Fulfilling Lakeland Regional Health Systems’ (LRHS) mission of providing exceptional healthcare means offering state-of-the-art facilities, treatments and technologies; hiring top-notch physicians, nurses and staff; and advocating for the quality care residents in Polk County and beyond expect and deserve. Elaine Thompson, PhD, President/CEO and Michael Spake, Vice President of Administrative Services will travel to Tallahassee this week to meet with legislators to discuss the adverse impact the proposed 2012-2013 House and Senate budgets will have on Lakeland Regional, its patients and the community.
Last year, Lakeland Regional sustained a $12 million annual reduction in Medicaid revenue due to the implementation of the 2011-2012 state budget. Currently, the recommended 2012-2013 budget by the House of Representatives will result in an additional $5.8 million annual reduction in Medicaid revenue to Lakeland Regional, while the proposed 2012-2013 Senate budget will further reduce Lakeland Regional’s Medicaid revenue by $13.4 million.
In this unprecedented healthcare environment, Lakeland Regional has worked closely with suppliers to renegotiate costs and reduce expenses, streamlined efforts to operate more efficiently, and endured a reduction in force resulting in the elimination of 277 jobs. If more cuts to Medicaid are imposed by the 2012-2013 state budget, Lakeland Regional will be forced to evaluate additional reductions, including the elimination of programs.
Thirty-seven percent of Polk County’s population lives below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, while 23.4 percent does not have any type of health insurance. Furthermore, there are 37 percent fewer primary care physicians practicing in Polk County than compared to Florida’s state average. The lack of physician access results in Lakeland Regional housing the busiest single-site emergency department in the state, with approximately 150,000 annual visits. Lakeland Regional is addressing these community needs by developing a strategy to create a medical home that will offer high-quality primary and preventive care at a low cost. However, if the proposed reduction in Medicaid is passed, all plans involving initial capital expenses and ongoing operating expenses will need to be further analyzed.
Lakeland Regional Health Systems is proud to offer exceptional healthcare to the community and intends to uphold that commitment. Lakeland Regional’s top priority continues to be providing quality and safe healthcare to its patients and their families. Moving forward, Lakeland Regional will maintain an active role in its advocacy efforts to ensure that the hospital remains viable for the community.