Edgewood, Ky.-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO Garren Colvin said the provider is filing a state hearing with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to fight Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital's plan to build an ambulatory surgery center, according to Cincinnati Business Courier.
Here are seven key points:
1. With nine ASCs already serving North Kentucky residents, Mr. Colvin said there is no need for an additional center and argues it will only "add to the cost of the healthcare system." Mr. Colvin also claims Christ Hospital did not specify which procedures the center would offer in its CON.
2. Christ Hospital plans to build its $24 million ASC in Fort Mitchell, Ky. The 24,000-square foot facility will sit on 2.6 acres and is part of a larger healthcare complex which costs between $40 million and $50 million.
3. This Friday marks the final deadline for parties to request a hearing regarding Christ Hospital's certificate of need. During the hearing, Mr. Colvin anticipates he will testify and believes Christ Hospital CEO Mike Keating may be a witness.
4. For its new center, Christ Hospital projects it will spend $8.6 million on equipment, $11.4 million on construction, $1.3 million on architecture and engineering and $1.5 million on site improvements. The hospital also plans to spend $1.1 million on contingencies.
5. In fiscal year 2020, Christ Hospital projects it will generate $28 million in gross patient revenue, and will bring in almost $36 million the following year. Christ Hospital expects net revenue will surpass $1.1 million in 2020 and almost $1.7 million in 2021. The hospital also anticipates it will create 19 jobs through its ASC.
6. St. Elizabeth, the largest employer in Northern Kentucky, may need to lower its $112 million in uncompensated medical care and community benefits it provides if Christ Hospital opens the ASC. Mr. Colvin said, "From my perspective, someone coming in and trying to take something that's very profitable and not dealing with all the other issues that come with that kind of responsibility is concerning."
7. Vic Dipilla, Christ Hospital's chief business development officer, said marketplace competition would lower healthcare costs while spurring innovation and enhanced clinical outcomes. He went on to say, "Our focus is on the patient, and we are committed to providing healthcare alternatives for our Kentucky patients closer to their home."
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