Erlanger at Hutcheson still lost money in May, but it was the best financial report in two years, officials said.
Last May, Hutcheson lost $889,959, compared to May 2012 in which Hutcheson’s loss was half that figure – $481,354. Hospital officials said the projected loss for this May was $1.25 million, but "the better-than-expected outcome demonstrates continued improvement in the hospital’s overall financial health."
It was also the best report since the Erlanger Health System signed its management contract with Hutcheson in early 2011, Hospital officials have been working to stem losses that threatened the future of the North Georgia community hospital serving Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties.
Farrell Hayes, who served as Hutcheson’s chief financial officer from 1976 to 1987, and recently returned to help chart the hospital’s financial future, said the improved financial status “is the direct result of rising patient volumes, higher billing collection rates and diligent expense control.”
The Fort Oglethorpe hospital also achieved a 20 percent increase in both outpatient and emergency department volumes over last May.
Roger Forgey, president and chief executive officer of Erlanger at Hutcheson, said, “Every individual who works at our facilities has contributed to the improvement of Hutcheson’s bottom line, and it is encouraging to see our efforts pay off.
"We know there is significant work ahead to secure the hospital’s long-term viability, but it is evident we are heading in a positive direction, and that the North Georgia community is supporting us."