Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital will appeal a ruling that denied its potential $24 million ASC in Northern Kentucky, the Cincinnati Business Courier reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. Judge Thomas Wingate of Franklin County Circuit Court ruled against the ASC June 20, determining Christ Hospital couldn't furnish evidence the facility was needed. Edgewood, Ky.-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare objected to the ASC, requesting a summary judgement.
2. Christ Hospital replied July 20, challenging the ruling in the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The appeal process could take up to three years to resolve.
3. Christ Hospital contended Northern Kentucky residents needed an ASC close to their homes. Northern Kentucky already has nine ASCs, several of which are operated by St. Elizabeth.
4. St. Elizabeth said it might have to reduce the $112 million in uncompensated medical care and community benefit it provides annually if it loses business to Christ Hospital.
5. The 24,000-square-foot ASC in question would be part of a 150,000-square-foot medical complex projected to cost $40 million to $50 million.
The healthcare complex is part of a $135 million mixed-use development. Christ Hospital can proceed with developing the rest of the mixed-use site despite the ASC dispute.
6. Christ Hospital CEO Mike Keating told the Courier Northern Kentucky residents "prefer and are asking for more health care options in the communities where they live. So we have decided to appeal the court's decision because we believe we can provide those needed healthcare options, notwithstanding the efforts of others to limit competition."
7. St. Elizabeth CEO Garren Colvin said he is confident the circuit court's ruling will be upheld.