Published April 2005

Health & Wellness Briefs

Everett Clinic recognized
for diabetes care
The Everett Clinic recently received recognition from the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program for providing high-quality care to patients with diabetes, becoming the only health-care organization in the state of Washington whose primary-care physicians have received the honor, the clinic said.

The recognition, given by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, is good for three years. To receive the honor, The Everett Clinic submitted data demonstrating performance that meets the program’s key diabetes care measures, including eye exams, optimal blood pressure and blood sugar control, nutrition therapy and patient satisfaction, among others.

“The Everett Clinic is honored to be recognized by NCQA for the quality of our diabetes program,” said Dr. Al Fisk, medical director for The Everett Clinic. “Our physicians and staff work hard to provide quality care for all of our diabetic patients, and we are pleased to have our efforts acknowledged in such a distinguished manner.”

Stevens Hospital looks
to break even in 2005
Stevens Hospital officials are predicting this is the year they’ll break even, signaling the reversal of a general trend of financial losses for the taxpayer-supported hospital, which hit $4.7 million in 2000.

The Edmonds hospital lost money in 2001, made $1 million in 2002, and lost money again in 2003.

The exact amount of last year’s loss has not yet been finalized by auditors. However, the $1.75 million figure is expected to be very close to the final number, said Gary Wangsmo, the hospital’s chief financial officer. If so, it would mean a reduction of $700,000 over the 2003 operating loss of $2.45 million.

Hospital finances have been a major focus of the hospital since Dr. John Todd took over as the hospital’s chief executive last year. In January 2004, he was named interim chief, replacing former top executive Steve McCary, who was fired by the board.

Todd was permanently appointed chief executive in June.

Wellspring Partners Ltd., a consulting firm that specializes in helping hospitals with financial turnarounds, was hired in May to advise the hospital administration and board on cost cutting and other financial matters. Thus far, the firm has implemented $898,000 in savings, said John Tiscornia, who leads the consulting team.

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