|
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS
|
COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES AND CASH AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY GROUPSBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON AFFILIATIONBETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH (BILH) IS THE SOLE MEMBER OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON. THE BILH NETWORK OF AFFILIATES IS AN INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM COMMITTED TO EXPANDING ACCESS TO EXTRAORDINARY PATIENT CARE ACROSS EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND ADVANCING THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE THROUGH GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. THE BILH SYSTEM IS COMPRISED OF ACADEMIC AND TEACHING HOSPITALS, A PREMIER ORTHOPEDICS HOSPITAL, PRIMARY CARE AND SPECIALTY CARE PROVIDERS, AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS, URGENT CARE CENTERS, COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, HOMECARE SERVICES, OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS, ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMS. THE BILH'S COMMUNITY OF CLINICIANS, CAREGIVERS AND STAFF INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 4,000 PHYSICIANS AND 35,000 EMPLOYEES. AT THE HEART OF BILH IS THE BELIEF THAT EVERYONE DESERVES HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE AND THIS BELIEF IS WHAT DRIVES EACH AFFILIATE TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS ACROSS THE REGION TO PROMOTE HEALTH, EXPAND ACCESS AND DELIVER THE BEST CARE IN THE COMMUNITIES BILH SERVES. BILH'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS STAFF ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH BILH'S COMMUNITIES TO ADDRESS THE LEADING HEALTH ISSUES AND CREATE A HEALTHY FUTURE FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES.BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION STATEMENT THE MISSION OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS TO PROVIDE FREE OR LOW-COST PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS UNMET HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS OF RACIALLY, ETHNICALLY, AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN MILTON, RANDOLPH AND QUINCY, IN A MANNER SHAPED BY COMMUNITY INPUT, ALIGNED WITH HOSPITAL RESOURCES, AND GUIDED BY OUR OBJECTIVE TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY CARE WITH COMPASSION, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT.BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION IS FULFILLED BY: INVOLVING BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON STAFF, INCLUDING ITS LEADERSHIP AND DOZENS OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS, IN THE CHNA PROCESS AS WELL AS IN THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY; ENGAGING RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREAS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROCESS, INCLUDING ASSESSMENT, PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION. SPECIAL ATTENTION IS FOCUSED ON ENGAGING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES, FROM THOSE, PATIENTS AND NON-PATIENTS ALIKE, WHO ARE OFTEN LEFT OUT OF SIMILAR ASSESSMENT, PLANNING AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PROCESSES; ASSESSING UNMET COMMUNITY NEED BY COLLECTING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA (BOTH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE) TO IDENTIFY UNMET HEALTH-RELATED NEEDS AND TO CHARACTERIZE THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND FACE DISPARITIES IN ACCESS AND OUTCOMES; IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA GEARED TOWARD IMPROVING CURRENT AND FUTURE HEALTH STATUS OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BY REMOVING BARRIERS TO CARE, ADDRESSING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND WORKING TO DECREASE THE BURDEN OF THE LEADING HEALTH ISSUES; PROMOTING HEALTH EQUITY BY ADDRESSING SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL INEQUITIES, RACISM AND BIGOTRY AND ENSURING THAT ALL PATIENTS ARE WELCOMED AND RECEIVE CARE THAT IS RESPECTFUL AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE; AND FACILITATING COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITHIN AND ACROSS SECTORS (E.G., STATE/LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, COMMUNITY HEALTH COLLABORATIVES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS) TO ADVOCATE FOR, SUPPORT AND IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE HEALTH POLICIES, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.COMMUNITY BENEFITS FINANCIAL SUMMARY DURING THE FISCAL YEAR COVERED BY THIS FILING, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON PROVIDED COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, COMMUNITY BENEFITS OPERATIONS AND CASH AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY GROUPS OF $353,014 AS REPORTED ON THIS SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINES 7E AND 7I. COMMUNITY BENEFITS LEADERSHIP/TEAMTHE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAM IS LED BY THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS & RELATIONS MANAGER. THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS & RELATIONS MANAGER HAS DIRECT ACCESS TO AND IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE BID MILTON PRESIDENT, THE BILH REGIONAL DIRECTOR, AND THE BILH VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND THE LATTER REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE BILH CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THESE LEADERS TO ENSURE THAT COMMUNITY BENEFITS IS ADDRESSED BY THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION AND THAT THE NEEDS OF UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS ARE CONSIDERED EVERY DAY IN DISCUSSIONS ON RESOURCE ALLOCATION, POLICIES, AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT. MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE: RITA BAILEY, HEALTH SERVICES COORDINATOR, QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TIM CAREY, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, SOUTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES DAURICE COX, CEO, BAYSTATE COMMUNITY SERVICES RICHARD DOANE, DIRECTOR, INTERFAITH SOCIAL SERVICES MELISSA DROHAN, SOCIAL WORKER, BID MILTON MARIAN GIROUARD-SPINO, CHIEF SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND QUALITY OFFICER, ASPIRE HEALTH ALLIANCE TINA HO, QUINCY ASIAN RESOURCES CAROLINE KINSELLA, RN, BSN, HEALTH DIRECTOR AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE, TOWN OF MILTON VICKI MCCARTHY, MILTON RESIDENT REV. BAFFOUR NKRUMAH-APPIAH, PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, RANDOLPH MELISSA POND, PRINCIPAL PLANNER, CITY OF QUINCY KRISTIN SCHLAPP, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS CYNTHIA SIERRA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MANET COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS CHRISTINE STANTON, DIRECTOR, MILTON COUNCIL ON AGING HEIDI STUCKER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH, METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL KATELYN SZAFIR, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL WELLNESS, SOUTH SHORE YMCA SARA TAN, DIRECTOR, ENHANCE ASIAN COMMUNITY ON HEALTH CHRISTINE TANGISHAKA, RANDOLPH RESIDENT JEANETTE TRAVALINE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RANDOLPH CHAMBER OF COMMERCECOMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGYMOST RECENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTINTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R)INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R), ENACTED AS PART OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, REQUIRES EACH HOSPITAL TO COMPLETE A COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) AND TO FORMALLY ADOPT AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY PURSUANT TO FEDERAL GUIDELINES, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS TAX EXEMPT STATUS AS A HOSPITAL UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (IRC) OF 1986, AS AMENDED. BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMPLETED ITS MOST RECENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN SEPTEMBER 2019. THAT CHNA WAS APPROVED BY THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2019. THE ACCOMPANYING IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR THE MOST RECENT CHNA WAS ALSO APPROVED BY THE BOARD ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 WHICH IS WITHIN THE TIMELINE REQUIRED BY THE TREASURY REGULATIONS UNDER 501(R). THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) AND THE ASSOCIATED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY (IS) REPRESENT THE CULMINATION OF A YEAR OF WORK AND WERE BORNE LARGELY OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMITMENT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND ADDRESS THE HEALTH-RELATED NEEDS OF THOSE LIVING IN ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS SERVICE AREA WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THOSE WHO ARE MOST DISADVANTAGED. THE PROJECT ALSO FULFILLS THE COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE THAT BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON ASSESS COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS, ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY, IDENTIFY PRIORITY HEALTH ISSUES AND CREATE A COMMUNITY HEALTH STRATEGY THAT DESCRIBES HOW BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMUNITY AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT(S), WILL ADDRESS THE NEEDS AND THE PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED BY THE CHNA.
|
|
2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTTARGETED GEOGRAPHY AND POPULATION
|
AS NOTED ABOVE, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMPLETED ITS LAST ASSESSMENT IN SEPTEMBER 2019. THE GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT ENCOMPASSES THE CITY OF QUINCY AND TOWNS OF MILTON AND RANDOLPH.TARGET POPULATIONS FOR BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS INITIATIVES ARE IDENTIFIED THROUGH A COMMUNITY INPUT AND PLANNING PROCESS, COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS AND A CHNA THAT IS CONDUCTED EVERY THREE YEARS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER IRC SECTION 501(R).BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S TARGET POPULATIONS FOCUS ON MEDICALLY-UNDERSERVED AND VULNERABLE GROUPS OF ALL AGES IN BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S TARGET POPULATIONS FOCUS ON MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AND VULNERABLE GROUPS OF ALL AGES IN THE TOWNS OF MILTON AND RANDOLPH AND THE CITY OF QUINCY, AS FOLLOWS: YOUTH OLDER ADULTS LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC AND COMPLEX CONDITIONS RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSBID MILTON'S PROGRAMS MIRROR THE FIVE CORE PRINCIPLES OUTLINED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE IN TERMS OF THE "EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITIES WITH DISPROPORTIONATE UNMET HEALTH-RELATED NEEDS; EMPHASIS ON PRIMARY PREVENTION; BUILDING A SEAMLESS CONTINUUM OF CARE; BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPACITY; AND COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE." PROGRAMS DEVELOPED WILL AIM TO ADDRESS AND IMPROVE UPON THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY AREAS: MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CHRONIC/COMPLEX CONDITIONS AND THEIR RISK FACTORS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND ACCESS TO CARE2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTSUMMARY OF APPROACH AND METHODSTHE CHNA USED A PARTICIPATORY, COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO LOOK AT HEALTH IN ITS BROADEST CONTEXT. THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS INCLUDED SYNTHESIZING EXISTING REGIONAL DATA ON SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND HEALTH INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION FROM COMMUNITY BASED SURVEYS AND FOUR FOCUS GROUPS. COMMUNITY DIALOGUES AND KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED WITH INDIVIDUALS FROM ACROSS THE MILTON, QUINCY AND RANDOLPH COMMUNITIES THAT COMPRISE THE NORFOLK COUNTY REGION AND WITH A RANGE OF PEOPLE REPRESENTING DIFFERENT AUDIENCES, INCLUDING LEADERS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSING ON VULNERABLE POPULATIONS (E.G., YOUTH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKERS) (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, QUESTIONS 3 AND 5). ULTIMATELY, THE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ENGAGED APPROXIMATELY 313 PEOPLEBID MILTON HIRED JOHN SNOW, INC., TO CONDUCT AND MANAGE THE CHNA PROCESS UNDERTAKEN DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, AND JSI WORKED CLOSELY WITH BID MILTON COMMUNITY BENEFITS STAFF THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. THE MOST RECENT CHNA WAS DESIGNED AS A THREE-PHASE PROCESS: PHASE ONE INVOLVED PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING: COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA TO CHARACTERIZE COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS AND DISEASE BURDEN KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WITH HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP, LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS AN EVALUATION OF BID MILTON'S CURRENT PORTFOLIO OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS ACTIVITIESPHASE TWO INVOLVED TARGETED ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING: ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS WITH HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP, CLINICAL PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS DISSEMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF A COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY TO CAPTURE RESIDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF BARRIERS TO GOOD HEALTH, LEADING HEALTH ISSUES, VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, ACCESSIBILITY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES THEY OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUPS WITH IDENTIFIED UNDERSERVED POPULATIONSPHASE THREE INVOLVED A SERIES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND REPORTING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING: MEETINGS WITH THE CBAC AND CBSLT (INCLUDING MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES) TO PRESENT CHNA FINDINGS, PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES, IDENTIFY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, AND DISCUSS POTENTIAL RESPONSES CREATION OF A RESOURCE INVENTORY TO CATALOG LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND COMMUNITY ASSETS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO ADDRESS IDENTIFIED NEEDS LITERATURE REVIEW OF EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES TO RESPOND TO IDENTIFIED HEALTH PRIORITIES DEVELOPMENT OF A FINAL CHNA REPORT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESSDETAIL OF APPROACH AND METHODSTHE ASSESSMENT PROCESS INCLUDED SYNTHESIZING EXISTING REGIONAL DATA ON SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND HEALTH INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION FROM THE DISSEMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF A COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY TO CAPTURE RESIDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF BARRIERS TO GOOD HEALTH, LEADING HEALTH ISSUES, VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, ACCESSIBILITY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES THEY OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY. QUANTITATIVE DATA FROM A BROAD RANGE OF SOURCES WAS COLLECTED AND ANALYZED TO CHARACTERIZE COMMUNITIES IN BID MILTON'S CBSA, MEASURE HEALTH STATUS, AND INFORM A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES. SOURCES INCLUDED: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES (2013-2017) MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION: SCHOOL AND DISTRICT PROFILES (2017 AND 2018-2019) FBI UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS (2017) MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, REGISTRY OF VITAL RECORDS AND STATISTICS (2015) MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BUREAU OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES (2017) MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, ANNUAL REPORTS ON BIRTHS (2016) MASSACHUSETTS BUREAU OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND LABORATORY SCIENCES (2017) MASSACHUSETTS CENTER FOR HEALTH INFORMATION ANALYSIS (CHIA) HOSPITAL PROFILES (FY 2013-2017) MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHY AGING COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNITY PROFILES (2018) TO AUGMENT THE QUANTITATIVE DATA FROM MDPH, JSI WORKED WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH DATA CONSORTIUM (MHDC) AND THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTER FOR HEALTH INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS (CHIA) TO OBTAIN 2018 INPATIENT HOSPITAL DISCHARGE DATA FOR ALL OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN BID MILTON'S SERVICE AREA. 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESSKEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WITH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5)BID MILTON, WITH THE HELP OF JOHN SNOW, INC., CONDUCTED 17 KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS. INTERVIEWEES INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP, MUNICIPAL LEADERSHIP, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, SCHOOLS, FAITH-BASED COMMUNITIES, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITIONS. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WERE DONE TO CONFIRM AND REFINE FINDINGS FROM SECONDARY DATA, TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY CONTEXT, AND TO CLARIFY NEEDS AND PRIORITIES OF THE COMMUNITY. INTERVIEWS WERE 30-60 MINUTES LONG AND WERE CONDUCTED BY-PHONE USING A STRUCTURED INTERVIEW GUIDE CREATED BY JSI. 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESSFOCUS GROUPS AND COMMUNITY FORUMS (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5)FOUR FOCUS GROUPS WITH IDENTIFIED UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS WERE ALSO HELD. JSI CONDUCTED FACILITATED FOCUS GROUPS WITH COMMUNITY COALITIONS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK AREA 20 (BLUE HILLS), DEMOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY (ENHANCE ASIAN COMMUNITY ON HEALTH IN QUINCY), AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY (FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN RANDOLPH). BID-MILTON ALSO COLLABORATED WITH THE MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION (MILTON SAPC) IN NUMEROUS FOCUS GROUPS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ATHLETES. THE MILTON SAPC FACILITATED A FOCUS GROUP OF MALE AND FEMALE TEAM SPORTS CAPTAINS, MOSTLY 11TH AND 12TH GRADE STUDENTS, AS WELL AS THREE CLASSROOMS. THEY INCORPORATED BID-MILTON'S FOCUS GROUP QUESTIONS INTO THEIR FACILITATION GUIDE. MILTON SAPC AND THEN SHARED THEIR NOTES AND RESULTS OF THE FOCUS GROUP WITH BID-MILTON TO INCLUDE IN THIS CHNA.THESE FOCUS GROUPS ALLOWED FOR THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION TO AUGMENT FINDINGS FROM SECONDARY DATA AND KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS, AND EXPLORATION OF STRATEGIC AND PROGRAMMATIC OPTIONS TO ADDRESS IDENTIFIED HEALTH ISSUES, SERVICE GAPS, AND/OR BARRIERS TO CARE. PARTICIPANTS WERE RECRUITED BY BID MILTON, REPRESENTATIVES FROM HOST ORGANIZATIONS, AND FACILITATORS. FOCUS GROUPS WERE APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES AND WERE CONDUCTED IN-PERSON USING A STRUCTURED GUIDE CREATED BY JSI. DETAILED NOTES WERE TAKEN AT EACH SESSION. APPENDIX A INCLUDES SESSION DATES, A DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANTS, AND A FOCUS GROUP GUIDE.
|
|
TO REACH A BROAD RANGE OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS
|
, A COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY WAS DEVELOPED TO CAPTURE INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM COMMUNITY RESIDENTS. RESPONDENTS WERE ASKED FOR THEIR OPINION ON LEADING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, CLINICAL HEALTH ISSUES, VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, ACCESS TO CARE, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMMING. JSI WORKED WITH BID MILTON AND THE CHNA STEERING COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP THIS SURVEY. SURVEYS WERE AVAILABLE ONLINE, THROUGH THE SURVEY MONKEY PLATFORM, IN ENGLISH. HARD-COPIES OF THE SURVEY WERE MADE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, HAITIAN CREOLE, VIETNAMESE, AND CHINESE. BID MILTON WORKED WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, AND STAKEHOLDERS TO DISTRIBUTE THE SURVEY TO COMMUNITY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE TYPICALLY HARD-TO-REACH (E.G. NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS). 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESSREVIEWING RESULTS AND COMPILING THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY DOCUMENTSTHE BID MILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WAS DEVELOPED BY A TEAM COMPRISED OF HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP, PATIENT ADVOCACY, MEDICAL STAFF, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION. THE GROUP REVIEWED PROGRESS TOWARD GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PRIOR THREE-YEAR PERIOD, AS WELL AS THE CURRENT DATA COLLECTED THROUGH THE CHNA, TO HELP ENVISION AND DEFINE PRIORITY AREAS FOR THE FUTURE. THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IDENTIFIED PRIORITY AREAS AND DEFINED GOALS, ALONG WITH OBJECTIVES FOR EACH GOAL AND DRAFTED STRATEGIES TO OPERATIONALIZE THESE OBJECTIVES. 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESSKEY FINDINGSBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S CHNA RESULTED IN KEY FINDINGS RELATED TO SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH CONTINUE TO HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON MANY SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION. ONE OF THE DOMINANT THEMES FROM THE ASSESSMENT'S FINDINGS WAS THE IMPACT THAT THE UNDERLYING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ARE HAVING ON THOSE LIVING IN THE CBSA. THE SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION MOST CHALLENGED BY THESE ISSUES ARE OLDER ADULTS, LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES, RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES, NON- ENGLISH SPEAKERS, AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES OR WITH CHRONIC / COMPLEX CONDITIONS. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THESE SEGMENTS STRUGGLE WITH FINANCIAL INSECURITY, SAFE/AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, ACCESS TO HEALTHY/AFFORDABLE FOOD, LACK OF SOCIAL SUPPORT, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND LANGUAGE ACCESS ISSUES. THESE ISSUES IMPACT MANY PEOPLE'S AND FAMILIES' ABILITY TO ACCESS OR PAY FOR THE SERVICES, HOUSING, FOOD, OR OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS THEY NEED AND/OR TO LIVE A HAPPY, FULFILLING, PRODUCTIVE LIFE. THE BURDEN OF SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST PREVALENT AND CHALLENGING ISSUES AND ARE HAVING A PROFOUND IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE CBSA. THESE ISSUES ARE ALSO A MAJOR BURDEN ON THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEM. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES, FIRST-RESPONDERS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS ARE CONFRONTED ON A DAILY BASIS WITH PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH ACUTE OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND STRUGGLE TO PROVIDE OR LINK THEM TO THE CARE THEY NEED. WITH RESPECT TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, DEPRESSION/ANXIETY, STRESS, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA ARE THE LEADING ISSUES. WITH RESPECT TO SUBSTANCE USE, THE OPIOID CRISIS CONTINUES TO HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE REGION, ALONG WITH ALCOHOL USE, MARIJUANA USE, AND VAPING IN YOUTH. THE FACT THAT PHYSICAL, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SUBSTANCE ISSUES ARE SO INTERTWINED COMPOUNDS THE IMPACT OF THESE ISSUES. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN ARE THE INCREASING RATES OF OPIOID USE AND THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA. LIMITED ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE) SERVICES. DESPITE THE PREVALENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES AND THE IMPACT THAT THESE ISSUES ARE HAVING ON INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES, THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEM IN THE REGION IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. THERE ARE MAJOR SHORTAGES OF SPECIALIZED PROVIDERS - SUCH AS PSYCHIATRISTS, THERAPISTS, ADDICTION SPECIALISTS, AND CASE MANAGERS - WHO ARE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THE FULL BREADTH OF PREVENTIVE, SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES THAT THE COMMUNITY NEEDS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS OR DIFFERENT CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES WHO REQUIRE MORE SPECIALIZED CARE, SUCH AS RECENT IMMIGRANTS, RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES, AND LGBTQ INDIVIDUALS. UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS, THOSE COVERED BY MEDICAID, AND THOSE IN LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME BRACKETS ALSO STRUGGLE TO ACCESS OR PAY FOR THE SERVICES THEY NEED AND TO FIND PROVIDERS WHO ARE ABLE TO TAKE THEIR COVERAGE OR INSURANCE. HIGH RATES OF CHRONIC AND ACUTE PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. ANOTHER MAJOR FINDING FROM THE ASSESSMENT IS THE HIGH RATES OF CHRONIC AND COMPLEX CONDITIONS THAT EXIST FOR MANY OF THE LEADING PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (E.G., HEART DISEASE, HYPERTENSION, CANCER, AND ASTHMA) IN THE CBSA. IN MANY COMMUNITIES, THE RATES OF ILLNESS AND DEATH ARE STATISTICALLY HIGHER THAN THE RATES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH, INDICATING A PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. EVEN IN THE COMMUNITIES WHERE THE RATES ARE LOWER THAN THE COMMONWEALTH AVERAGE, CHRONIC PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, SUCH AS HEART DISEASE, CANCER, STROKE, DIABETES, AND RESPIRATORY DISEASE, ARE STILL BY FAR THE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH. HIGH RATES OF THE LEADING HEALTH RISK FACTORS (E.G., LACK OF NUTRITIONAL FOOD AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, ALCOHOL/ILLICIT DRUG USE, AND TOBACCO USE). BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED FROM FOCUS GROUPS, INTERVIEWS, COMMUNITY MEETINGS, THE COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY, AND QUANTITATIVE SOURCES, THE ASSESSMENT FOUND THAT THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL CONCERNS RELATED TO THE LEADING HEALTH RISK FACTORS, SUCH AS HEALTHY EATING, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, OBESITY, TOBACCO USE/VAPING, ALCOHOL USE, AND STRESS. MANY OF THOSE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE ASSESSMENT BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR MORE HEALTH EDUCATION AND A GREATER EMPHASIS ON HEALTH PROMOTION AND ILLNESS PREVENTION. CHALLENGES NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM AND COORDINATING NEEDED SERVICES. ANOTHER MAJOR THEME FROM THE INTERVIEWS, FOCUS GROUPS, AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS CONDUCTED FOR THE ASSESSMENT WAS THE CHALLENGES THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE CBSA FACE NAVIGATING THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEM. THERE WAS A GENERAL SENSE THAT THERE WAS A BROAD RANGE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE REGION BUT THAT MANY DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICES OR STRUGGLED TO ACCESS THE SERVICES EVEN IF THEY KNEW WHERE TO GO. ONCE AGAIN, THE POPULATION SEGMENT WHO STRUGGLE MOST TO NAVIGATE THE SYSTEM ARE OLDER ADULTS, LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES, RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES, NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS, AND THOSE WITH CHRONIC / COMPLEX CONDITIONS. MANY PEOPLE SAID THAT IF THERE WAS A RESOURCE INVENTORY THAT WOULD HELP RESIDENTS ACCESS SERVICES, ALONG WITH COUNSELORS OR CASE MANAGERS WHO COULD FURTHER ASSIST PEOPLE TO OBTAIN AND ACCESS THE SERVICES THEY NEEDED.THE CHNA THAT WAS COMPLETED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, AND THE ASSOCIATED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ADOPTED FROM THIS PROCESS WERE DESIGNED TO INFORM BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS INITIATIVES DURING THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020; SEPTEMBER 30, 2021; AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
|
|
INTERIM CHANGES AND UPDATES TO IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY BASED ON
|
NEWLY IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY NEEDS COVID PANDEMICAS PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN THIS FILING, IRC SECTION 501(R)(3) AND THE PROMULGATED REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT A TAX-EXEMPT HOSPITAL CONDUCT A COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) AND ADOPT AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ADDRESSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE CHNA AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS. THE PREAMBLE TO THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER IRC SECTION 501(R) (3) NOTES THAT THE TREASURY AND THE IRS INTENDED FOR THE CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY REQUIREMENT TO ESTABLISH CONTINUAL FEEDBACK ON CHNA REPORTS AND A HOSPITAL IS REQUIRED TO CONSIDER COMMENTS RECEIVED RELATED TO THE EXISTING CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WHEN ENGAGING IN THE NEXT CHNA PROCESS NOT MORE THAN THREE YEARS AFTER ADOPTION. IN ADDITION, FINAL REGULATIONS DO NOT PROHIBIT IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FROM DISCUSSING HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED THROUGH MEANS OTHER THAN A CHNA, PROVIDED THAT THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. FINALLY, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE REGULATIONS THAT PROHIBITS A HOSPITAL FROM UPDATING ITS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY BASED ON AN OFF-CYCLE CHANGE TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS THAT ARISE. DURING THE PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, OCTOBER 1, 2019, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WERE IMPACTED BY AN UNEXPECTED GLOBAL PANDEMIC. ON JANUARY 9, 2020, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) ANNOUNCED THE IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW AND NOVEL CORONAVIRUS-RELATED PNEUMONIA IN WUHAN, CHINA. ON JANUARY 21, 2020 THE UNITED STATES CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL CONFIRMED THE FIRST CASE OF THIS NEW CORONA VIRUS IN THE UNITED STATES. ON JANUARY 31, 2020, THE WHO ISSUED A GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY AND ON FEBRUARY 3 THE UNITED STATES DECLARED A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS. ON MARCH 11, 2020, THE WHO DECLARED COVID-19 A PANDEMIC AND TWO DAYS LATER, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DECLARED COVID-19 A NATIONAL EMERGENCY.THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WERE IMPACTED BY THIS UNFORESEEN HEALTH CRISIS AND IN THE ABSENCE OF REGULATORY GUIDANCE TO THE CONTRARY, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON NEEDED TO QUICKLY REASSESS AND PIVOT TO MEET THE NEW AND PREVIOUSLY UNEXPECTED COMMUNITY NEEDS. AS SUCH, IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS STAFF ALONG WITH THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CBAC) AND IN RESPONSE TO COVID, EXPANDED GOALS RELATED TO ACCESS TO CARE AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH TARGETED PRIMARILY AT LOW INCOME AND MINORITY POPULATIONS WHO HAVE BEEN DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY COVID-19.THE ADDITIONAL AND NEWLY URGENT HEALTH NEEDS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 WERE: ENSURE ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE MEASURES, TESTING, SCREENING AND TREATMENT FOR THOSE AT-RISK OR EXPOSED TO COVID-19 AND MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH.THE ACTIONS TAKEN TOWARD ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS ARE INCLUDED FURTHER IN THIS NARRATIVE SUPPORT ALONG WITH BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN TO MEET THE COMMUNITY NEEDS. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTMAKING THE CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WIDELY AVAILABLEBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON STRIVES TO ADDRESS THE PRIORITY AREAS IN ITS CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY.AS NOTED ABOVE, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMPLETED ITS MOST RECENT CHNA DURING ITS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (TAX YEAR 2018). THAT CHNA AND APPENDIX WITH DETAILED INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WEBSITE AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/ASSETS/UPLOADS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/BID-MILTON-2019-FINAL-CHNA-REPORT-WITH-APPENDICES.PDFIN ADDITION TO THE CHNA, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMPLETED ITS MOST RECENT IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY DURING ITS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (TAX YEAR 2018). THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IS AVAILABLE ON THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WEBSITE AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/ASSETS/UPLOADS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/BID-MILTON-2019-FINAL-CHNA-REPORT-WITH-APPENDICES.PDFIN ADDITION, AS NOTED ABOVE, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COMPLETED ITS PREVIOUS CHNA DURING ITS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (TAX YEAR 2015). THAT CHNA IS AVAILABLE ON THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WEBSITE AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/ASSETS/UPLOADS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/MILTON-CHNA-FINAL-SEPTEMBER-2016.PDFFINALLY, THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHNA COMPLETED DURING BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (TAX YEAR 2015) IS AVAILABLE ON THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WEBSITE AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/ASSETS/UPLOADS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/MILTON-CHNA-FINAL-SEPTEMBER-2016.PDFEACH OF THESE DOCUMENTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7A).COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTADDRESSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11):AS NOTED ABOVE, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S MOST RECENT CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WERE CONDUCTED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019. THAT CHNA AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY INFORMED THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION AND ACTIVITIES OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND WILL CONTINUE TO INFORM THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2022. A SUMMARY OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS ACTIVITIES THAT ADDRESS THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA COMPLETED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND PRIORITIZED IN THE RELATED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ARE PROVIDED HERE ALONG WITH THE ENTITIES THAT THE HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH ON THESE EFFORTS. GIVEN THE COMPLEX HEALTH ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON HAS BEEN STRATEGIC IN IDENTIFYING ITS PRIORITY AREAS IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAM AND WORK TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF RESIDENTS IN ITS CBSA. GOALS FOR EACH PRIORITY AREA ARE LISTED BELOW.PRIORITY AREA 1: MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE GOAL 1: ADDRESS STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES GOAL 2: ENHANCE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND TREATMENT SERVICES PRIORITY AREA 2: CHRONIC/COMPLEX CONDITIONS AND THEIR RISK FACTORS GOAL 1: ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTH EDUCATION, SCREENING, REFERRAL, AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS GOAL 2: REDUCE THE PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO/VAPING USE PRIORITY AREA 3: SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND ACCESS TO CARE GOAL 1: ENHANCE ACCESS TO CARE AND REDUCE THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS GOAL 2: PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND "AGING IN PLACE"COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTAPPROACH TO ADDRESSING HEALTH NEEDS (SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11)BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON RECOGNIZES ITS ROLE AS A LOCAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN A LARGER HEALTH SYSTEM AND KNOWS THAT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN ADDRESSING HEALTH PRIORITIES AND IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES; IT NEEDS TO COLLABORATE WITH ITS COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND THOSE IT SERVES. BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S CHNA AND THE ASSOCIATED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WERE COMPLETED IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH BID MILTON'S STAFF, ITS HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE PARTNERS, AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAM EXEMPLIFIES THE SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION THAT IS SUCH A VITAL PART OF THE HOSPITAL'S MISSION.BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON CURRENTLY SUPPORTS SEVERAL EDUCATIONAL, OUTREACH, COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT, AND HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING INITIATIVES WITHIN THE CBSA. IN SO DOING, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON COLLABORATES WITH MANY PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS.
|
|
BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
|
IN THE BLUE HILLS COMMUNITY HEALTH ALLIANCE (CHNA 20). JOINING WITH SUCH GRASS-ROOTS COMMUNITY GROUPS AND RESIDENTS, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON STRIVES TO CREATE A VISION FOR BOTH CITY-WIDE AND NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED HEALTH IMPROVEMENT. IN WORKING WITH THE CHNA 20, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON BECAME AN ACTIVE MEMBER AND FUNDER OF THE BLUE HILLS REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL (BHRCC). THE BHRCC SUPPORTS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES BY ADDRESSING MOBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION ACCESS BARRIERS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. WORKING WITH OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS AND MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE MA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON HEALTHY AGING, THE WHO/AARP HEALTHY AGING DESIGNATION CRITERIA AND THE MA GATEWAY CITIES INITIATIVE, THE BHRCC CONDUCTED A DEEPER COMMUNITY NEEDS ANALYSIS EXPOSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF ACCESS DISPARITIES AND DESIGNED A REGIONAL PLAN TO CLOSE GAPS, STRENGTHEN STRUCTURAL AND SYSTEMIC INADEQUACIES, AND INCREASE UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SYSTEMS.ANOTHER IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIP IS BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION. BID MILTON WORKS ALONGSIDE THE COALITION'S COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, PROFESSIONALS, STUDENTS, AND TOWN LEADERS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY ON REDUCING, PREVENTING, AND ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND RELATED MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN OUR TOWN OF MILTON, PRIMARILY AMONGST YOUTH.BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT ITS SERVICE AREA AND BEYOND. WORLD-CLASS CLINICAL EXPERTISE AND EDUCATION, ALONG WITH AN UNDERLYING COMMITMENT TO HEALTH EQUITY ARE THE PRIMARY TENETS OF ITS MISSION. THE HOSPITAL IS DEDICATED TO COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND RESIDENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IN ORDER TO MEET ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS OBLIGATIONS.A FULL UPDATE ON BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S HEALTH PRIORITIES AND ASSOCIATED GOALS IS INCLUDED BELOW.FY20 SCHEDULE HIMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY UPDATEPRIORITY AREA 1: MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE AS IT IS THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE NATION, THE BURDEN OF MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE USE ON INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS IN BID MILTON'S SERVICE AREA IS OVERWHELMING. NEARLY EVERY KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW, FOCUS GROUP, AND COMMUNITY MEETING INCLUDED DISCUSSIONS ON THESE TOPICS. FROM A REVIEW OF THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY/STRESS, SOCIAL ISOLATION, OPIOIDS, ALCOHOL, AND E-CIGARETTE/VAPING WERE THE LEADING ISSUES IN THIS DOMAIN. DESPITE INCREASED COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND SENSITIVITY ABOUT THE UNDERLYING ISSUES AND ORIGINS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES, THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF STIGMA RELATED TO THESE CONDITIONS. THERE IS A GENERAL LACK OF APPRECIATION FOR THE FACT THAT THESE ISSUES ARE OFTEN ROOTED IN GENETICS, PHYSIOLOGY, AND ENVIRONMENT RATHER THAN AN INHERENT, CONTROLLABLE CHARACTER FLAW. THERE IS, HOWEVER, A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR AND A GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE THAT TRAUMA PLAYS FOR MANY OF THOSE WITH MENTAL AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES, WITH MANY PEOPLE USING ILLICIT OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TO SELF-MEDICATE AND COPE WITH LOSS, STRESS, ABUSE, PAIN, AND OTHER UNRESOLVED TRAUMATIC EVENTS.________________________________________GOAL: ADDRESS STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES TARGET POPULATION: YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS, INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC/ COMPLEX CONDITIONS, IMMIGRANTS, AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSPROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: INCREASE COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF SUBSTANCE USE/MISUSE AND HEALTHY MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SOCIAL HEALTH REDUCE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS/ MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE/MISUSE, AND ADDICTIONCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: ORGANIZE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS IN TARGETED COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS TO RAISE AWARENESS, REDUCE STIGMA, AND EDUCATE RESIDENTS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PROVIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANTS TO LOCAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH OR OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERS TO SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION ORGANIZE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE WITH OR RECOVERING FROM MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE AND THEIR FAMILY/FRIENDS/CAREGIVERS TO RAISE AWARENESS, REDUCE STIGMA, EDUCATE, AND PROMOTE COPING/RECOVERY SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO RAISE AWARENESS, AND EDUCATE ON RISK/PROTECTIVE FACTORS, AND SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITYMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: A TOTAL OF 20 COMMUNITY MEMBERS WERE TRAINED HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, ASSIST SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE IN DISTRESS, AND RECOGNIZE AND CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS BID MILTON PROVIDED FUNDING TO MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT BOTVIN LIFE SKILLS HEALTH CURRICULUM IN ALL FIFTH-GRADE CLASSROOMS. THE PROGRAM HELPS KIDS THINK ABOUT AND DEVELOP A VARIETY OF GENERAL LIFE AND DRUG RESISTANCE SKILLS. IN YEAR TWO OF THE GRANT, 204 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE BOTVIN LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM; 92.2% OF STUDENTS REPORTED LEARNING SOMETHING NEW ABOUT TOBACCO/VAPING TO HELP THEM DETER USE. 82.8% OF STUDENTS INDICATED LEARNING A NEW COPING SKILL TO MANAGE STRESS AND ANXIETY. SUPPORTED MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION BY CONTINUING TO FUND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING. DURING FY20, MSAPC HOSTED 'MILTON LEARNS TOGETHER: WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS', A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND SKILLS-BUILDING WEBINARS IN MAY AND JUNE TO SUPPORT AND REACH MILTON FAMILIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE SERIES FOCUSED ON A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT TOPICS AND HOSTED SPEAKERS WITH VARIOUS EXPERTISE ALL CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION. A TOTAL OF 8 WEBINARS WERE HELD THAT REACHED 132 COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN FY20, 159 HOURS OF SUPPORT AND SPACE NEEDS WERE PROVIDED FOR AL-ANON, ALATEEN, CHADD, OVEREATERS' ANONYMOUS, ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, AND NEW MOMS. COMMUNITY PARTNERS: MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION ASPIRE HEALTH ALLIANCE AL-ANON ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSGOAL: ENHANCE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND TREATMENT SERVICESTARGET POPULATION: YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS, INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC/ COMPLEX CONDITIONS, IMMIGRANTS AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSPROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: PROMOTE CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIP, COLLABORATION, AND INFORMATION SHARING ACROSS THE BROAD HEALTH SYSTEM TO ADDRESS ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES INCREASE ACCESS TO CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATIONS INCREASE ACCESS TO PEER SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE AND THEIR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND CAREGIVERS REDUCE INAPPROPRIATE USE OF ED AND OTHER ACUTE CARE SERVICES INCREASE ACCESS TO SCREENING, EDUCATION, REFERRAL, AND PATIENT ENGAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THOSE IDENTIFIED WITH OR AT-RISK OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES IN CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATIONS INCREASE ACCESS TO INSURANCE, PATIENT NAVIGATION SUPPORT, AND OTHER ENABLING/ SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATIONS INCREASE ACCESS TO PEER RECOVERY COACHES FOR THOSE WITH SUBSTANCE USE/MISUSE ISSUES REDUCE ELDER HEALTH ISOLATION AND DEPRESSION PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PRACTICE SETTINGS WITH INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND PRIMARY CARE/SPECIALTY CARE SERVICESCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: PARTICIPATE IN TASK FORCES AND COALITIONS TO PROMOTE COLLABORATION, SHARE KNOWLEDGE, AND COORDINATE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES SUPPORT THE INTERFACE MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE, WHICH PROVIDES EDUCATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SERVICES SUPPORT EFFORTS TO DEVELOP INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES (MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE) IN PRIMARY CARE AND OTHER SPECIALTY CARE SETTINGS (IMPACT MODEL) FOR THOSE WITH OR AT-RISK OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND TREATMENT EXPLORE PARTNERSHIPS WITH ELDER SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PROMOTE CARE COORDINATION AND REDUCE ISOLATION THAT REACH OUT TO AND SERVE ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS NOT CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN COUNCIL ON AGING ACTIVITIES EXPLORE PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, SUBSTANCE USE PROVIDERS, AND BID MILTON DEPARTMENTS TO IMPLEMENT PEER RECOVERY COACH PROGRAMS GEARED TO LINKING THOSE WITH SUBSTANCE USE/MISUSE ISSUES TO PEER RECOVERY COACHES WHO PROVIDE RECOVERY, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND NAVIGATION SUPPORT
|
|
SUPPORT EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A BID MILTON BRIDGE PROGRAM
|
FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER THAT SCREENS, IDENTIFIES, ASSESSES, INITIATES TREATMENT, AND LINKS PARTICIPANTS TO LONG-TERM SUD SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITYMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: IMPLEMENTED PEER RECOVERY COACH PROGRAM WITH GOSNOLD RECOVERY SERVICES. A PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST IS NOW EMBEDDED IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FIVE DAYS A WEEK, EIGHT HOURS EACH DAY. FROM NOVEMBER 2019-SEPTEMBER 2020, 133 PATIENTS WERE SCREENED, RESULTING IN 89 PATIENTS BEING TRANSFERRED TO TREATMENT FUNDED INTERFACE, A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TELEPHONE REFERRAL SERVICE FOR MILTON RESIDENTS SEEKING HELP FOR THEMSELVES OR OTHERS WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE MISUSE ISSUES. THE REFERRAL SERVICE IS STAFFED BY TRAINED CLINICIANS WHO CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT OVER THE PHONE, AND IF APPLICABLE, PROVIDE A REFERRAL TO A LOCAL PROVIDER. NUMBER OF CASES FROM DECEMBER 2019 TO NOVEMBER 2020: 44 PRIMARY PRESENTING CONCERNS WERE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION REDUCE INAPPROPRIATE ED USE BY EMBEDDING ASPIRE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN IN BID MILTON'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO PERFORM EMERGENCY PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS TO PRESCREEN PATIENTS FOR PLACEMENT IN AN INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC UNIT AND/OR CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT. INTERVENTIONS INCLUDE PATIENT SERVICES FOCUSED ON REDUCING RISK OF SYMPTOM ESCALATION, INCLUDING TIMELY CRISIS EVALUATION, INSURANCE VERIFICATION AND CARE TRANSITION MANAGEMENT AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS. COMMUNITY PARTNERS: MILTON BOARD OF HEALTH MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION ASPIRE HEALTH ALLIANCE GOSNOLD, INC. PRIORITY AREA 2: CHRONIC AND COMPLEX CONDITIONS AND THEIR RISK FACTORSHEART DISEASE, STROKE, AND CANCER ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN THE NATION AND THE COMMONWEALTH. AN ESTIMATED 6 IN 10 DEATHS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THESE THREE CONDITIONS COMBINED. IF WE INCLUDE RESPIRATORY DISEASE (E.G., ASTHMA, COPD) AND DIABETES, WHICH ARE IN THE TOP 10 LEADING CAUSES ACROSS ALL GEOGRAPHIES, THEN WE CAN ACCOUNT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF CAUSES OF DEATH. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS ARE TYPICALLY CONSIDERED TO BE CHRONIC AND COMPLEX AND CAN OFTEN STRIKE EARLY IN LIFE, OFTEN RESULTING IN PREMATURE DEATH. WITHIN THIS PRIORITY AREA, ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN INTERVIEWS, FOCUS GROUPS, THE COMMUNITY MEETING, AND THE COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CANCER, DIABETES, AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS WERE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE RISK FACTORS FOR NEARLY ALL CHRONIC/COMPLEX CONDITIONS ARE MUCH THE SAME, INCLUDING LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, POOR NUTRITION, OBESITY, TOBACCO USE, AND ALCOHOL USE.________________________________________GOAL: ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTH EDUCATION, SCREENING, REFERRAL, AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS TARGET POPULATION: YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS, INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC/COMPLEXCONDITIONS, IMMIGRANTS AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSPROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE EDUCATED ABOUT CHRONIC DISEASE RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ADULTS WHO ARE ENGAGED IN EVIDENCE- BASED SCREENING, COUNSELING, SELF-MANAGEMENT SUPPORT, CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, REFERRAL SERVICES, AND/OR SPECIALTY CARE SERVICES FOR PRIMARY CARE, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, ASTHMA, CANCER, AND OTHER CHRONIC/ COMPLEX CONDITIONS INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC/COMPLEX CONDITIONS WHOSE CONDITIONS ARE UNDER CONTROLCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: PARTICIPATE IN TASK FORCES AND COALITIONS TO PROMOTE COLLABORATION, SHARE KNOWLEDGE, AND COORDINATE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES ORGANIZE BID MILTON "LECTURE SERIES" IN COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS RELATED TO AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC AND COMPLEX CONDITIONS PROVIDE WELLNESS, FITNESS EDUCATION AND OTHER EVENTS AS PART OF COMPREHENSIVE CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PROVIDE EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH EDUCATION ON RISK/PROTECTIVE FACTORS, AND SELF- MANAGEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATION SEGMENTS SUPPORT SCREENING, EDUCATION, AND REFERRAL PROGRAMS IN CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS THAT SCREEN, EDUCATE, AND REFER PATIENTS IN NEED OF FURTHER ASSESSMENT AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT SUPPORTS PROVIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANTS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATION, SCREENING, REFERRAL, AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT FOR PRIORITY POPULATIONSMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: TWO 6-WEEK WORKSHOPS WERE HELD (OCTOBER 2019 AND JANUARY 2020) AND 19 INDIVIDUALS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE MY LIFE, MY HEALTH: DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT COURSE, WITH PARTICIPANTS INDICATING AN INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE LEARNED TO BETTER MANAGE THEIR DIABETES. 8 PARTICIPANTS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE PREVENT T2 COURSE IN CHINESE. FUNDING OF $5,000 FOR YEAR TWO OF GRANT ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2020. IN FY20, BID MILTON EXCEEDED ITS GOAL OF 181 AND PERFORMED 307 SCANS FOR LUNG CANCER. DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC, NO PATIENTS WERE SCREENED FOR SKIN OR ORAL/NECK/HEAD CANCER SCREENINGS. IN FY20 36 INDIVIDUALS WERE SCREENED FOR CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY INDICATORS. NUMBER OF HEALTH LECTURES CONDUCTED BY BID MILTON MEDICAL STAFF AND EMPLOYEES (FY20: 4) NUMBER OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED (167). NUMBER OF HEALTH EDUCATION LECTURES TARGETED AT SENIORS (FY20: 3); NUMBER OF SENIORS (FY20: 119) NUMBER OF PEOPLE CERTIFIED IN CPR IN FY20: (24)COMMUNITY PARTNERS: SOUTH SHORE YMCA ENHANCE ASIAN COMMUNITY ON HEALTH (EACH) MILTON COUNCIL ON AGING BID MILTON MEDICAL STAFF________________________________________GOAL: REDUCE THE PREVALENCE OF VAPING/TOBACCO USE TARGET POPULATION: YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS, INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC/COMPLEXCONDITIONS, IMMIGRANTS AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSPROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO QUIT SMOKING CIGARETTES, VAPING, OR USING E-CIGARETTES INCREASE ACCESS TO TOBACCO, VAPING/E-CIGARETTE CESSATION PROGRAMSCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: ORGANIZE, FACILITATE, OR SUPPORT SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS GEARED TO REDUCING TOBACCO, VAPING AND E-CIGARETTE USEMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: GRANT FUNDING WAS PROVIDED TO QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT VAPING PREVENTION EDUCATION IN FY19. FIRST YEAR OF THE PROGRAM BEGAN IN THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. AFTER FIRST YEAR, THE VAPING AND NICOTINE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM WAS TAUGHT TO ALL 10TH GRADE STUDENTS IN QUINCY SCHOOL DISTRICT. FOURTEEN STUDENTS WHO WERE DEEMED AT-RISK (CAUGHT VAPING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS) COMPLETED INTERVENTION WORKSHOPS. TO EDUCATE PARENTS ON THE DANGERS OF VAPING, TWO PARENT PRESENTATIONS, WERE HELD ON OCTOBER 8, 2019, AT NORTH QUINCY SCHOOL AND AT QUINCY HIGH SCHOOL ON OCTOBER 22, 2019. YEAR 2 OF GRANT FUNDING FOR $5,000 ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2020. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP HELD WEEKLY AT HOSPITAL FROM OCTOBER 2019- FEBRUARY 2020 (REMAINING IN-PERSON WEEKS SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC).COMMUNITY PARTNERS: QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NICOTINE ANONYMOUSPRIORITY AREA 3: SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND ACCESS TO CAREA DOMINANT THEME FROM THE ASSESSMENT WAS THE TREMENDOUS IMPACT THAT UNDERLYING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, PARTICULARLY ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, POVERTY/EMPLOYMENT, AND FOOD INSECURITY HAVE ON THE ENTIRE POPULATION. THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ARE OFTEN THE DRIVERS OR UNDERLYING FACTORS THAT CREATE OR EXACERBATE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, SUBSTANCE MISUSE, AND CHRONIC/COMPLEX CONDITIONS. THESE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, PARTICULAR POVERTY, UNDERLIE THE ACCESS TO CARE ISSUES THAT WERE PRIORITIZED IN THE ASSESSMENT: NAVIGATING THE HEALTH SYSTEM (INCLUDING HEALTH INSURANCE), CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, AND ACCESS TO CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY COMPETENT CARE.GOAL: ENHANCE ACCESS TO CARE AND REDUCE THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTSTARGET POPULATION: YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS, INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC/COMPLEXCONDITIONS, IMMIGRANTS AND NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSPROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: INCREASE PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION WITH SOCIAL SERVICE AND OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS INCREASE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO THE IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS INCREASE ACCESS TO CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE AND RESPONSIVE CARE ENSURE ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE MEASURES, TESTING, SCREENING, AND TREATMENT FOR THOSE AT-RISK OR EXPOSED TO COVID-19 AND MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC ON THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. DECREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLE WITH FINANCIAL INSECURITY/RENT INSECURITY INCREASE ACCESS TO LOW-COST HEALTHY FOODS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATION SEGMENTS INCREASE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SAFE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATION SEGMENTS
|
|
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ASSISTED WITH INSURANCE
|
AND OTHER PUBLIC PROGRAM ENROLLMENT, AND PATIENT NAVIGATION INCREASE ACCESS TO SOCIAL EXPERIENCES FOR THOSE WHO ARE ISOLATED AND LACK FAMILY/CAREGIVER AND OTHER SOCIAL SUPPORTSCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND OTHER HOSPITAL STAFF PARTICIPATE IN COALITION AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO PROMOTE COLLABORATION, SHARE KNOWLEDGE, AND COORDINATE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES PROVIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANTS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND ACCESS TO CARE (E.G., QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM) ORGANIZE FRESH TRUCK OUTINGS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FRESH, LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE TO LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME, UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS SUPPORT THE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK PROGRAM IN SCHOOL-BASED SETTINGS TO PROMOTE FOOD ACCESS AND NUTRITION EXERCISE FOR LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME FAMILIES SUPPORT THE GROCERY SHOPPING TOURS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE NUTRITION EDUCATION AND FOOD ACCESS TO LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME POPULATIONS LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING, COUNCILS ON AGING, AND OTHER COMMUNITY VENUES ORGANIZE WELLNESS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION EVENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TARGETING OLDER ADULTS, LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, AND THOSE AT-RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE ENHANCE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD FOR OLDER ADULTS AND LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES PROVIDE ENROLLMENT COUNSELING/ ASSISTANCE AND PATIENT NAVIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES TO UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED RESIDENTS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO CARE PROVIDE LINGUISTICALLY AND CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE HEALTH EDUCATION AND CARE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT THOUGH TARGETED COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THOSE WITH OR IDENTIFIED AS AT-RISK OF CHRONIC/ COMPLEX CONDITIONS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY POPULATIONS EXPLORE TRANSPORTATION ACCESS PARTNERSHIPS WITH REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS AND OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SAFE, ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: BID MILTON REGISTERED DIETITIANS PROVIDED FREE GROCERY SHOPPING TOURS AT MILTON'S FRUIT CENTER MARKETPLACE. DIETITIANS LED PARTICIPANTS THROUGH THE GROCERY STORE AND DISCUSSED HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS, HOW TO READ NUTRITION LABELS AND PROVIDED HEALTHY RECIPE OPTIONS. EACH PARTICIPANT ALSO RECEIVED $20 GIFT CARDS FOR USE IN PURCHASING GROCERIES AT THE FRUIT CENTER. EIGHT PARTICIPANTS SIGNED UP FOR THE TOUR HELD IN NOVEMBER OF 2019. IN FY19, BID MILTON BEGAN A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION BLESSINGS IN BACKPACK TO ASSIST THE RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD TO ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN ON THE WEEKENDS. PROGRAM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN FY20 AND WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE 50 CHILDREN WITH FOOD. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, BID MILTON WORKED WITH THE SCHOOLS TO DISTRIBUTE MORE FOOD TO THESE CHILDREN AS THE SCHOOL TRANSITIONED TO A REMOTE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2020, BID MILTON CONTRIBUTED AN ADDITIONAL $5,000 TO BE PUT TOWARD THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR. ISSUED $15,000 GRANT TO QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM. THE GRANT HELPS SUPPORT QCAP'S HOUSING PROGRAM WHICH WORKS TO SECURE AND STABILIZE HOUSING FOR RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS, THEREBY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF FUNDING, DIRECT RENTAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO 16 AT-RISK HOUSEHOLDS PREVENTING EVICTION/HOMELESSNESS FOR 31 INDIVIDUALS. BID MILTON EMPLOYEE IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE BLUE HILLS REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL (BHRCC) AND IN FY20 PROVIDED $5,000 IN GRANT FUNDING TO CONTINUE TO COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS THAT ENHANCE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS. GRANT FUNDING FROM BID MILTON SUPPORTED THREE PRIMARY OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BHRCC INITIATIVE: MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND KNOWLEDGE CHANGE. FUNDING SUPPORTED ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS INCLUDING FOCUS GROUPS AND COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS AND ACTION PLAN PRIORITIZATION PROCESS. FREE TAXI VOUCHERS TOTALING $3,523 WERE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WITH NO ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAL CARE. IN FY20, BID MILTON'S CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELORS ASSISTED 262 COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FILED 220 APPLICATIONS, AND SUCCESSFULLY ENROLLED 70 INDIVIDUALS IN MASS HEALTH, 22 INDIVIDUALS IN COMMONWEALTH CARE, AND ASSISTED 23 PEOPLE IN ACQUIRING FREE CARE. INTERPRETERS PROVIDED A TOTAL OF 4,905 FACE-TO-FACE AND PHONE ENCOUNTERS IN 42 LANGUAGES. IN ADDITION, HOSPITAL PURCHASED A TOTAL OF 10 VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING DEVICES TO BETTER ASSIST LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PATIENTS WHEN IN-PERSON INTERPRETATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PROVIDED ONE-TIME GRANT FUNDING TO ACADEMIC PUBLIC HEALTH VOLUNTEER CORPS' HEALTH EQUITY INITIATIVES IN RANDOLPH. FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,415 ASSISTED IN TRANSLATING AND DIRECTING MESSAGING AROUND COVID-19 TO REACH THE HAITIAN POPULATION WITHIN THE RANDOLPH COMMUNITY VIA RADIO AND INTERNET-BASED SOCIAL MEDIA.COMMUNITY PARTNERS: QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS FRUIT CENTER MARKETPLACE BLUE HILLS COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK ALLIANCE (CHNA 20) BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLSGOAL: PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND AGING IN PLACETARGET POPULATION: OLDER ADULTS PROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES: REDUCE FEAR OF FALLING REDUCE FALLS INCREASE ACTIVITY LEVELS REDUCE PREVENTABLE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND INPATIENT VISITS INCREASE THE NUMBER OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR HOMESCOMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES: SUPPORT SAFETY AT HOME PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS TO PROMOTE AGING IN PLACE AND REDUCE FALLS ORGANIZE MATTER OF BALANCE WORKSHOPS FOR PRIORITY POPULATIONSMETRICS AND STATUS UPDATE: TO INCREASE ACTIVITY LEVELS, BID MILTON OFFERED YOGA CLASSES TO THE COMMUNITY IN JANUARY OF 2020. WITH THE ONSET OF COVID, ONLY 7 CLASSES WERE HELD WITH 10 COMMUNITY MEMBERS SIGNED UP FOR CLASSES. NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN AARP DRIVER SAFETY COURSES AT BID MILTON (FY20:12)COMMUNITY PARTNERS: AARPCOMMUNITY PARTNERSBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS WITHIN ITS SERVICE AREA BY COLLABORATING WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS. THE HOSPITAL WORKS TOGETHER WITH THESE PARTNERS TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO HEALTH, INCREASE PREVENTION AND/OR SELF-MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND INCREASE THE EARLY DETECTION OF ILLNESS. THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY PARTNERS INCLUDE: AARP ASIAN AMERICAN SERVICE ASSOCIATION ASPIRE HEALTH ALLIANCE BAY STATE COMMUNITY SERVICES BID MILTON PATIENT FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL BLUE HILLS REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL BLUE HILLS REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK (CHNA 20) CURRY COLLEGE ENHANCE ASIAN COMMUNITIES ON HEALTH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, RANDOLPH FRUIT CENTER MARKETPLACE (MILTON) FULLER VILLAGE GOSNOLD RECOVERY SERVICES INTERFAITH SOCIAL SERVICES MANET COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS MILTON BOARD OF HEALTH MILTON COUNCIL ON AGING MILTON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION MILTON POLICE DEPARTMENT MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUINCY BOARD OF HEALTH QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS QUINCY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUINCY POLICE DEPARTMENT RANDOLPH BOARD OF HEALTH RANDOLPH INTERGENERATIONAL CENTER RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SOUTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES SOUTH SHORE YMCABETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH ("BILH") QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY MARSHALLED ITS RESOURCES TO MOUNT A COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PLEASE REFER TO THE PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN PART III FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING BILH'S COVID-19 RESPONSE IN FY20.
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
|
THE PURPOSE OF THIS FORM 990 SCHEDULE H NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE IS TO HELP THE READER UNDERSTAND IN MORE DETAIL HOW BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON CARES FOR ITS COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS. AS DEMONSTRATED IN THIS SCHEDULE H, 13.73% OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S TOTAL EXPENSES AS REPORTED ON FORM 990 PART IX, LINE 24, ARE INCURRED IN PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS AT COST. COMMUNITY BENEFITSANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORTAS PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN THIS FILING, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S MOST RECENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY WERE COMPLETED AND APPROVED BY THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019, AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE REGULATIONS UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R). IN ADDITION, AS NOTED IN THIS FORM 990 SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINES 6A AND 6B, THE HOSPITAL PREPARES AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT THAT IS SUBMITTED TO THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL (SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 7). THAT FILING IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, ON THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S WEBSITE AND ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/ABOUT-US/EVENTS-AND-EDUCATION/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/ THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL DEFINITION OF CHARITY CARE AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DEFINITION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS. AS SUCH, THERE ARE VARIANCES BETWEEN THIS SCHEDULE H DISCLOSURE AND THE REPORT BIDMC FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. EMERGENCY CARE ACCESSIN ADDITION, AS NOTED IN THIS FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION A, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS A GENERAL MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HOSPITAL PROVIDING 24 HOUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE TO ALL PATIENTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ABILITY TO PAY. SEE ADDITIONAL DETAILS BELOW.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITSCHARITY CARE AND MEANS TESTED GOVERNMENT PROGRAMSFINANCIAL ASSISTANCEBETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S NET COST OF CHARITY CARE, INCLUDING CARE FOR EMERGENT SERVICES PROVIDED TO NON-PAYING PATIENTS AND INCLUDING PAYMENTS TO THE HEALTH SAFETY NET TRUST, WAS $1,044,618 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THIS SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7A.AS REPORTED IN SCHEDULE H PART I LINE 3 AND AGAIN IN SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B LINE 13, ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE CARE TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS IS DETERMINED USING FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES OF 400% FOR FULL FREE CARE AND 400% FOR PARTIAL FREE CARE. ELIGIBILITY FOR DISCOUNTED CARE IS DETERMINED BY REVIEWING THE INDIVIDUAL'S EMPLOYMENT STATUS, FAMILY SIZE AND MONTHLY EXPENSES, INCLUDING MEDICAL HARDSHIP REVIEW.OTHER UNCOMPENSATED CHARITY CAREMEDICAID AND MEDICAREIN ADDITION TO THE CHARITY CARE REPORTED ABOVE, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON ALSO PROVIDES CARE TO PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN OTHER PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, INCLUDING PARTICULARLY THE MEDICAID PROGRAM, WHICH IS JOINTLY FUNDED BY FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS. THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH REFORM LAW PROVIDED AN INITIATIVE FOR EXPANSION OF MEDICAID COVERAGE TO GREATER POPULATIONS AND FOR ENROLLMENT OF UNINSURED PATIENTS IN OTHER INSURANCE PROGRAMS. PAYMENTS FROM MEDICAID AND OTHER PROGRAMS THAT INSURE LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS DO NOT COVER THE COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED. MEDICAID IS A GOVERNMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED INCOME AND RESOURCES, AND BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON PROVIDES CARE TO PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICAID PROGRAM. PAYMENTS TO HOSPITALS THROUGH THIS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED PROGRAM HAVE NOT KEPT PACE WITH INFLATION AND ALTHOUGH THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE TO THESE PATIENTS GENERATED $7,340,548 IN MEDICAID REVENUE WHICH WAS LESS THAN THE COST OF CARE PROVIDED BY BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON FOR SUCH SERVICES BY $1,234,916 AS REPORTED ON THIS SCHEDULE H, PART I LINE 7B. DURING THE FISCAL PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, 8.2% OR 10,977 OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S PATIENT ENCOUNTERS WERE WITH MEDICAID PATIENTS. IN ADDITION.40.7% OR 54,833 OF THE HOSPITAL'S PATIENT CASES WERE WITH MEDICARE PATIENTS. MEDICARE IS THE FEDERALLY SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR ELDERLY OR DISABLED PATIENTS, AND BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON PROVIDES CARE TO PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. DURING THE FISCAL PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON GENERATED $42,335,835 RELATED TO TREATING MEDICARE PATIENTS. THE COSTS OF PROVIDING CARE TO MEDICARE PATIENTS EXCEEDED REVENUE BY $3,582,500. OF THESE AMOUNTS, REVENUE OF $17,132,940 IS RELATED TO THE PROVISION O FSURGICAL DAY CARE, PAIN MANAGEMENT, LABS, CLINICS, PHYSICAL THERAPY, CARDIAC, OTHER ANCILLARY, HOSPITALIST, ICU, PSYCH AND OTHERS, AND IS INCLUDED ON THIS SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7G, AS PART OF SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES BECAUSE THE COST OF THOSE SERVICES EXCEEDED REVENUES BY $ 14,154,323. IN RESPONSE TO THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 8, ALTHOUGH BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON CONSIDERS THE PROVISION OF CLINICAL CARE TO ALL MEDICARE PATIENTS AS PART OF ITS COMMUNITY BENEFIT, THE REMAINING CARE TO MEDICARE PATIENTS IS NOT QUANTIFIED ON PAGE 1 OF THE SCHEDULE H. INSTEAD, PER THE IRS INSTRUCTIONS TO SCHEDULE H, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON HAS SEPARATELY REPORTED THIS AMOUNT IN SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 7, AS REQUIRED. HOWEVER, IF THE MEDICARE SHORTFALL WERE INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE H PART I LINE 7 CALCULATION, IT WOULD INCREASE TO 1.86%.BAD DEBTSIN ADDITION TO CHARITY CARE AND SHORTFALLS IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO PATIENTS INSURED UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON ALSO INCURS LOSSES RELATED TO SELF-PAY PATIENTS WHO FAIL TO MAKE PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES OR INSURED PATIENTS WHO FAIL TO PAY COINSURANCE OR DEDUCTIBLES FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE UNDER INSURANCE CONTRACTS. BAD DEBT EXPENSE IS INCLUDED IN UNCOMPENSATED CARE EXPENSE IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INCLUDES THE PROVISION FOR ACCOUNTS ANTICIPATED TO BE UNCOLLECTIBLE. CHARGES FOR THOSE SERVICES DURING THE FISCAL PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING OF $4,826,580 AND ARE REPORTED AS BAD DEBT ON FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 2. AS REQUIRED BY THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THIS FORM 990 SCHEDULE H, LOSSES RELATED TO BAD DEBTS HAVE NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CERTAIN OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN SCHEDULE H PART I LINE 7. RATHER IT HAS BEEN SEPARATELY REPORTED IN SCHEDULE H PART III AS REQUIRED.THE PERCENTAGES CALCULATED IN PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN F WERE BASED ON EACH ITEM OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPENSES REPORTED IN PART IX OF THIS FORM 990. THE CONSOLIDATED AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH, INC. AND AFFILIATES FOR THE FOR FISCAL PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 INCLUDE THE ACCOUNTS OF: BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH, INC. (BILH), AND THE ENTITIES FOR WHICH BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH, INC. (BILH) SERVED AS SOLE MEMBER DURING THE FISCAL PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, (BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (BIDMC), MOUNT AUBURN HOSPITAL (MAH), NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HOSPITAL (NEBH), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL MILTON, INC. (MILTON), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL NEEDHAM, INC. (NEEDHAM), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL PLYMOUTH, INC. (PLYMOUTH), LAHEY CLINIC FOUNDATION, LAHEY HEALTH SHARED SERVICES, WINCHESTER HOSPITAL (WINCHESTER), NORTHEAST HOSPITAL CORPORATION (NHC), NORTHEAST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CORPORATION (NBHC) AND ANNA JAQUES HOSPITAL). EACH OF THESE AFFILIATES MAY IN TURN SERVE AS MEMBER OF ADDITIONAL ENTITIES WITHIN THE NETWORK OF AFFILIATES, AND WHOSE ACCOUNTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE BILH AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ALSO INCLUDE THE ACCOUNTS OF HARVARD MEDICAL FACULTY PHYSICIANS AT BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. (HMFP), THE DEDICATED PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER AND AN ENTITY INTEGRALLY RELATED TO HELPING BIDMC AND OTHER AFFILIATES IN THE BILH NETWORK ACCOMPLISH THEIR CHARITABLE PURPOSES.THE BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DO NOT INCLUDE A FOOTNOTE REGARDING BAD DEBT EXPENSE.EMERGENCY CARE ACCESSAS PREVIOUSLY NOTED IN THIS FILING, FOR THE PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, BIDMC SERVED AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON. THE MEDICAL CENTER IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER AND TEACHING HOSPITAL OF HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. ASSOCIATED PHYSICIANS OF HARVARD MEDICAL FACULTY PHYSICIANS AT BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (APHMFP) IS AN INTEGRALLY RELATED PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OF BIDMC AND IS ALSO EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED.
|
|
APHMFP PHYSICIANS PROVIDE AROUND THE CLOCK
|
PHYSICIAN PATIENT CARE COVERAGE AND MEDICAL DIRECTION OF THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. THESE PHYSICIANS ARE ALL CERTIFIED OR BOARD-ELIGIBLE IN LEVEL 1 TRAUMA. THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE FOR ALL PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. THE HOSPITAL OFFERS THIS CARE FOR ALL PATIENTS THAT COME TO THIS FACILITY 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, AND 365 DAYS A YEAR.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYINTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R) (4)FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY PURPOSE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WHO HAVE HEALTH CARE NEEDS AND ARE UNINSURED, UNDERINSURED, INELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO PAY FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE BASED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL SITUATION. THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY IS INTENDED TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS FOR OUR SERVICE AREA. PATIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL RECEIVE FREE AND/OR DISCOUNTED CARE FROM BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON AS WELL AS PROVIDERS WHO FOLLOW BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. A LIST OF ALL PROVIDERS WHO PROVIDE CARE WITHIN BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON AS WELL AS INFORMATION INDICATING IF THE LISTED PROVIDERS FOLLOW BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY IS INCLUDED IN APPENDIX 5 TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON THE PATIENT'S AGE, GENDER, RACE, CREED, RELIGION, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR IMMIGRATION STATUS WHEN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY, CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY AND EMERGENCY CARE POLICYAS REQUIRED BY IRC SECTION 501(R)(4) AND THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, THE HOSPITAL MAINTAINS A WRITTEN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP) THAT APPLIES TO ALL EMERGENCY AND OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL FACILITY. (SCHEDULE H PART I QUESTIONS 1A AND 1B). DETAIL RELATED TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE COVERED BY THE POLICY IS INCLUDED WITHIN THE POLICY AND THE DEFINITION OF EMERGENCY CARE MEETS THE DEFINITION OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND LABOR ACT (EMTALA), SECTION 1867 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (42 USC 1395DD). (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 21). THE FAP INCLUDES A LIST OF PROVIDERS OTHER THAN THE HOSPITAL ITSELF, WHICH ARE COVERED BY THE FAP AND SPECIFIES ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BOTH FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE. THE FAP ALSO INCLUDES THE BASIS FOR CALCULATING AMOUNTS CHARGED TO PATIENTS. THE PROVIDER LIST IS UPDATED NOT LESS THAN QUARTERLY AND THE AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLED (AGB) CALCULATION IS UPDATED NOT LESS THAN ANNUALLY. THE HOSPITAL MAINTAINS A SEPARATE CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY AS PERMITTED UNDER THE TREASURY REGULATIONS AND THIS CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY IS REFERENCED WITHIN THE FAP AS REQUIRED, ALONG WITH INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY. (SCHEDULE H PART III SECTION C QUESTIONS 9A AND 9B AND PART V SECTION B QUESTION 17). KAREN TO UPDATE THIS PARAGRAPHHOSPITAL SPECIFICTHE HOSPITAL'S FAP AND CREDIT & COLLECTION POLICY, REVISED AUGUST 2020, WERE ADOPTED BY THE HOSPITAL'S BOARD PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND THESE DOCUMENTS WERE ALL EFFECTIVE AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2017, THE FIRST DAY OF THE HOSPITAL'S FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH THE HOSPITAL WAS REQUIRED TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE TREASURY AND RELATED TO IRC SECTION 501(R). FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYAPPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE THE HOSPITAL'S FAP INCLUDES INFORMATION ON THE METHOD FOR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FAP. THIS INFORMATION IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY (PLS). IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION INCLUDES A LIST OF INFORMATION/DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED AS PART OF A PATIENT'S APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 15)FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES THE HOSPITAL'S FAP USES THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE. (SCHEDULE H PART I QUESTION 3A AND 3B AND PART V SECTION B QUESTION 13). IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL'S FAP PROVIDES FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BASED ON MEDICAL HARDSHIP AND ASSET LEVEL (SCHEDULE H PART I QUESTIONS 3C AND 4, PART V SECTION B QUESTION 13 AND PART VI QUESTION 3). FINALLY, THE HOSPITAL UNDERSTANDS THAT NOT ALL PATIENTS ARE ABLE TO COMPLETE A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION OR COMPLY WITH REQUESTS FOR DOCUMENTATION. THERE MAY BE INSTANCES UNDER WHICH A PATIENT/GUARANTOR'S QUALIFICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS ESTABLISHED WITHOUT COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM. OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE USED BY THE HOSPITAL TO DETERMINE WHETHER A PATIENT/GUARANTOR'S ACCOUNT IS UNCOLLECTIBLE, AND THIS INFORMATION WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY AS OUTLINED IN THE HOSPITAL'S FAP. (SCHEDULE H PART I QUESTIONS 3C).FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEPUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (SCHEDULE H PART I QUESTION 3C)IN ADDITION TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE HOSPITAL'S FAP, FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED, THE HOSPITAL WILL WORK WITH PATIENTS TO ASSIST THEM IN APPLYING FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND/OR HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THAT MAY COVER SOME OR ALL OF THEIR UNPAID HOSPITAL BILLS. IN ORDER TO HELP UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED INDIVIDUALS FIND AVAILABLE AND APPROPRIATE OPTIONS, THE HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE ALL INDIVIDUALS WITH A GENERAL NOTICE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS DURING THE PATIENT'S INITIAL IN-PERSON REGISTRATION AT A HOSPITAL LOCATION FOR A SERVICE, IN ALL BILLING INVOICES THAT ARE SENT TO A PATIENT OR GUARANTOR, AND WHEN THE PROVIDER IS NOTIFIED OR THROUGH ITS OWN DUE DILIGENCE BECOMES AWARE OF A CHANGE IN THE PATIENT'S ELIGIBILITY STATUS FOR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INSURANCE COVERAGE.HOSPITAL PATIENTS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED COST OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES THROUGH VARIOUS STATE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AS WELL AS THE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MASSHEALTH, THE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM OPERATED BY THE HEALTH CONNECTOR, THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SECURITY PROGRAM, THE HEALTH SAFETY NET, AND MEDICAL HARDSHIP). SUCH PROGRAMS ARE INTENDED TO ASSIST LOW-INCOME PATIENTS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT EACH INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COST OF HIS OR HER CARE. FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED, THE HOSPITAL WILL, WHEN REQUESTED, HELP THEM WITH APPLYING FOR EITHER COVERAGE THROUGH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OR HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THAT MAY COVER ALL OR SOME OF THEIR UNPAID HOSPITAL BILLS.THE HOSPITAL IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST PATIENTS IN ENROLLING INTO STATE HEALTH COVERAGE PROGRAMS. THESE INCLUDE MASSHEALTH, THE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM OPERATED BY THE STATE'S HEALTH CONNECTOR, AND THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SECURITY PLAN. FOR THESE PROGRAMS, APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT AN APPLICATION THROUGH AN ONLINE WEBSITE (WHICH IS CENTRALLY LOCATED ON THE STATE'S HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBSITE), A PAPER APPLICATION, OR OVER THE PHONE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE LOCATED AT EITHER MASSHEALTH OR THE CONNECTOR. INDIVIDUALS MAY ALSO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM HOSPITAL FINANCIAL COUNSELORS (ALSO CALLED CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELORS) WITH SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION EITHER ON THE WEBSITE OR THROUGH A PAPER APPLICATION.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYTRANSLATIONS THE HOSPITAL'S FAP, CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY AND PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND HARDSHIP APPLICATION (SEE DETAIL BELOW) HAVE ALL BEEN TRANSLATED INTO THE LANGUAGES SPOKEN BY THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY WHO MAY COMMUNICATE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH. THE HOSPITAL HAS TRANSLATED THESE DOCUMENTS INTO THE LANGUAGES OF LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) OF ITS PATIENTS, 5% OF THE POPULATION OR 1000 PERSONS, WHICHEVER IS LESS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER IRC SECTION 501(R). BASED ON THE HOSPITAL'S REVIEW OF THIS SAFE HARBOR, THE HOSPITAL HAS TRANSLATED THESE DOCUMENTS INTO THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGES: SPANISH, VIETNAMESE, HAITIAN CREOLE, TRADITIONAL CHINESE AND SIMPLIFIED CHINESE. (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 16I)FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYWIDELY PUBLICIZING AND AVAILABILITYCOPIES OF THE FAP, CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY, FAP SUMMARY AND APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE ALL AVAILABLE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND ALL LEP LANGUAGES AT THE HOSPITAL, BY MAIL FREE OF CHARGE AND/OR ON THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE: (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTIONS 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16H) AT:HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/FOR-PATIENTS-AND-VISITORS/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE/
|
|
IN ADDITION, THE FAP, CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY
|
FAP SUMMARY AND APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE ALL AVAILABLE IN THE HOSPITAL'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND FINANCIAL COUNSELING OFFICE. (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 16F AND SCHEDULE H PART VI QUESTION 3).THE HOSPITAL MAINTAINS SIGNAGE AND CONSPICUOUS PUBLIC DISPLAYS ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND THE FAP DESIGNED TO ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF PATIENTS AND VISITORS, INCLUDING BOTH THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND ADMISSIONS. SUCH SIGNAGE IS POSTED BOTH IN ENGLISH AND THE LEP LANGUAGES NOTED ABOVE. IN ADDITION, FINANCIAL COUNSELING PERSONNEL ROUTINELY VISIT LOCATIONS DESIGNATED FOR SIGNAGE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH SIGNAGE REMAINS VISIBLE TO PATIENTS AND VISITORS AS ATTENDED. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAP TO PATIENTS BEFORE DISCHARGE AND CONSPICUOUSLY WITHIN BILLING STATEMENTS. INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PATIENTS IN THESE COMMUNICATIONS INCLUDES CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THOSE THAT CAN HELP PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAP, INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND THE WEBSITE WHERE THE FAP CAN BE OBTAINED. ADDITIONALLY, A PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE FAP IS PROVIDED TO PATIENTS AS PART OF THE INTAKE AND/OR DISCHARGE PROCESS. (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 16G). FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICYPLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYAS NOTED IN THIS NARRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE FORM 990 SCHEDULE H, THE HOSPITAL HAS A PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF ITS FAP. THIS IS A WRITTEN STATEMENT DESIGNED TO NOTIFY PATIENTS AND VISITORS THAT THE HOSPITAL HAS A WRITTEN FAP AND PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THIS PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY INCLUDES INFORMATION ON FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE, HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE FAP POLICY AND APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE WEBSITE ADDRESS, THE LOCATION AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE FINANCIAL COUNSELING OFFICE. THE PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY ALSO INCLUDES THE LIST OF LANGUAGES INTO WHICH THE FAP AND SUMMARY HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED AS WELL AS HOW TO ACCESS INFORMATION ON PROVIDERS NOT COVERED BY THE FAP AND TO WHICH OTHER RELATED HOSPITALS APPROVAL UNDER THE FAP WILL APPLY. LINKS TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND RELATED DOCUMENTSTHE LINK TO THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP) AND THE FOLLOWING RELATED DOCUMENTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE. CREDIT AND COLLECTION POLICY APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MEDICAL HARDSHIP APPLICATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND BILLING, ALL IN [KAREN TO ADD LEP TRANSLATION LIST HERE], CAN BE FOUND ON THE BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON WEBSITE AT: HTTPS://WWW.BIDMILTON.ORG/FOR-PATIENTS-AND-VISITORS/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE/LIMITATION ON CHARGESINTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R)(5)LIMITATION ON CHARGESAS REQUIRED BY IRC SECTION 501(R)(5) AND THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, THE HOSPITAL LIMITS THE AMOUNTS CHARGED FOR ANY EMERGENCY OR OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE IT PROVIDES TO A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-ELIGIBLE PATIENT, TO NOT MORE THAN AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLED (AGB) AND LIMITS THE AMOUNTS CHARGED TO ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE PATIENT FOR ALL OTHER MEDICAL CARE TO LESS THAN GROSS CHARGES. AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLEDLOOK BACK METHODTHE HOSPITAL CALCULATES ITS AGB, USING THE LOOK BACK METHOD, DIVIDING THE TOTAL PAYMENTS RECEIVED FROM ALL COMMERCIAL PLANS AND MEDICARE BY THE TOTAL CHARGES SENT TO THOSE SAME PAYERS FOR THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR. CALCULATED AGB IS UPDATED NOT LESS FREQUENTLY THAN ANNUALLY AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER IRC SECTION 501(R) AND THE AGB IS INCLUDED IN THE HOSPITAL'S FAP AS REQUIRED UNDER THE REGULATIONS DETAILING THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER IRC SECTION 501(R)(5). (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTION 22). PATIENT REFUNDS FOR CHARGES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLEDTHE HOSPITAL REGULARLY MONITORS THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS. WHERE A PATIENT SUBMITS A COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND IS DETERMINED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE HOSPITAL REFUNDS ANY AMOUNTS PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR CARE THAN EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT THAT THE PATIENT IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING WHERE SUCH AMOUNTS ARE EQUAL TO OR EXCEED $5.00. BILLING AND COLLECTIONS501(R)(6)EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTIVITIESTHE HOSPITAL DOES NOT ENGAGE IN ANY EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTIVITIES (ECAS) FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS. SPECIFICALLY, THE HOSPITAL DOES NOT REPORT TO CREDIT AGENCIES, ENGAGE IN LEGAL OR JUDICIAL PROCESSES OR SELL A PATIENT'S OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS OWED FOR PATIENT CARE. IN ADDITION, THIS EXTENDS TO ANY THIRD PARTY CONTRACTED WITH THE HOSPITAL RELATED TO BILLING AND COLLECTIONS. (SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B QUESTIONS 18 AND 19).APPLICATION PERIOD PATIENTS MAY APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AT ANY TIME UP TO TWO HUNDRED FORTY (240) DAYS AFTER THE FIRST POST-DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE. BIDMCADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY (SCHEDULE H, PART VI, QUESTIONS 5 AND 6)THE HOSPITAL MAINTAINS AN OPEN MEDICAL STAFF AND AS NOTED IN THIS FORM 990 PARTS I AND VI, THE MAJORITY OF BOARD MEMBERS ARE INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS. ON MARCH 1, 2019, THE BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH SYSTEM WAS FORMED THROUGH THE COMBINATION OF THE HOSPITALS AND OTHER AFFILIATES OF THREE LEGACY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS BASED PRIMARILY IN EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS, INCLUDING THE FORMER CAREGROUP HEALTH SYSTEM, THE FORMER LAHEY HEALTH SYSTEM, AND THE SEACOAST HEALTH SYSTEM. BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH, INC. (BILH) IS NOW THE SOLE MEMBER OF THE HOSPITAL AND NINE ADDITIONAL AFFILIATED HOSPITALS.EACH OF THESE ENTITIES MAY HAVE, IN TURN, SERVED AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF ADDITIONAL AFFILIATES. THE BILH HEALTH SYSTEM IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEMAS NOTED IN VARIOUS NARRATIVE DISCLOSURES THAT SUPPORT THIS FORM 990 AND RELATED SCHEDULES FOR THE PERIOD COVERED BY THIS FILING, BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL-MILTON IS A MEMBER OF THE BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH (BILH) NETWORK OF AFFILIATES. BILH IS A MASSACHUSETTS NON-PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED. BILH OPERATES AS AN INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM COMMITTED TO EXPANDING ACCESS TO EXTRAORDINARY PATIENT CARE ACROSS EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND ADVANCING THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE THROUGH GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. THE BILH SYSTEM IS COMPRISED OF ACADEMIC AND TEACHING HOSPITALS, A PREMIER ORTHOPEDICS HOSPITAL, PRIMARY CARE AND SPECIALTY CARE PROVIDERS, AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS, URGENT CARE CENTERS, COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, HOMECARE SERVICES, OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS, ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMS. BILH'S COMMUNITY OF CLINICIANS, CAREGIVERS AND STAFF INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 4,000 PHYSICIANS AND 35,000 EMPLOYEES. BILH SERVES AS SOLE MEMBER OF BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (BIDMC), MOUNT AUBURN HOSPITAL (MAH), NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HOSPITAL (NEBH), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL MILTON, INC. (MILTON), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL NEEDHAM, INC. (NEEDHAM), BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL PLYMOUTH, INC. (PLYMOUTH), LAHEY CLINIC FOUNDATION, LAHEY HEALTH SHARED SERVICES, WINCHESTER HOSPITAL (WINCHESTER), NORTHEAST HOSPITAL CORPORATION (NHC), NORTHEAST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CORPORATION (NBHC) AND ANNA JAQUES HOSPITAL). LAHEY CLINIC FOUNDATION SERVES AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF LAHEY CLINIC, INC. AND LAHEY CLINIC HOSPITAL D/B/A LAHEY HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER. EACH OF THESE AFFILIATES IS AN ENTITY EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED AND IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BILH. EACH OF THESE AFFILIATES MAY ALSO, IN TURN SERVE AS MEMBER OF ADDITIONAL ENTITIES WITHIN THE NETWORK OF AFFILIATES.FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2020 THE BILH HOSPITALS NOTED ABOVE PROVIDED CARE TO MEDICAID PATIENTS AT COSTS WHICH EXCEEDED REVENUES BY OVER $86 MILLION AND PROVIDED CARE TO MEDICARE PATIENTS AT COSTS WHICH EXCEEDED REVENUES BY $117 MILLION. IN ADDITION, THE BILH HOSPITALS PROVIDED TOTAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS IN THE NATURE OF DIRECT SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE BILH NETWORK AS WELL AS FUNDS PROVIDED TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $32 MILLION BILH HOSPITALS ALSO INCURRED NET COSTS FOR SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES TO ENSURE THAT CARE WAS AVAILABLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED ACROSS BILH IN THE AMOUNT OF $93 MILLION. FINALLY, BILH HOSPITALS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING RESEARCH TO FURTHER ADVANCE CARE TO BILH PATIENTS AND TO THE GENERAL ADVANCEMENT TO HEALTHCARE TREATMENT BEYOND THE COMMUNITIES IMMEDIATELY SERVED BY BILH AND TO PROVIDING CUTTING EDGE TRAINING TO FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. BILH HOSPITALS INVESTED NET COSTS OF $183 MILLION. TOWARD THESE MISSIONS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR COVERED BY THIS FILING.
|
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. 
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.