(La Junta, CO) -- Seeking to educate about the challenges that Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is facing, CEO Andy Flemer spoke to a crowded Town Hall Crowd Tuesday Night.
After a brief introduction of some board members in attendance and employees at the hospital, Flemer presented the audience a quiz to test their knowledge. What is the Colorado Medicaid Agency (HCPF) percentage of AVRMC payor mix and volume.
Flemer gave a nod to the community for knowing the answer as 40%.
The next question dealt with asking the crowd if they knew how much the state reimbursed the hospital for services rendered and the answer was 45%.
"How could any business successfully operate in this environment?" Flemer continued.
Then it was onto a question relating to a recent story in the news, the announced closure of the Obstetrics/Gynecology unit at the hospital, planned to close April 30th, 2025.
The answer to the above was D. 70% and $200,000 of loss, per month. Flemer had earlier explained to the community at a public meeting and to La Junta City Council that the decision to close the OB/GYN unit did not come easily but was necessary to protect other vital services at the hospital. The problem isn't just La Junta's to bare. Flemer furthered that other rural hospitals in Colorado are experiencing similar struggles.
The CEO urged those in attendance and listening on livestreaming to reach out to elected officials. He encouraged contacting those who make the laws and amend them, state senators and state representatives.
If you would like to see and hear the meeting in its entirety, you can watch it here.
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