the future, MCSI must carefully analyze the gross revenue generated by doctors per department and their corresponding wage expenses. This analysis will help determine the most effective combination of services provided to the Clark County community.

The geographical and demographic factors of Clark County heavily influence MCSI's current difficulties in creating future strategic initiatives. Although the county is predominantly located in a rural region, its population is largely concentrated in the southern half near the Indiana and Kentucky border. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight that Clark County boasts an exceptionally low unemployment rate of merely 2%.

In 1997, the unemployment rate in Clark County was 7%, while the average household income was $36,726. Additionally, in 1998, only 11% of county residents had achieved a bachelor's degree.

Therefore, the likelihood of a significant increase in average household income was very low. In 1998, MCSI had 65% of its patients covered by Medicare. MCSI is located in the northern part of

Clark County, while its main competitor, Clark Memorial Hospital, is situated in the southern half. Clark Memorial Hospital has about three times as many beds as MCSI and a larger population from the county lives closer to it in Louisville.

KY is approximately 15 miles away from MCSI. For any future expansion plans, it is crucial to closely examine the population growth patterns in the country. Additionally, it is important to analyze the range of services offered by both competitors, namely Clark Memorial and the wellness systems in the Louisville area. These rivals are in a more advantageous position to take advantage of any emerging trends in the area, as they possess the financial resources required to effectively expand and meet these trends.

Despite MCSI's consistent net income in recent years, the majority of its assets are comprised of receivables. Both the current ratio and cash on hand are significantly below industry standards. However, with rising salary and interest expenses, investing in capital expenditures or substantial amounts in new service lines could potentially result in negative operating profits for MCSI.

Recommendations

The Medical Center of Southern Indiana should continue to improve and expand their current service lines, including home health, skilled nursing, and geropsychiatric services. These services have been somewhat profitable for the facility in the past. The home health agency has experienced significant growth, increasing from $422,000 to $1.

Gross revenues at the skilled nursing facility increased from $1.07 million to $4.7 million over a period of four years.

In order to keep the Bing service lines thriving, MSCI should undergo moderate redevelopments to ensure the facility is up to date with current service lines.

These renovations should resemble the $300,000 reconstruction of the outpatient service promenade and should involve acquiring medical supply equipment to help MCSI stay on par with its competitors. It is important to avoid significant capital expenditures at this time.

Additionally, MCSI should expand its marketing campaign to target the local populations and prevent patients from the surrounding five counties from traveling to Louisville for care. The facility has faced this issue previously, resulting in revenue losses. Another important consideration is reaching out to the student populations of Ivy Tech College and Indiana University Southeast, as they have not been targeted by the facility thus far.

The recruitment and retention of doctors is crucial for the success of a facility as they generate a significant amount of revenue. Therefore, the selling strategy should prioritize the recruitment and retention of quality doctors, which has been problematic in the past. Currently, a small group of doctors contributes to the majority of earnings.

Ensuring the presence of doctors who provide desired and requested services to the community will not only enhance revenues but also necessitate efficiency measures because of the high volume of Medicare patients. Although MCSI has more control over their expenses than their sources of revenue, they have been able to accumulate resources that enable them to better meet the needs of the community and achieve profitability by adopting an aggressive prospector strategy after years of operating with a guardian approach to strategic planning.

Before proceeding aggressively, it is recommended to take a step back and evaluate the situation. The Medical Center of Southern Indiana has created a decision matrix that outlines criteria to consider when looking for a solution

going forward.

MCSI analyzed physician partnership, top service lines, market expansion, and the increase in the Ivy Tech population to determine if they should continue their aggressive expansion campaign.

The main criteria considered when evaluating countries for inclusion in the assessment were market potential, competition, potential profitability, and alignment with MCSI's mission. Figure 1 illustrates that it was recommended for MCSI to continue building physician partnerships and focus on improving its top three service lines, which include home health agency.

The text suggests that MCSI should consider expanding its marketing campaign and increasing its Ivy Tech population in order to enhance its skilled nursing installation and geropsychiatric services. However, it is recommended that MCSI slows down its aggressive expansion strategy and instead focuses on consolidating the existing services. By doing this, MCSI will transition from being a prospector to becoming an analyzer.

MCSI recorded a record-breaking operating net income of $480.545 in 1998, but there is a risk that aggressive expansion could reduce future profits. Overexpanding services may lead to a decline in the quality of care, although the hospital is already structured to keep costs under control.

With insufficient operating net income, MCSI lacks the resources to continue their expansion. As an analyser, MCSI will seek to improve its existing resources and wait to see what the competition does.

Improvements can be implemented in MCSI's top three service lines in order to maintain their success and continue generating income. Allocating resources for future redevelopments and equipment purchases will support this. These service lines are tailored to meet the needs of Medicare patients. Maintaining the partnership with physicians is crucial as they contribute significantly to the overall revenue. However, there is

a noticeable disparity among doctors in terms of the revenue generated and number of patients seen.

Maintaining MCSI’s top doctors while also seeking to recruit other skilled doctors can lead to increased patient care efficiency and reduced costs. It is crucial to involve the doctors in important aspects of care and daily operations, as they are the ones responsible for treating patients. If MCSI has the necessary resources, it should consider expanding its marketing campaign and exploring the possibility of expanding its Ivy Tech population. To focus on its current service lines instead of constant aggressive expansion, MCSI will need coordination among various departments within the medical center.

Kevin J. Miller, the President and CEO of MCSI, is accountable for asserting leadership in the planning and execution of this solution. His involvement in the procedure is crucial to prevent detachment within MCSI.

He values the significance of being a leader, yet understands that it does not entail complete control. The subsequent step involves defining and communicating the responsibilities and roles of leaders across various departments in the medical center. This process will be facilitated by the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, who have been assigned with overseeing operations and granting authority to the organization. To establish physician collaboration, an Independent Practice Association (IPA) will be utilized.

The individuals under the Physician Affiliates, specifically the Chief Nursing Officer, would be affected by the place wellness bureau, skilled nursing installation, and geropsychiatric services.

The Expansion of the selling campaign and Ivy Tech population would impact the individuals under the Director of Human Resources and Director of Business Development. Additionally, those under the Chief Quality Officer are also accountable for ensuring

that the facilities are up-to-date through redevelopments for these service lines. Furthermore, those under the Chief Financial Officer would be tasked with keeping track of the records and assessing the profitability of already existing services.

All countries in MCSI must engage in active communication and collaborate with each other. It is crucial to establish strategic program agendas to ensure the success of the solution. This begins with monitoring daily activities. MCSI should conduct a comprehensive strategic planning process every three years, with annual updates for each area in the decision matrix.

MCSI needs to possess the necessary resources to provide for this solution. The solution, as determined by the determination matrix, is accountable for MCSI's capacity to achieve and enhance its one-year net income. Gathering information in these countries, in addition to monitoring the internal and external environment, will enable MCSI to assess the effectiveness of integrating future service expansions. Present Situation of the Medical Center of Southern Indiana: The Medical Center of Southern Indiana was acquired by Saint Catherine Healthcare LLC on May 1.

In 2006, MCSI was faced with a decision regarding its aggressive expansion strategy. They had to consider whether to slow down the addition of new services and focus on consolidating their existing ones, or continue with the aggressive expansion by adding even more services. Our opinion is that MCSI should not continue with its aggressive expansion strategy.

Instead of focusing on expanding their service lines any further, MCSI should concentrate on continuing the maintenance of their current profitable services. These services include home health, skilled nursing facilities, and geropsychiatric services. MCSI's growth and competitive advantage in certain areas have been achieved through

the expansion of these existing services.

Money should be invested to maintain Bing installations at the "top of the line." Additionally, MCSI should reevaluate present services and retrench those that are not yet interrupting even. MCSI should carefully consider all present services, especially those that are not yet interrupting even. While certain service lines will never interrupt even, they are required as part of the community hospital services.

However, it may be the best strategy going forward to cut down or reduce these services. Additionally, should MCSI change its financial orientation and prioritize cost reduction over revenue enhancement? Considering that 65% of the patient base is on Medicare, revenue enhancement may not be guaranteed.

Increasing the number of managed attention contracts would be the most effective approach for MCSI, as it combines cost minimisation and gross sweetening schemes. MCSI should establish a joint venture with doctors in limited partnerships in 1998.

Out of MCSI's 75 doctors, 4 doctors accounted for 44% of the total gross income, while 11 doctors accounted for approximately 75% of the total gross income, which amounted to $39,679,356.

Keeping the top earning doctors at MCSI is crucial as it aligns with MCSI's mission to increase physician recruitment, retention, and collaboration. It is essential for MCSI to continue addressing the doctors' needs related to quality and their daily operations.

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