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DUE TO WHS 529151329 539186244 X SCHEDULE D, PART X, LINE 2 THE FOLLOWING FOOTNOTE IS RELATED TO THE ORGANIZATION'S APPLICATION OF FASB ASC 740 (PREVIOUSLY FIN 48): "WELLSTAR AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(A) AS ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 501(C)(3), AND THEREFORE, RELATED INCOME IS GENERALLY NOT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL OR STATE INCOME TAXES. WELLSTAR APPLIES FASB ASC 740, INCOME TAXES, WHICH ADDRESSES ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTIES IN INCOME TAX POSITIONS. IT ALSO PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON WHEN TAX POSITIONS ARE RECOGNIZED IN AN ENTITY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND HOW THE VALUES OF THESE POSITIONS ARE DETERMINED. THERE IS NO IMPACT ON WELLSTAR'S COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE APPLICATION OF ASC 740. WELLSTAR HAS EVALUATED ITS TAX POSITIONS AND DOES NOT BELIEVE THERE ARE ANY MATERIAL UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS OR OBLIGATIONS AS OF JUNE 30, 2024, OR 2023." true true X true X true X true true true false true true 40376898 17932327 22444571 0.02670 138735899 138735899 0 0.00000 179112797 156668226 22444571 0.02670 179112797 156668226 22444571 0.02670 true 24302885 261490181 385727171 -124236990 true true 1 1 AU MEDICAL CENTER INC 1120 15TH STREET BA 8412 AUGUSTA GA 30912 WWW.WELLSTAR.ORG 121-586 X AU MEDICAL CENTER INC 1 true true true X X X X X X X X X X 23 true false true true X X true 22 true WWW.AUHEALTH.ORG false true X 200. 400. X X X X X X X true true X X X X true X SEE PART V, SECTION C X SEE PART V, SECTION C X SEE PART V, SECTION C X X X X X X X true X false X X X X X true X false false SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 3J ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND HISTORY ON AUGUST 29, 2023, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("WHS"), AND AU HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUHS"), CONSUMMATED THEIR AFFILIATION (THE "TRANSACTION") PURSUANT TO A MEMBERSHIP SUBSTITUTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 29, 2023. AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, WHS BECAME THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS. AUHS CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH, INC., AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY AUHS BECAME A PART OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY WHS. BY VIRTUE OF WHS BECOMING THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS, WHS BECAME THE ULTIMATE PARENT CORPORATION OF AUHS AND ITS AFFILIATES, AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC"), AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUMA"), AND ROOSEVELT WARM SPRINGS REHABILITATION & SPECIALTY HOSPITALS, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("RWSH"), WHICH AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH WARM SPRINGS, INC. THE RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS SET FORTH ARE BASED ON THE PRIOR 2022 CHNA COMPILED BY AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC UNDER THEIR PREVIOUS OWNER, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY. AU HEALTH WAS PART OF A CONSOLIDATED UNIVERSITY COMPRISED OF LIBERAL ARTS AND MEDICAL EDUCATION AS WELL AS PATIENT CARE. THIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTERPRISE HAS A NEARLY 200-YEAR HISTORY OF TRAINING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO WILL SERVE COMMUNITIES IN GEORGIA AND THROUGHOUT THE NATION. AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY STRIVES TO BE A TOP-TIER UNIVERSITY WITH A MISSION OF PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, DISCOVERY, CLINICAL CARE, AND SERVICE AS A STUDENT-CENTERED COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY AND ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTER. AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY EMBODIES THE APPLICATION OF AND PRODUCES TANGIBLE AND MEASUREABLE RESULTS FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. AU HEALTH IS WELL REGARDED FOR THE HEALTH-RELATED ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF ITS FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS TO UNINSURED AND UNDER-INSURED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE CORE OF AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC. IS COMPRISED OF A 478-BED LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER AS WELL AS 154-BED CHILDREN'S FACILITY, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF GEORGIA. AU HEALTH IS RECOGNIZED BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY IN PROGRAMS AREAS SUCH AS CANCER, NEUROLOGY, STROKE, WOMEN'S HEALTH, PEDIATRICS AND PREVENTATIVE CARE. AU HEALTH HOUSES A CRITICAL CARE CENTER, WHICH INCLUDES A LEVEL 1 ADULT TRAUMA CENTER AND A 16-BED LEVEL 2 PEDIATRIC TRAUMA CENTER, WHICH SERVE A 13-COUNTY REGION. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MAINTAINS THE HIGHEST DESIGNATED LEVELS OF CARE IN ITS NICU (LEVEL 4) AND PICU (LEVEL 1). AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. IS THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S FACULTY PRACTICE PLAN, WHICH HAS OVER 80 OUTPATIENT PRACTICE SITES IN THE STATE. THIS CLINICAL EFFORT INCLUDES TELEHEALTH SERVICES AND REMOTE CLINIC SITES FOR ADULT AND PEDIATRIC PATIENT POPULATIONS. THE 2022 AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT TEAM AU HEALTH'S CHNA TEAM WAS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF POPULATION HEALTH IN COORDINATION WITH PHYSICIANS, CLINICAL LEADERS, AND ANCILLARY SUPPORT PERSONNEL AT AU HEALTH. POPULATION HEALTH IS A SUPPORT DEPARTMENT TO THE INSTITUTION AND ASSISTS THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES THAT AFFECT THE POPULATION SERVED AT THE FACILITY AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. MEMBERS OF THE TEAM INCLUDED: . FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT . DECISION SUPPORT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING . AMBULATORY CARE . OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER (CMO) . POPULATION HEALTH . PATIENT & FAMILY CENTERED CARE . MARKETING . KEY CONSTITUENTS IN THE ORGANIZATION THAT HAVE A STRONG INTEREST IN COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT FOR THE MOST RECENT CHNA, AU HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (AU HEALTH) WILL FOCUS ON EXPANDING PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE ENHANCED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES TO UNINSURED AND THE UNDERINSURED POPULATION ACROSS THE CSRA. THE OUTCOMES OF THE 2019 CHNA WERE IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. BECAUSE OF THAT, SOME OF THE INITIATIVES AND PLANS WILL BE CONTINUED FOR THE 2022 CHNA. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT STRATEGY THE 2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT STRATEGY DETERMINED AREAS OF INTEREST AND IDENTIFIED OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT, EDUCATION, AND INTERVENTION AT THE COMMUNITY AND FACILITY LEVEL. WE EVALUATED A NUMBER OF DATA SETS AND INTERVIEWED FACULTY TO IDENTIFY AN AREA THAT COULD MEET A SIGNIFICANT NEED IN OUR LOCAL POPULATION. THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE 2022 CHNA IS TO ENHANCE COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMUNITY TO EXPAND ACCESS, SERVICES AND EDUCATION IN THE AREA OF PRIMARY CARE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES. SERVICE AREA AU HEALTH HAS IDENTIFIED THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA (CSRA) AS OUR AREA OF FOCUS. THE CSRA ENCOMPASSES 13 GEORGIA COUNTIES AND 5 SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES REPRESENTING A DIVERSE MIX OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS, COMPRISING THE BULK OF THE PRIMARY, SECONDARY, AND TERTIARY MARKET AREAS FOR AU HEALTH THE CSRA CENSUS, AS OF 2018, WAS 767,478. AU HEALTH'S MARKET SHARE STRETCHES ACROSS THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. FOR PATIENTS SEEN WITHIN THE CSRA MARKET, AU HEALTH TREATED 195,008 UNIQUE PATIENTS IN CY2021 WITH A COUNTY OF 1,590,113 VISITS. AS COMPARED TO CY 2018, THAT IS AN INCREASE OF 48.1% IN UNIQUE PATIENT VISITS AND AN INCREASE 22.8% IN PATIENT VISITS TO AU HEALTH. THE COMPREHENSIVE CHNA THAT MEETS INDUSTRY STANDARDS INCLUDING IRS FINAL REGULATIONS OF SECTION 501(R) ENTITLED "ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CHARITABLE HOSPITALS" CAN BE ACCESSED HERE, SELECT WELLSTAR MCG UNDER ARCHIVED REPORTS. AUHEALTH.ORG SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5 THIS 2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT UTILIZED BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA TO DETERMINE THE FOCUS FOR THE PROJECT. AS PART OF THE SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS, DATA FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU'S 2020 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY WAS USED TO IDENTIFY THE OVERALL POPULATION TRENDS OF THE 18 CSRA COUNTIES AS WELL AS THE DEMOGRAPHIC (E.G., RACE, GENDER, AGE) AND SOCIOECONOMIC (E.G., POVERTY LEVELS, EDUCATION) MAKE-UP OF THESE COUNTIES. A COMPARATIVE TREND ANALYSIS WAS MADE FOR THIS AGGREGATE CSRA AREA AGAINST DATA FOR GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE NATION. THE CSRA CENSUS, AS OF 2018, WAS 767,478. AU HEALTH'S MARKET SHARE STRETCHES ACROSS THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. FOR PATIENT SEEN WITHIN THE CSRA MARKET, AU HEALTH TREATED 195,008 UNIQUE PATIENTS IN CY2021 WITH A COUNTY OF 1,590,113 VISITS. AS COMPARED TO CY 2018, THAT IS AN INCREASE OF 48.1% IN UNIQUE PATIENT VISITS AND AN INCREASE 22.8% IN PATIENT VISITS TO AU HEALTH. HEALTH CONDITIONS WERE EXAMINED AT THE COUNTY OR THE STATE LEVEL, DEPENDENT UPON THE PARAMETERS OF THE DATA SOURCE. IN ORDER TO NARROW DOWN THE POTENTIAL SCOPE OF THE CHNA, WE BEGAN WITH THE MOST PREVALENT CONDITIONS IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA AND FURTHER REFINED THE LIST USING RECENT DATA FROM THE CDC, CENSUS BUREAU, HEALTHY PEOPLE, ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, HEALTH COMMUNITIES, STATE LED HEALTH AGENCIES, AND THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH RESEARCH AND QUALITY (AHRQ). EACH OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE EITHER SYNTHESIZED AVAILABLE LOCAL AND NATIONAL HEALTH DATA OR HAVE CONDUCTED LARGE SCALE SURVEYS OF INDIVIDUALS ABOUT HEALTH CONDITIONS, ACCESS, AND BEHAVIORS. IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNAL DATA, A QUALITATIVE AND MIXED METHODS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED. AU HEALTH'S ADULT PRIMARY CARE DEPARTMENTS HAVE A SIZABLE PATIENT PANEL OF OVER 25,000. THIS DEPARTMENT WAS PROVIDED A QUESTIONNAIRE ABOUT THE COMPOSITION OF THEIR CLINIC AND CHALLENGES TO THE PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE. RESPONSES WERE RECORDED, TRANSCRIBED, AND RECURRENT THEMES WERE IDENTIFIED. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRIMARY CARE DEPARTMENT, QUESTIONNAIRES WERE ALSO COLLECTED FROM ADULT AND PEDIATRIC SUB-SPECIALISTS, EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIANS, AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS AMONGST THE CSRA. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA WAS ANALYZED TOGETHER TO THE MOST SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RELATED NEEDS. THIS INFORMATION WAS REVIEWED BY AU HEALTH'S SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM AND A FOCUS AREA FOR THE CHNA WAS SELECTED. WITHIN THE REPORT NARRATIVE, JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT NEEDS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED BUT NOT INCLUDED WILL BE ADDRESSED. A TOTAL OF 69 SURVEYS WERE COMPLETED BY THE FACULTY, RESIDENTS AND ATTENDING PHYSICIANS FROM AU HEALTH CLINICAL TEAMS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY PRACTICE PROVIDERS THAT ARE NOT EMPLOYED BY AU HEALTH. THESE WERE COMPLETED DURING THE SPRING OF 2021. THE SURVEY EMPHASIZED BARRIERS TO CARE AND CONDITIONS TREATED IN THEIR DEPARTMENT. THE RESPONDENTS PRACTICE ACROSS THE CSRA AND OUTSIDE THE CSRA. THE SURVEY RESULTS WAS COMPARED TO INTERNAL DATA TO UNDERSTAND THE GREATEST NEED AND OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT IN THE COMMUNITY. THE SURVEY WAS COMPLETED BY A VARIETY OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES INCLUDING THE MAJORITY BEING COMPLETED BY ADULT SUB-SPECIALIST AND FAMILY MEDICINE PROVIDERS. THE SURVEY QUESTIONS INCLUDED ETHNICITY OF PATIENT POPULATION SERVED, AGE OF POPULATIONS SERVED, PRIMARY INSURANCE, CHRONIC CONDITIONS, BEHAVIORS IMPACTING THEIR POPULATIONS AND OTHER PERTINENT QUESTIONS AS IT RELATED TO BEING ABLE TO BETTER ASSESS THE COMMUNITY AND ITS NEEDS. FOR POPULATION SERVED, 46.38% OF RESPONDENTS TREAT 18 YEARS AND YOUNGER, 89.86% TREAT AGES 19-64, AND 81.16% TREAT 65 YEARS AND OLDER. AS COMPARED TO THE 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS PROVIDER SURVEY, 100% OF RESPONDENTS TREATED AGES 19-64 YEARS, 86% TREATED AGES 65 YEARS AND OLDER, AND OVER 66% TREATED AGES 18 YEARS AND YOUNGER. THIS COULD BE DUE TO A WIDER VARIETY OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY COMPARED TO 2019. FOR ETHNIC GROUPS TREATED AS COMPARED TO 2018, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN BOTH ASIAN AND HISPANIC POPULATIONS TREATED, BUT THE MAJORITY POPULATION SEEN IS STILL CAUCASIANS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 6A THE 2022 CHNA IS INCLUSIVE OF AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC A 478-BED LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER AS WELL AS 154-BED CHILDREN'S FACILITY, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF GEORGIA AND ROOSEVELT WARM SPRINGS INPATIENT REHABILITATION HOSPITAL. THE CHNA REPORT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 501(R)(3). SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7A THE CURRENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY CAN BE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESS: WWW.WELLSTAR.ORG/COMMUNITY/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENT. CHOOSE ARCHIVED REPORTS AND THEN CLICKING ON "WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH." SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 10A THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY CAN BE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESS: WWW.WELLSTAR.ORG/COMMUNITY/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENT AND CLICKING ON "WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH". A THREE-YEAR REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY CAN BE FOUND AT THE SAME ADDRESS. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11 PROGRAMS & STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY: IN 2019, AU HEALTH HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH EFFORTS IN THE POPULATION WE WERE SERVING. THESE EFFORTS INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC WITHIN THE FAMILY MEDICINE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINICS, INTRODUCTION OF ADVANCED CARE PLANNING INTO AMBULATORY CARE CLINICS, FREE MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND WERE WORKING TO EXPAND TELEHEALTH OFFERINGS THROUGH THE CSRA AND STATE FOR EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE WHERE MOST MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS SEEK HELP. WHILE THESE EFFORTS WERE UNDERWAY AND MAKING STRIDES, THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CREATED DISRUPTION FOR THESE PROGRAMS. COVID-19 ALSO CREATED MORE NEEDS IN THE AREA OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES NOT ONLY FOR DIAGNOSED MAJOR DISORDERS, BUT IN OTHER POPULATIONS AND CONDITIONS. THE POPULATION SERVED HAS SEEN AN INCREASE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS FOR SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION. COVID-19 CREATED DISRUPTION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES BUT IT DID IMPROVE A NEW SERVICE DELIVERY OFFERING FOR PATIENTS THROUGH THE USE OF TELEHEALTH. PRIOR TO MARCH 2020, TELEHEALTH WAS ONLY BEING PROVIDED DIRECTLY TO ANOTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AT EITHER A HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR'S OFFICE. AU HEALTH INVESTED IN A DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER PLATFORM TO EXPAND ACCESS TO ALLOW TELEHEALTH DIRECTLY TO THE PATIENT. THIS WAS A GREAT AND NEEDED TOOL DURING THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC AND IS CONTINUED TO BE USED BY OUR PROVIDERS. THE TOP CLINICAL SERVICE THAT UTILIZES TELEHEALTH DIRECTLY TO PATIENTS IS THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY. WHILE WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS BEING TREATED FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, THE PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEE ADDITIONAL PATIENTS DUE TO THIS NEW RESOURCE TOOL. IN 2021, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS 18 YEARS AND YOUNGER SAW AN INCREASE OF 11% IN ER AND INPATIENT ADMISSIONS AS COMPARED TO 2020 AT AU HEALTH. FOR ADULTS AGES 19 YEARS AND OLDER, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE IN 2021 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS BY 2.23% AS COMPARED TO 2020 VISITS. ANOTHER WAY THE HEALTH SYSTEM HAS COMBATTED A RISE IN MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, IS THE HIRING OF A BOARD-CERTIFIED EMERGENCY MEDICINE PSYCHIATRIST. THIS RESOURCE WAS ON-BOARDED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2021 AND HAS CONTINUED TO CREATE NEW PATHWAYS AND PROTOCOLS FOR TREATING MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS IN THE ER. THIS HAS CREATED MORE VISIBILITY ON THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND THE IMPACT THAT COVID-19 HAS TAKEN ON OUR POPULATION'S MENTAL HEALTH. AFTER CONDUCTING OUR REVIEW, WE FEEL THAT THE MOST PRODUCTIVE FOCUS FOR THE AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY FY23 CHNA AND CHNA PROJECT LIES IN REVIEWING HOW TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES. THESE TWO AREAS, ESPECIALLY DURING AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE HEALTH OUTCOMES. AU HEALTH IS EMBARKING ON SEVERAL INITIATIVES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO EXPAND ACCESS TO ALL FOR PRIMARY CARE SERVICES AND PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS THAT CAN BE UTILIZED AND EDUCATION PROVIDED TO THE POPULATION AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. AU HEALTH WELLNESS ON WHEELS PRIMARY CARE MOBILE OUTREACH VAN: AU HEALTH WILL BEGIN ITS FIRST MOBILE OUTREACH PROGRAM IN THE FALL 2022 BY DEPLOYING A MOBILE VAN TO RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN THE CSRA, PARTNERING WITH CHURCHES, COMMUNITY GROUPS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND OTHER CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE FREE PRIMARY CARE SERVICES. THIS VAN WILL PROVIDE ROUTINE HEALTH-CHECKS, WELLNESS VISITS, AND PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES SUCH AS BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS, LABS, AND IMMUNIZATIONS. THE VAN WILL BEGIN WITH PRIMARY CARE BUT WITH THE GOAL OF ADDING MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING EXPANDED ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. AU HEALTH MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY MOBILE OUTREACH BUS: AU HEALTH WILL DEPLOY IN THE SPRING 2023 A MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY VAN THAT WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MAMMOGRAMS, WOMEN'S WELL-EXAMS, AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING EXAMS. THIS BUS WILL PARTNER WITH THE WELLNESS ON WHEELS PRIMARY CARE VAN TO PROVIDE CARE TO UNINSURED PATIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY TO AVOID UNNECESSARY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, HELP TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE COSTS AND IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE CSRA. AU HEALTH VIRTUAL CARE @ HOME: IN FEBRUARY 2021, AU HEALTH CREATED A NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED TO TREAT ACUTE CARE PATIENTS IN THEIR HOME INSTEAD OF THE HOSPITAL TO ASSIST WITH REDUCTION OF LENGTH OF STAY, COST OF CARE REDUCTION, AND IMPROVE BED CAPACITY AND THROUGHPUT FOR THE HOSPITAL. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES PATIENTS A VIRTUAL REMOTE MONITORING KIT TO TREAT THEIR CONDITION AND PROVIDES TELEHEALTH SERVICES TO PATIENTS IN THEIR HOME. IN FALL 2022, AU HEALTH WILL DEPLOY CLINICAL RESOURCES TO PATIENTS HOME TO BE ABLE TO ENHANCE THE PROGRAM AND EXPAND THE POPULATION SERVED. THESE RESOURCES WILL PROVIDE NURSING CARE, MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION, INFUSIONS/INJECTIONS, LAB DRAWS AND ALSO DELIVERY NECESSARY MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO PATIENTS IN THEIR HOME. EXPANSION OF PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS IN THE COLUMBIA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMUNITY: WHILE THIS DOES NOT COVER ALL COUNTIES IN THE CSRA, THESE COUNTIES CONTINUE TO GROW AND THE NEED FOR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS ARE STILL A DEMAND. THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES IS FOR NOT ONLY ADULTS BUT ALSO PEDIATRICS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH SERVICES. THESE CLINICS HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO SPECIALIST AT AU HEALTH AND CAN REFER PATIENTS IF NEEDED. THESE CLINICS ALSO PROVIDE IN-CLINIC LABS, ANCILLARY SERVICES, AND UTILIZE THE SAME ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD TO IMPROVE CONTINUITY OF CARE. EQUALITY CLINIC, HOMELESS CLINIC, LATINO CLINIC, AND THE WOMEN'S CLINIC: AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA (MCG), OPERATES CLINICS TO PROVIDE CARE TO THE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS THAT HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND LITTLE TO NO INSURANCE COVERAGE. THIS INCLUDES PREVENTIVE CARE AS WELL AS MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING AND TREATMENT. PHARMACY PARTICIPATES IN THESE CLINICS TO ASSIST PATIENTS WITH RESOURCES FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG NEEDS. AFTER-HOURS/WEEKEND CLINIC COVERAGE FOR PRIMARY CARE: AU HEALTH IS EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING AFTER-HOURS/WEEKEND CLINIC COVERAGE FOR PEDIATRICS. THERE ARE CURRENT OFFERINGS IN THE COMMUNITY SUCH AS PROMPT CARES OR URGENT CARE PRACTICES, BUT THE OPTIONS FOR PEDIATRICS ARE LIMITED OR A PATIENT MUST BE ESTABLISHED TO RECEIVE CARE. AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY'S HUB FOR COMMUNITY INNOVATION: THIS ESTABLISHMENT WAS CREATED TO PURSUE INNOVATIVE, COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT BOLSTER EQUITABLE ACCESS TO ALL ESSENTIALS OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY - MIXED INCOME HOUSING, A VARIETY OF HEALTHY FOOD SOURCES, QUALITY HEALTHCARE, AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS. THIS INITIATIVE WAS STARTED BY THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION, THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER AUGUSTA, AND THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CSRA. THE OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING FOR THE HUB WAS JUNE 2022. DIGITAL HEALTH CARE STRATEGY: ALONG WITH THESE TACTICS FOR EXPANDING ACCESS TO PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE, AU HEALTH CONTINUES TO EXPLORE A MORE ROBUST DIGITAL SUPPORT MODEL FOR PROVIDERS. THIS INCLUDES THE DEPLOYMENT OF REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING TOOLS FOR PATIENTS, A VIRTUAL DIRECT TO CONSUMER PROMPT CARE CLINIC, INCREASED UTILIZATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF PATIENT PORTAL BY CONNECTING TO SMART PHONE APPS SUCH AS APPLE HEALTH OR NIKE AND EXPLORING CONSUMER FACING TOOLS TO ASSIST WITH CHECK-IN AND PRE-VISIT PROCESSES PRIOR TO CLINICS. THESE FOCUSES WILL HELP IN IMPROVING CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS, AND OVERALL, HEALTH OUTCOME IMPROVEMENT. MOBILE INTEGRATED HEALTH/COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS: PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE IN-HOME CARE FOR PATIENTS WHO EXPERIENCE BARRIERS TO CARE SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, HOME BOUND, OR ARE NON-COMPLIANT WITH THEIR CARE PLAN. A NURSE PRACTITIONER PROVIDES IN-HOME CARE TO THE PATIENT FOLLOWING DISCHARGE FROM INPATIENT OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE PATIENT, FAMILY, AND ENSURE THEY HAVE ALL NEEDS MET TO STAY AT THEIR HOME. THIS PROGRAM WILL PARTNER WITH THE EXISTING AU HEALTH VIRTUAL CARE @ HOME INFRASTRUCTURE TO PROVIDE IN-HOME VISITS TO PATIENTS ENROLLED IN THAT PROGRAM AND OTHERS WHO ARE IDENTIFIED AS NEEDING AN IN-PERSON VISIT TO AVOID UNNECESSARY ER VISITS OR HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS/READMISSIONS. LYFT: AU HEALTH HAS IMPLEMENTED A CONTRACT WITH LYFT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY LOCATING TRANSPORTATION ON THEIR OWN. BY FACILITATING THIS OPTION, PATIENTS WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE CARE THEY NEED IN AND AVOID POTENTIALLY MAJOR MEDICAL ISSUES. IN ADDITION TO THESE TACTICS, AU HEALTH CONTINUES TO EXPAND RESOURCES WITHIN THE CLINICS AND HOSPITAL FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, CARE COORDINATION, AND TRANSITIONAL CARE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. THESE RESOURCES WILL BE VITAL IN ASSISTING PATIENTS, CARE GIVERS, AND PROVIDERS WITH PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT. AU HEALTH SYSTEM IS A LARGE SYSTEM THAT CAN BE OVERWHELMING T SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 13B FAP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - INCOME LEVEL OTHER THAN FPG: THE HOSPITAL ABIDES BY THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS UNDER IRC 501(R)(5). IRC 501(R)(5) REQUIRES HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO LIMIT THE AMOUNTS CHARGED FOR EMERGENCY AND OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE THAT IS PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY TO NOT MORE THAN THE AMOUNTS GENERALLY BILLED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE INSURANCE. THE HOSPITAL EXTENDS ITS SLIDING SCALE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP) ELIGIBILITY WELL BEYOND THE MINIMUM GOVERNMENT LEVELS TO 300% OF FPG. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 13H FAP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - OTHER CRITERIA: OTHER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAY QUALIFY A PATIENT FOR FULL INDIGENT OR SLIDING SCALE CHARITY BENEFITS. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAY INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: - PATIENT DECEASED, WITH VERIFICATION THAT THERE IS NO ESTATE. - UNABLE TO CONTACT PATIENT BUT PROPENSITY TO PAY SOFTWARE RETURNS A LOW ABILITY/LOW PROPENSITY DESIGNATION. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 15E METHOD FOR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, COOPERATION WITH WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM HOSPITAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE STAFF IS NECESSARY IN IDENTIFYING AND DETERMINING ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF PAYMENT OR COVERAGE FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PAYMENT PROGRAMS. IN PARTICULAR, ALL APPLICANTS FILING A FAP APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND HOUSEHOLD ASSETS BY PROVIDING ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING THAT ARE APPLICABLE: - PROVIDE THREE (3) MONTHS OF THE MOST RECENT PAYCHECK STUBS OR A STATEMENT FROM EMPLOYER VERIFYING GROSS WAGES - IRS W-2 ISSUED DURING THE PAST YEAR - MOST RECENT IRS FORM 1040 - MOST RECENT TWO (2) MONTHS OF BANK STATEMENTS FOR EACH CHECKING, SAVINGS, MONEY MARKET OR OTHER BANK OR INVESTMENT ACCOUNT - WRITTEN STATEMENTS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO (2) MONTHS FOR ALL OTHER INCOME (E.G., UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION, DISABILITY, RETIREMENT, STUDENT LOANS, AWARD LETTER FROM SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE, CURRENT PROFIT AND LOSS REPORT FOR ALL SELF-EMPLOYED APPLICANTS, ALIMONY DOCUMENTATION, CHILD SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION, ETC.) - UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION DENIAL LETTER - DOCUMENTATION OF ASSET VALUES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PROPERTY TAX STATEMENTS, CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT, 401K, 403B, IRA AND OTHER INVESTMENT STATEMENTS - CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FROM INDIVIDUALS WHO CONTRIBUTE INCOME OR IN-KIND ASSISTANCE TO THE PATIENT. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY ELIGIBILITY WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE SUBMITTED INFORMATION. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16A THE WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM COMMUNITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY CAN BE FOUND ON ITS WEBSITE: HTTPS://AUGUSTAHEALTH.ORG/BILLING/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16B THE WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND ON ITS WEBSITE: HTTPS://AUGUSTAHEALTH.ORG/BILLING/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE AND CLICKING TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION IN THE NECESSARY LANGUAGE. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16C THE PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND ON ITS WEBSITE: HTTPS://AUGUSTAHEALTH.ORG/BILLING/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16J PUBLICATION OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP): IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER METHODS OF POSTING THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY, THE HOSPITAL MAKES AVAILABLE FOR PATIENTS IN ADMISSIONS AND OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION AREAS A PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED SIGN STATING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE AND A BROCHURE INCLUDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, LINE 20E ADDITIONAL EFFORTS MADE BEFORE COLLECTIONS ACTION INITIATED: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY ALSO NOTIFIED INDIVIDUALS OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY ONLINE AT: HTTPS://AUGUSTAHEALTH.ORG/BILLING/FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE FURTHERMORE, THE HOSPITAL FACILITY UTILIZES A PROPENSITY TO PAY SOFTWARE. INDIVIDUALS WITH A LOW ABILITY/LOW PROPENSITY DESIGNATION MAY QUALIFY FOR FULL INDIGENT OR SLIDING SCALE CHARITY BENEFITS. SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 3C IN DETERMINING WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR AND RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: 1. EXTERNAL PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA THAT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO PAY (E.G., CREDIT REPORTS, SCORES, OR RATINGS; FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES, RELEVANT PUBLISHED FEDERAL OR STATE GUIDELINES, BANKRUPTCY FILINGS OR ORDERS) 2. INFORMATION RELATING TO SUCH INDIVIDUAL'S PARTICIPATION OR ENROLLMENT IN, OR RECEIPT OF BENEFITS FROM OR AS PART OF, (A) ANY STATE OR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT (e.g., SUPPLEMENTARY SECURITY INCOME, MEDICAID, FOOD STAMPS/SNAP, WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAMS, AFDC, CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP), LOW-INCOME HOUSING, DISABILITY BENEFITS, UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION, SUBSIDIZED SCHOOL LUNCH, OR (B) ANY FREE CLINIC, INDIGENT HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAMS, OR FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER (FQHC). 3. INFORMATION SUBSTANTIATING THE ASSETS OWNED OR HELD BY THE INDIVIDUAL AND LIABILITIES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL. 4. INFORMATION SUBSTANTIATING THAT SUCH INDIVIDUAL IS OR HAS BEEN HOMELESS, DISABLED, DECLARED MENTALLY INCOMPETENT OR OTHERWISE INCAPACITATED, TO ADVERSELY AFFECT SUCH INDIVIDUAL'SFINANCIAL ABILITY TO PAY; AND/OR 5. INFORMATION SUBSTANTIATING THAT SUCH INDIVIDUAL HAS SOUGHT OR IS SEEKING BENEFITS FROM ALL OTHER AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES FOR WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL IS ELIGIBLE, INCLUDING INSURANCE, MEDICAID OR OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL PROGRAMS. SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 6A PUBLICATION OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT: WELLSTAR AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC ISSUES A COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THIS REPORT IS SUBSEQUENTLY DISTRIBUTED IN AND AROUND THE PRIMARY SERVICE AREA OF THE HOSPITAL. ON AN ANNUAL BASIS THE HOSPITAL REPORTS ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFITS REPORT TO THE GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION (GHA). GHA AGGREGATES THE HOSPITAL SPECIFIC REPORTS INTO A STATEWIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFIT REPORT. THE STATE OF GEORGIA ALSO REQUIRES HOSPITALS TO FILE THE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL SURVEY AND THE INDIGENT CARE TRUST FUND SURVEY SO THAT IT CAN COLLECT INFORMATION ON HOSPITAL FINANCIAL CLASS CATEGORIES AND ALSO TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF UNCOMPENSATED CARE BY HOSPITAL. SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7 COST TO CHARGE RATIO: FOR PURPOSES OF THE IRS FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AND AFFILIATES (INCLUDING AUMA) HAVE ESTIMATED THE CURRENT YEAR COST TO CHARGE RATIO FOR EACH HOSPITAL AS IT IS REPORTED IN THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT AND AS IT WILL BE REPORTED IN THE STATE'S ANNUAL HOSPITAL FINANCIAL SURVEY. SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION A, LINE 2 METHODOLOGY USED TO ESTIMATE BAD DEBT: THE REPORTED BAD DEBT CHARGES IS DERIVED FROM THE UNPAID BALANCES OF PATIENT ACCOUNTS THAT ARE DEEMED UNCOLLECTIBLE AFTER 120 DAYS OF COLLECTION EFFORT BY THE HOSPITAL'S PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES STAFF. THE UNPAID PATIENT ACCOUNTS ARE THEN SENT TO COLLECTION AGENCIES AND ANY COLLECTED AMOUNT IS DEEMED AS BAD DEBT RECOVERY. THE SOURCE OF THIS DATA IS THE HOSPITAL'S DETAILED FINANCIAL TRIAL BALANCE. THE NET REPORTED BAD DEBT CHARGES ARE THEN MULTIPLIED BY THE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL SURVEY CALCULATED COST TO CHARGE RATIO TO ARRIVE AT THE ESTIMATED BAD DEBT EXPENSE. SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION B, LINE 8 MEDICARE SHORTFALLS: AUMC IS A PROVIDER OF INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES TO MEDICARE PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES AT DETERMINED RATES. WITHOUT THE PARTICIPATION IN THE MEDICARE PROGRAM THESE PATIENTS MAY NOT HAVE HAD CONVENIENT ACCESS TO THOSE SERVICES. THE MEDICARE SHORTFALL ON SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION B, LINE 7 REPRESENTS THE UNCOMPENSATED DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EXPECTED REIMBURSEMENT AND THE MEDICARE CHARGES FOR THOSE SERVICES STATED AT COST. WE DETERMINE A COST TO CHARGE RATIO FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS AS PART OF THE ANNUAL FILING OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT. SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION C, LINE 9B COLLECTION PRACTICES: THE POLICY WRITTEN FOR COLLECTION PRACTICES THAT APPLIES TO AUMC INCORPORATES GUIDELINES FOR PERSONNEL IN THE ADMISSIONS, CARE COORDINATION, SOCIAL WORK, AND PATIENT ACCESS AREAS TO BE TRAINED IN IDENTIFYING PATIENTS THAT MIGHT QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IT IS ALSO THE POLICY OF AUMC TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE EMPLOYEE OR CONTRACTOR AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES, ESPECIALLY IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM, WHO CAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THE PAPERWORK NECESSARY TO HELP PATIENTS WHO WOULD QUALIFY FOR GOVERNMENTAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 2 NEEDS ASSESSMENT: TO ASSESS THE CURRENT HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED, AUMC UTILIZED BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA TO DETERMINE THE FOCUS FOR THE PROJECT. AS PART OF THE SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS, DATA FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU'S 2020 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY WAS USED TO IDENTIFY THE OVERALL POPULATION TRENDS OF THE 18 CSRA COUNTIES AS WELL AS THE DEMOGRAPHIC (E.G., RACE, GENDER, AGE) AND SOCIOECONOMIC (E.G., POVERTY LEVELS, EDUCATION) MAKE-UP OF THESE COUNTIES. A COMPARATIVE TREND ANALYSIS WAS MADE FOR THIS AGGREGATE CSRA AREA AGAINST DATA FOR GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE NATION. HEALTH CONDITIONS WERE EXAMINED AT THE COUNTY OR THE STATE LEVEL, DEPENDENT UPON THE PARAMETERS OF THE DATA SOURCE. IN ORDER TO NARROW DOWN THE POTENTIAL SCOPE OF THE CHNA, WE BEGAN WITH THE MOST PREVALENT CONDITIONS IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA AND FURTHER REFINED THE LIST USING RECENT DATA FROM THE CDC, CENSUS BUREAU, HEALTHY PEOPLE, ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, HEALTH COMMUNITIES, STATE LED HEALTH AGENCIES, AND THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH RESEARCH AND QUALITY (AHRQ). EACH OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE EITHER SYNTHESIZED AVAILABLE LOCAL AND NATIONAL HEALTH DATA OR HAVE CONDUCTED LARGE SCALE SURVEYS OF INDIVIDUALS ABOUT HEALTH CONDITIONS, ACCESS, AND BEHAVIORS. IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNAL DATA, A QUALITATIVE AND MIXED METHODS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED. AU HEALTH'S ADULT PRIMARY CARE DEPARTMENTS HAVE A SIZABLE PATIENT PANEL OF OVER 25,000. THIS DEPARTMENT WAS PROVIDED A QUESTIONNAIRE ABOUT THE COMPOSITION OF THEIR CLINIC AND CHALLENGES TO THE PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE. RESPONSES WERE RECORDED, TRANSCRIBED, AND RECURRENT THEMES WERE IDENTIFIED. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRIMARY CARE DEPARTMENT, QUESTIONNAIRES WERE ALSO COLLECTED FROM ADULT AND PEDIATRIC SUB-SPECIALISTS, EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIANS, AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS AMONGST THE CSRA. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA WAS ANALYZED TOGETHER TO THE MOST SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RELATED NEEDS. THIS INFORMATION WAS REVIEWED BY AU HEALTH'S SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM AND A FOCUS AREA FOR THE CHNA WAS SELECTED. WITHIN THE REPORT NARRATIVE, JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT NEEDS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED BUT NOT INCLUDED WILL BE ADDRESSED. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 3 PATIENT EDUCATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE: THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES NOTICE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP) VIA: - SIGNAGE - PATIENT BROCHURE - BILLING STATEMENT - COLLECTION ACTION LETTER - ONLINE AT: HTTPS://WWW.AUHEALTH.ORG/FINANCIAL-POLICY-AND-PRIVACY-INFO/FINANCIAL-ASSIS TANCE-PROGRAM-POLICY AUMC PROVIDES ITS PATIENTS WITH HOSPITAL PERSONNEL OR CONTRACTED PERSONNEL WHO ARE TRAINED IN ALL ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS, PAYMENTS PLANS, CHARITY DISCOUNTS, AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO ASSIST THEM IN THEIR HOSPITAL BILLS. IF THE PATIENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL OR STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, A STAFF MEMBER IS KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE STEPS NECESSARY TO QUALIFY THOSE INDIVIDUALS. IF A PATIENT IS INDIGENT OR CHARITY ELIGIBLE, THEY WILL BE OFFERED ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE HOSPITAL'S CHARITY AND INDIGENT CARE POLICY INCLUDING THE STATE'S INDIGENT CARE TRUST FUND. IF THE PATIENT HAS NO OTHER INSURANCE AND FAILS TO QUALIFY FOR INDIGENT CARE ASSISTANCE, THE FINANCIAL COUNSELOR CAN THEN OFFER THE PATIENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACCEPT A PAYMENT PLAN WITH DISCOUNTED PAYMENT OPTIONS BASED ON THEIR ABILITY TO PAY IMMEDIATELY OR OVER TIME. ALL PATIENTS ARE AFFORDED THESE OPPORTUNITIES. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 4 COMMUNITY INFORMATION: AUMC HAS IDENTIFIED THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA (CSRA) AS OUR AREA OF FOCUS. THE CSRA ENCOMPASSES 13 GEORGIA COUNTIES (BURKE, COUMBIA, GLASCOCK. HANCOCK, JEFFERSON, JENKINS, LINCOLN, MCDUFFIE, RICHMOND, TALIAFERRO, WARREN, WASHINGTON AND WILKES) AND 5 SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES (AIKEN, ALLENDALE, BARNWELL, EDGEFIELD, MCCORMICK) REPRESENTING A DIVERSE MIX OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS, COMPRISING THE BULK OF THE PRIMARY, SECONDARY, AND TERTIARY MARKET AREAS FOR AUMC. THE AGE BREAKDOWN FOR THE CSRA SHOWS THAT IN 2019 AN ESTIMATED 25% OF THE POPULATION WAS 19 AND UNDER. LOOKING AT GROWTH TRENDS FOR THE CSRA, HOWEVER, THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION (19 AND UNDER) AS WELL AS THE 35-64 POPULATION HAVE BOTH DECLINED FROM 2010 TO 2018. BOTH THE 20-34 AGE GROUP AND THOSE WHO ARE 55-64 HAVE INCREASED IN POPULATION NUMBERS BY AROUND 8% AND 11% RESPECTIVELY, BUT THE HIGHEST GROWTH HAS BEEN IN THE 65 YEARS AND OLDER AGE GROUP, WHICH INCREASED 33.3%. NATIONALLY, THE POPULATION IS PREDOMINATELY WHITE, REPRESENTING 60.1% OF THE POPULATION AFTER THE 2020 CENSUS. THIS TREND IS ALSO THE CASE FOR GEORGIA (60.2%) AND SOUTH CAROLINA (68.6%); HOWEVER, FOR THE CSRA, AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK ACCOUNTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 47% OF THE POPULATION AND THE REMAINING 5% IS SPLIT BETWEEN ASIAN, HISPANIC, AND OTHER RACES. AFRICAN AMERICANS/BLACK HAVE A HIGHER PREDISPOSITION AND RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERAL CHRONIC CONDITIONS, INCLUDING CERTAIN CANCERS, STROKE, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND DIABETES. LOOKING AT THE TRENDS FROM 2010 TO 2018 FOR THE CSRA, THE OVERALL NUMBER OF AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK PEOPLE HAS INCREASED BY 3.8%. HOWEVER, THAT INCREASE IS ONLY WITHIN MCDUFFIE, COLUMBIA, RICHMOND, AND AIKEN COUNTIES. WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, BOTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA ARE CONSIDERED RURAL AND LOWER INCOME STATES WITH APPROXIMATELY 13% OF THEIR POPULATION LIVING IN POVERTY. WITHIN THE U.S., GEORGIA RANKS #33 AND SOUTH CAROLINA AT #37 BASED ON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOMES FROM THE 2020 CENSUS BUREAU'S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS. AS A SMALL SECTION OF BOTH OF THESE STATES, IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT 20.4% OF THE CSRA'S POPULATION, ALL AGES, IS CONSIDERED AS LIVING IN POVERTY ACCORDING TO THE 2020 NUMBERS FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU. THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME WITHIN THIS 18 COUNTY REGION IS $35,726, WITH 7 OUT OF THE 18 COUNTIES MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME BEING LESS THAN $30,000. THOSE COUNTIES INCLUDE: ALLENDALE COUNTY, SC ($20,081), HANCOCK COUNTY, GA ($22,283), JEFFERSON COUNTY GA ($29,268), JENKINS COUNTY GA ($27,686), MCCORMICK COUNTY SC ($27,688), TALIAFERRO COUNTY GA ($22,188), AND WILKES COUNTY GA ($28,022). OF THE REMAINING COUNTIES, ONLY THREE HAVE A MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME ABOVE $40,000. THOSE COUNTIES ARE: COLUMBIA COUNTY, GA ($66,333), AIKEN COUNTY SC ($44,468), AND EDGEFIELD COUNTY SC ($42,834). APPROXIMATELY 9.9% (N = 72,936) OF THOSE AGED 25 AND OLDER IN THE CSRA HAVE LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION. BREAKING THAT PERCENTAGE DOWN BY COUNTY, 17 OF 18 CSRA COUNTIES HAVE OVER 25% OF THEIR ADULT POPULATIONS WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE. IN RURAL COUNTIES, SUCH AS TALIAFERRO COUNTY, THAT PERCENTAGE REACHES OVER 47%. FOR GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA AS A WHOLE, THE PERCENTAGE IS 13.6% WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE , AND FOR THE UNITED STATES, IT IS 12.7%. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 5 PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH: AUMC OPERATES AS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(C)(3) AND THE "COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD" OF IRS RULING 69-545. IN THIS REGARD, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ORGANIZATION AND /OR ITS PARENT IS COMPOSED OF PROMINENT CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY, MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES IN THE HOSPITAL ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS IN THE AREA CONSISTENT WITH THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE FACILITY; AUMC OPERATES A FULL-TIME EMERGENCY ROOM OPEN TO ALL REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY; AUMC HOSPITAL PROVIDES CARE TO THE NEEDY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITY CARE POLICY. THE HOSPITAL'S EXCESS FUNDS ARE GENERALLY APPLIED TO EXPANSION AND REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, AMORTIZATION OF INDEBTEDNESS, IMPROVEMENT OF PATIENT CARE, COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION, PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS AND HEALTH FAIRS, RESEARCH, SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES, AND CHARITY CARE. AUMC COMMITTED APPROXIMATELY $79 MILLION IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR TO MEET THOSE NEEDS. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 6 AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: AUGUST 29, 2023, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("WHS"), AND AU HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUHS"), CONSUMMATED THEIR AFFILIATION (THE "TRANSACTION") PURSUANT TO A MEMBERSHIP SUBSTITUTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 29, 2023. AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, WHS BECAME THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS. AUHS CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH, INC., AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY AUHS BECAME A PART OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY WHS. BY VIRTUE OF WHS BECOMING THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS, WHS BECAME THE ULTIMATE PARENT CORPORATION OF AUHS AND ITS AFFILIATES, AUMEDICAL CENTER, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUMC"), AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., A GEORGIANONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUMA"), AND ROOSEVELT WARM SPRINGS REHABILITATION & SPECIALTY HOSPITALS, INC.,A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("RWSH"), WHICH AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH WARM SPRINGS, INC. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, THE LARGEST HEALTH SYSTEM IN GEORGIA, IS KNOWN NATIONALLY FOR ITS INNOVATIVE CARE MODELS, FOCUSED ON IMPROVING QUALITY AND ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE. WELLSTAR CONSISTS OF WELLSTAR MEDICAL GROUP, 325+ MEDICAL OFFICE LOCATIONS, OUTPATIENT CENTERS, HEALTH PARKS, A PEDIATRIC CENTER, NURSING CENTERS, HOSPICE, HOMECARE, AS WELL AS INPATIENT HOSPITALS: WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (ANCHORED BY WELLSTAR KENNESTONE HOSPITAL), WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, AND WELLSTAR COBB, DOUGLAS, NORTH FULTON, PAULDING, SPALDING REGIONAL, SYLVAN GROVE AND WINDY HILL HOSPITALS. AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, WELLSTAR CONTINUES TO REINVEST IN THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND TREATMENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.WELLSTAR.ORG THE RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS SET FORTH FOR YEAR END 6-30 2024 ARE BASED ON THE PRIOR 2022 CHNA COMPILED BY AU HEALTH UNDER ITS PREVIOUS OWNER, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY. PRIOR TO 2023, AU HEALTH WAS AN INDEPENDENT HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN THE REGION PROVIDING BOTH INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT CARE TO THE COMMUNITY. THE CORE OF AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC. IS COMPRISED OF A 478-BED LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER AS WELL AS 154-BED CHILDREN'S FACILITY, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF GEORGIA. AU HEALTH IS RECOGNIZED BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY IN PROGRAMS AREAS SUCH AS CANCER, NEUROLOGY, STROKE, WOMEN'S HEALTH, PEDIATRICS AND PREVENTATIVE CARE. AU HEALTH HOUSES A CRITICAL CARE CENTER, WHICH INCLUDES A LEVEL 1 ADULT TRAUMA CENTER AND A 16-BED LEVEL 2 PEDIATRIC TRAUMA CENTER, WHICH SERVES A 13-COUNTY REGION. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MAINTAINS THE HIGHEST DESIGNATED LEVELS OF CARE IN ITS NICU (LEVEL 4) AND PICU (LEVEL 1). AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. IS THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S FACULTY PRACTICE PLAN, WHICH HAS OVER 80 OUTPATIENT PRACTICE SITES IN THE STATE. THIS CLINICAL EFFORT INCLUDES TELEHEALTH SERVICES AND REMOTE CLINIC SITES FOR ADULT AND PEDIATRIC PATIENT POPULATIONS. SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 7 STATE FILING OF COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFIT REPORT: ON AN ANNUAL BASIS THE HOSPITAL REPORTS ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFITS REPORT TO THE GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION (GHA). GHA AGGREGATES THE HOSPITAL SPECIFIC REPORTS INTO A STATEWIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFIT REPORT. THE STATE OF GEORGIA ALSO REQUIRES HOSPITALS TO FILE THE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL SURVEY AND THE INDIGENT CARE TRUST FUND SURVEY SO THAT IT CAN COLLECT INFORMATION ON HOSPITAL FINANCIAL CLASS CATEGORIES AND ALSO TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF UNCOMPENSATED CARE BY HOSPITAL. true CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon PO BOX 670 AUGUSTA GA 30903 200109015 501(C)(3) 15000 0 FMV N/A SUPPORT Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 4141 COLUMBIA RD SUITE D MARTINEZ GA 30907 135644916 501(C)(3) 25000 0 FMV N/A SUPPORT McKenna Farms Therapy Services Inc 3044 DUE WEST RD DALLAS GA 30157 582591506 501(C)(3) 10000 0 FMV N/A SUPPORT Elevate Augusta Corporation PO BOX 31122 AUGUSTA GA 30903 990637794 501(C)(3) 15000 0 FMV N/A SUPPORT 5 X X X X X X false true X X X X X X false true false false false false false true false ALEXIS K MCGRUDER REGISTERED NURSE-PRN 247259 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 247259 0 0 0 ANTHONY BUDZINSKI EVP & CFO 0 976444 0 540062 0 2315085 0 53750 0 57631 0 3942972 0 2287591 ARIF AZIZ MD TRUSTEE & PHYSICIAN 0 578366 0 232366 0 14363 0 59954 0 39810 0 924859 0 0 CANDICE SAUNDERS PRESIDENT & CEO 0 1824632 0 2167052 0 479210 0 60100 0 55814 0 4586808 0 446498 DAVID JONES EVP CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFR 0 599836 0 327148 0 774327 0 59100 0 31146 0 1791557 0 748409 JAMES L HORNSBY TRUSTEE & PHYSICIAN 0 337388 0 125089 0 6853 0 58466 0 54263 0 582059 0 0 KEM MULLINS EVP AMBULATORY OPS & BUS DEV 0 811558 0 439456 0 17574 0 24300 0 58052 0 1350940 0 0 LEO REICHERT EVP & GENERAL COUNSEL 0 788217 0 429832 0 1829908 0 58100 0 66985 0 3173042 0 1795578 MARK D SCHREIBER VP CHIEF NURSING OFFICER 353437 0 0 0 0 0 30000 0 21261 0 404698 0 0 0 MARY CHATMAN EVP ACUTE CARE OPERATIONS 0 745034 0 452159 0 17230 0 56114 0 32349 0 1302886 0 0 PAUL DOUGLASS MD TRUSTEE & PHYSICIAN 0 441588 0 324522 0 13860 0 31331 0 46764 0 858065 0 0 PEGGY S MOYER REGISTERED NURSE 258906 0 0 0 0 0 30000 0 21259 0 310165 0 0 0 RICHARD CAPPS EVP CHIEF INFO & DIGITAL OFFCR 0 688598 0 401181 0 19794 0 59588 0 59322 0 1228483 0 0 SHEILA J CALACAT REGISTERED NURSE-PRN 284962 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 284962 0 0 0 SUSAN E HOOD REGISTERED NURSE 246123 0 0 0 0 0 25647 0 27354 0 299124 0 0 0 SUSAN GRANT EVP CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFF & CNE 0 603228 0 300914 0 167372 0 54445 0 30381 0 1156340 0 155249 BETH KOST SVP CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER 0 488253 0 215119 0 22443 0 37163 0 53457 0 816435 0 0 JULIE TEER SVP & WELLSTAR FOUNDATION PRES 0 565491 0 237381 0 16433 0 12252 0 25313 0 856870 0 0 SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1A THE ITEMS, AS INDICATED IN LINE 1A, WERE PROVIDED, IN SOME INSTANCES, TO BOARD MEMBERS AND TO CERTAIN EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS LISTED IN FORM 990, PART VII BY THE ORGANIZATION. THE ORGANIZATION FOLLOWS IRS GUIDELINES AND THESE ITEMS WERE ADDED AS TAXABLE INCOME AS APPROPRIATE. SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1B REIMBURSEMENT POLICY: WHILE WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AND ITS AFFILIATES DO NOT HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY REGARDING PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE ITEMS LISTED IN SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1A, THE ORGANIZATION FOLLOWS IRS GUIDELINES IN THE PAYMENT OF ANY OF THESE ITEMS TO INDIVIDUALS LISTED IN FORM 990, PART VII, SECTION A. THESE ITEMS ARE ADDED AS TAXABLE WAGES ON THE INDIVIDUAL'S FORM W-2 AS APPROPRIATE. SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 4B PARTICIPATION IN A SUPPLEMENTAL NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN: DURING THE YEAR, VICE PRESIDENTS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS AND CERTAIN PHYSICIANS PARTICIPATED IN A SUPPLEMENTAL NONQUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN SPONSORED BY WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. THE AMOUNTS RELATED TO THIS PLAN ARE INCLUDED IN SCHEDULE J, PART II, COLUMN (C). THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED PAYMENTS FROM THE PLAN INCLUDED IN SCHEDULE J, PART II, COLUMN (B): ANTHONY BUDZINSKI 2,287,591 CANDICE SAUNDERS 446,498 DAVID JONES 748,409 LEO REICHERT 1,795,578 SUSAN GRANT 155,249 SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 7 NON-FIXED PAYMENTS TO OFFICERS: AS PART OF THE WELLSTAR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY A PERFORMANCE PAY PLAN WAS INSTITUTED SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEREBY THE WELLSTAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES AN ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN WHICH CONSISTS OF SEVERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS OR FACTORS THAT UPON ATTAINMENT WILL RESULT IN PAYOUTS TO ELIGIBLE PLAN PARTICIPANTS.THOSE FACTORS ARE: (1) PEOPLE & CUSTOMER SERVICE GOAL FOR EMPLOYEE "TRUST INDEX (2) QUALITY & SAFETY GOAL FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND PATIENT SATISFACTION; AND (3) FINANCIAL GOAL FOR ATTAINING A POSITIVE OPERATING MARGIN. CONFIRMATION OF ACHIEVING THESE GOALS IS TYPICALLY RECEIVED THROUGH THE ANNUAL EXTERNAL AUDIT PROCESS AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT THAT TIME. A DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF RICHMOND COUNTY 521309430 764595CX0 2014-10-30 26877101 CONSTRUCTION & CANCER RESEARCH B false false false A 8515000 0 26877101 0 0 0 411654 80734 0 0 26384712 0 true false true true A false false false true true 0 true false false true A false true false false false false 0 false 0 false true A true SCHEDULE K, PART I, BOND ISSUES: (A) ISSUER NAME: DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF RICHMOND COUNTY (F) DESCRIPTION OF PURPOSE: CONSTRUCTIONS CANCER RESEARCH BLDG SCHEDULE K, PART I, LINE A, COLUMN (F) USE OF FUNDS: REFUNDED THE 2004 BONDS WHICH WERE USED TO CONSTRUCT A CANCER RESEARCH BUILDING. THE FACILITY FUNDED BY THE TAX-EXEMPT BONDS. FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 & PART III, LINE 1 VISION: DELIVER WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE TO EVERY PERSON, EVERY TIME. MISSION: TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF EVERY PERSON WE SERVE. VALUES: WE SERVE WITH COMPASSION. WE PURSUE EXCELLENCE. WE HONOR EVERY VOICE. FORM 990, PART I, LINES 8 THROUGH 19 NOTICE OF CONSUMMATION OF THE AFFILIATION BETWEEN AU HEALTH SYSTEM AND WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM ON AUGUST 29, 2023, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("WHS"), AND AU HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUHS"), CONSUMMATED THEIR AFFILIATION (THE "TRANSACTION") PURSUANT TO A MEMBERSHIP SUBSTITUTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 29, 2023. AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, WHS BECAME THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS, AUHS CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH, INC., AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY AUHS BECAME A PART OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATED BY WHS. BY VIRTUE OF WHS BECOMING THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF AUHS, WHS BECAME THE ULTIMATE PARENT CORPORATION OF AUHS AND ITS AFFILIATES, AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUMC"), AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("AUMA"), AND ROOSEVELT WARM SPRINGS REHABILITATION & SPECIALTY HOSPITALS, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ("RWSH"), WHICH AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION, CHANGED ITS CORPORATE LEGAL NAME TO WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH WARM SPRINGS, INC. PRIOR YEAR FORM 990 TAX RETURNS FOR THE AU HEALTH SYSTEM ENTITIES, AUHS, AUMC, AND RWSH, WERE NOT FILED AS THE ENTITIES WERE OWNED BY THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND AS A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY IT WAS NOT REQUIRED. WHS DID NOT PREPARE THE PRIOR YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THEREFORE, PRIOR YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENSE AMOUNTS ARE NOT REPORTED IN PART I. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ABOUT WELLSTAR AT WELLSTAR, PEOPLE ARE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO AND EVERY DECISION WE MAKE. AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, WE HAVE MADE A GENERATIONAL COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE FOR ALL. WE WORK TO ENSURE EVERY PERSON HAS ACCESS TO PERSONALIZED CARE THAT HELPS THEM SPEND MORE TIME BEING A PERSON, RATHER THAN A PATIENT. THAT'S WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY WE'RE MORE THAN HEALTHCARE-WE'RE PEOPLECARE. WELLSTAR IS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR OUR INCLUSIVE CULTURE, EXCEPTIONAL DOCTORS AND TEAM MEMBERS, AND PERSONAL, HIGH-QUALITY CARE. WE THOUGHTFULLY REINVEST IN PREVENTION, WELLNESS PROGRAMS AND CHARITY CARE, AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO COMPASSIONATE, WORLD-CLASS CARE THROUGH OUR EXPANSIVE SYSTEM OF 11 HOSPITALS, 412 MEDICAL OFFICE LOCATIONS, 11 CANCER CENTERS, 91 REHABILITATION CENTERS, 35 IMAGING CENTERS, 20 URGENT CARE LOCATIONS, FIVE HEALTH PARKS, THREE HOSPICE FACILITIES AND TWO RETIREMENT VILLAGES. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE CARE FOR THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE, VISIT WELLSTAR.ORG. MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES - OUR MISSION IS TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF EVERY PERSON WE SERVE. - OUR VISION IS TO DELIVER WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE TO EVERY PERSON, EVERY TIME. - OUR VALUES ARE TO SERVE WITH COMPASSION, PURSUE EXCELLENCE AND HONOR EVERY VOICE. MILESTONES WELLSTAR HAS A BREADTH OF HISTORICAL FIRSTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: - PERFORMED THE NATION'S FIRST LAPAROSCOPIC GALLBLADDER REMOVAL AT KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (1988), NOW KNOWN AS WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER - ACQUIRED GEORGIA'S FIRST OPEN HIGH-FIELD MRI SCANNER AT PAULDING HOSPITAL (2008), NOW KNOWN AS WELLSTAR PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER - FIRST ORTHOPEDIC CENTER IN GEORGIA TO ACHIEVE THE JOINT COMMISSION'S CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION IN BOTH MANAGEMENT OF HIP FRACTURE AND ADVANCED TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT AT WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (2018) - LAUNCHED CATALYST BY WELLSTAR, A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND GLOBAL DIGITAL HEALTH AND INNOVATION CENTER (2021) - RECOGNIZED AS THE ONLY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN GEORGIA AND ONE OF 25 NATIONWIDE TO RECEIVE A $2 MILLION GRANT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THROUGH THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (2023) - NAMED THE SECOND HIGHEST PROVIDER OF CHARITY CARE IN THE NATION BY MODERN HEALTHCARE (2023) - FIRST HEALTH SYSTEM IN GEORGIA AND THE FIFTH IN THE NATION TO BE ACCREDITED AS A NETWORK CANCER PROGRAM RUN BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - FIRST HEALTH SYSTEM IN THE NATION TO OFFER SHARECARE DIGITAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS APP TO ITS TEAM MEMBERS COVERAGE AT A GLANCE WHEN WE SAY WE SERVE THE COMMUNITY, WE MEAN IT. WELLSTAR MEDICAL CENTERS, HEALTH PARKS, MEDICAL OFFICES AND OTHER FACILITIES ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ACROSS THE STATE OF GEORGIA. - 11 HOSPITALS - 2,729 LICENSED BEDS - 5 HEALTH PARKS - 20 URGENT CARE LOCATIONS - 329+ MEDICAL OFFICES - 11 CANCER CENTERS - 91 REHABILITATION CENTERS - 35 IMAGING CENTERS - 3 HOSPICE FACILITIES - 2 RETIREMENT VILLAGES - 9 PEDIATRIC CENTERS - 11 SLEEP LABS - 7 WOUND CARE CENTERS - 10 COUNTIES OFFERING HOME HEALTH SERVICES WITH MORE THAN 1 MILLION PATIENT VISITS IN 2023, THE WELLSTAR HEALTH PARKS IN EAST COBB, ACWORTH, AVALON, CHEROKEE AND VININGS PROVIDED PATIENTS WITH SEAMLESS CARE AND CONVENIENT ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE, SPECIALISTS, OUTPATIENT PROCEDURES, PHARMACY, URGENT CARE, PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND IMAGING-ALL AT A SINGLE LOCATION. IT'S PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO OFFER ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE AT THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE FOR OUR PATIENTS. CLINICAL EXPERTISE LED BY PHYSICIANS AND OTHER CLINICIANS, OUR SERVICE LINES SUPPORT AND CONNECT PEOPLE, PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES. EXPERTS WITHIN EACH SPECIALTY BRING THEIR INSIGHT AND INNOVATION TO COLLEAGUES ACROSS OUR SYSTEM. THE RESULT IS BETTER PATIENT CARE AND A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY. OUR CLINICAL SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - CARDIOVASCULAR - DIGESTIVE HEALTH - EMERGENCY CARE - HOSPITAL MEDICINE - MUSCULOSKELETAL - NEURO CARE - ONCOLOGY - PEDIATRICS - PRIMARY CARE - PULMONARY - SURGERY - WOMEN'S HEALTH COMMUNITY NEEDS WELLSTAR REMAINS DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. WE CONDUCT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS (CHNAS) TO HELP US BETTER UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. BY WORKING WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THE GEORGIA HEALTH POLICY CENTER, WE COLLECT COMPREHENSIVE DATA FOR OUR CHNAS. WE IMPLEMENT A PLAN BASED ON THIS DATA TO DEVELOP ACTIONABLE AND MEASURABLE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO OPTIMIZE PATIENT OUTCOMES AND IMPROVE OVERALL COMMUNITY HEALTH. THE AREAS LISTED BELOW EMERGED AS PRIORITY FOR THE COMMUNITIES THAT WELLSTAR SERVES AND INFORM THE WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS. - ACCESS TO CARE - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - FOOD ACCESS AND HEALTHY LIVING - HOUSING - PEDIATRICS - WOMEN'S HEALTH FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT,VISIT OUR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT WEBSITE. INNOVATION WELLSTAR HAS A VISION FOR HEALTHCARE THAT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AND EQUIP US TO BRING THE BEST TECHNOLOGY AND THE BEST CARE TO OUR COMMUNITIES. WE LAUNCH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, PILOT NEW THERAPIES, DEVELOP LESS-INVASIVE PROCEDURES AND ADVANCE TECHNOLOGIES TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE AND IMPROVE PEOPLE'S LIVES. THIS IS WHY WE LAUNCHED CATALYST BY WELLSTAR, A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND GLOBAL DIGITAL HEALTH AND INNOVATION CENTER, AND WHY WE BUILT CATALYST VOICE, AN ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 100,000 WELLSTAR PATIENTS TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF ADVANCEMENTS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. - INVESTED IN AN ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MEDICAL SYSTEM WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY (AI) THAT ALLOWS FOR EARLY WARNING DETECTION, ANTICIPATES NEEDS OF PATIENTS BASED ON THEIR PROFILES AND DETERMINES IF PATIENTS MAY BE PREDISPOSED TO DISEASE OR INFECTION BASED ON FAMILY HISTORY, MEDICAL HISTORY AND DNA - USE OF AI TO IDENTIFY LARGE VESSEL BLOCKAGE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF STROKE, AND IDENTIFY KEY TERMS TO SCREEN FOR LUNG NODULES - WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS THE FIRST HOSPITAL IN GEORGIA TO OFFER PARENTS A PRIVATE 24/7 LIVESTREAM OF THEIR BABY IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT THROUGH NICVIEW, A BEDSIDE CAMERA SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM IS SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY BY A FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION, WELLSTAR FOUNDATION, INC. THE SERVICE AREA FOR THE SYSTEM ENCOMPASSES PARTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN SECTIONS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA - THE PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS BEING IN BARTOW, CHEROKEE, COBB, DOUGLAS, PAULDING, FULTON, BUTTS, SPALDING, RICHMOND, COLUMBIA AND TROUP COUNTIES. HISTORY IN 1993, WHAT WAS THEN KNOWN AS THE COBB HEALTH SYSTEM, THE KENNESTONE REGIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, AND THE DOUGLAS GENERAL HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO FORM THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM. PAULDING MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER AFFILIATED WITH NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM IN 1994. IN 1994, THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM HELPED FORM THE PROMINA HEALTH SYSTEM AND CHANGED ITS NAME TO PROMINA NORTHWEST HEALTH SYSTEM. IN 1998, PROMINA NORTHWEST HEALTH SYSTEM CHANGED ITS NAME TO WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM. WELLSTAR DISASSOCIATED FROM AND BECAME TOTALLY INDEPENDENT OF PROMINA IN 1999. IN MARCH 2016 WELLSTAR ACQUIRED SERVICES WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM IS ABLE TO OFFER A FULL RANGE OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES THROUGH ITS AFFILIATES. THE SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: - MOST MAJOR INPATIENT CLINICAL SERVICES, - TRANSPLANT SERVICES - LEVEL 1, 2, 3 TRAUMA CENTERS - OUTPATIENT SERVICES, - DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, - ANCILLARY AND SUPPORT SERVICES, - PRIMARY CARE & SPECIALTY PHYSICIAN SERVICES, - URGENT CARE SERVICES, - HOME HEALTH SERVICES, - SKILLED NURSING SERVICES AND - HOSPICE SERVICES. THE 11 HOSPITAL LOCATIONS ARE ACUTE CARE FACILITIES WITH INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. THE SYSTEM INCLUDES A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY ON THE KENNESTONE HOSPITAL CAMPUS, CALLED ATHERTON PLACE. ATHERTON PLACE ALSO HOUSES AN ASSISTED LIVING UNIT AS AN ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF CARE. PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER IS HOME TO A FULL CARE NURSING HOME, PAULDING NURSING CENTER AND WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER IS ALSO HOME TO TWO FULL CARE NURSING HOMES. VERNON WOODS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IS AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN LAGRANGE GEORGIA COBB HOSPITAL IS HOME TO A HOME HEALTH AGENCY AND A RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE FACILITY CALLED TRANQUILITY FOR THOSE PATIENTS IN THE END STAGES OF LIFE. KENNESTONE HOSPITAL ALSO OPENED A RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE FACILITY NOT FAR FROM ITS MAIN CAMPUS. THE SYSTEM IS COMPLIMENTED WITH APPROXIMATELY 412 PHYSICIAN PRACTICES AND SEVERAL URGENT CARE CENTERS. THE SYSTEM IS THUS ABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPRESENT SYSTEM-WIDE ACTIVITY FOR WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (THE "SYSTEM") - EIN 58-1649541. THE AFFILIATED ENTITIES OF THE WELLSTAR OPERATE AS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(C)(3) AND THE "COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD" OF IRS REVENUE RULING 69-545, EXCEPT FOUR OF ITS AFFILIATES THAT OPERATE AS OTHER THAN NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITIES INCLUDING (1) WELLSTAR HEALTH PLAN, INC, A STATE OF GEORGIA LICENSED HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (EIN 46-1922499), (2) WELLSTAR PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION, (EIN 58-2116179), (3) WEST GEORGIA HEALTH PHYSICIANS, INC (EIN 27-5125341), (4) COMMUNITY ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD., A CAYMAN DOMICILED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY (EIN 58-1649541). THE SYSTEM MAINTAINS RECORDS TO IDENTIFY AND MONITOR THE LEVEL OF CHARITY CARE IT PROVIDES THROUGH ITS AFFILIATES. THESE RECORDS INCLUDE THE AMOUNT OF CHARGES FOREGONE FOR SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FURNISHED UNDER ITS COMMUNITY FINANCIAL AID POLICY. THE SYSTEM ALSO PARTICIPATES IN CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID. UNDER THESE PROGRAMS, THE SYSTEM PROVIDES CARE TO PATIENTS AT PAYMENT RATES WHICH ARE DETERMINED BY THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, REGARDLESS OF THE SYSTEM'S ACTUAL CHARGES. IN MOST CASES, THESE PROGRAMS PAY THE SYSTEM AT AMOUNTS WHICH ARE LESS THAN ITS COST OF PROVIDING SERVICES. THE FOLLOWING IS THE COST TO PROVIDE CARE TO THOSE PATIENTS QUALIFYING FOR COMMUNITY FINANCIAL AID ALONG WITH THE UNREIMBURSED COST OF PROVIDING CARE TO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES AND OTHER PATIENTS. THESE C0STS ARE DETERMINED USING A COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO. Cost of providing charity care $204,783 Unreimbursed cost of providing care to Medicaid beneficiaries $59,205 Unreimbursed cost of providing care to Medicare beneficiaries $733,422 Unreimbursed cost of providing care to other patients $262,212 Cost of other Community Programs $46,825 Total Uncompensated Care and Community Programs $1,306,447 Community Investments- Funds Back Into Infrastructure $182,090,000 Community Investments- Allied Health/Medical education 19,409,000 Community Investments- Operations- Staff/Software 2,444.000 Total Community Investments $203,943,000 IN ADDITION, WELLSTAR AFFILIATE HOSPITALS MADE $56.2 MILLION AND $40.5 MILLION, RESPECTIVELY, IN PROVIDER PAYMENTS (CHARITY CARE COST) AND RECOGNIZED SUCH PAYMENTS AS A REDUCTION IN NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IN THE FISCAL 2024 AND 2023 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. WELLSTAR CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS) MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM AS AN ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO). WELLSTAR'S ACO IS ONE OF THE LARGEST ACOS IN GEORGIA AND IT HAS 5,626 PHYSICIANS INCLUDING 42,328 MEMBERS. THE ACO HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 ACO'S IN THE COUNTRY. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL THROUGH A FOCUS ON WELLNESS AND THE IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND THE RELATED COORDINATION OF CARE, TO ENSURE PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY CHRONICALLY ILL, GET THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME TO MAINTAIN THEIR OPTIMAL HEALTH AND AVOID THE NEED FOR HIGH-COST EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL CARE. THE SYSTEM OFFERS MANY WELLNESS AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO THE COMMUNITY. HEALTH FAIRS ARE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, PROVIDING VARIOUS HEALTH SCREENINGS, SUCH AS MAMMOGRAMS, BONE DENSITY, BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL CHECKS. A LARGE NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED FOR ALL AGES. THESE PROGRAMS INCLUDE BICYCLE SAFETY, CAR SEAT SAFETY, DEFENSIVE DRIVING, CPR AND FIRST-AID CLASSES. FLU SHOTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY DURING FLU SEASON AND HEALTH SCREENINGS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, AND IMMUNIZATIONS ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN THROUGH LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND HEALTH FAIRS. THE COSTS OF THESE SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN UNRESTRICTED REVENUE, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES AND LOSSES IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.THE PHYSICIANS OF THE SYSTEM MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING INVOLVEMENT IN MANY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PROMOTING HEALTH AWARENESS AND IMPROVEMENT, EMERGENCY ROOM CARE, AND DELIVERY OF CARE TO THE INDIGENT POPULATION OF THE SYSTEM'S SERVICE AREA. THE SYSTEM ALSO MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AT A LOCAL UNIVERSITY. THIS FINANCIAL SUPPORT HAS HELPED TO GROW THE PROGRAM, WHICH BENEFITS THE SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY. FINANCIAL & DATA STATISTICS FINANCIAL & DATA STATISTICS 2023(1) 2024 Licensed Beds 2,775 2,729 Staffed Beds 1,803 (2) 2,310 Inpatient Admissions 103,514 127,931 Inpatient Census Days 526,966 652,691 Observation Patients 22,134 21,548 Average Length of Stay 5.09 5.10 Average Daily Census 1,469 1,783 Outpatient Visits 1,350,792 2,287,668 Emergency Room Visits 520,914 592,415 Deliveries 13,126 14,344 Inpatient Surgery Cases 20,252 26,658 Outpatient Surgery Cases 42,726 54,407 Case Mix Index 1.7046 1.6842 (entire System) (3) Case Mix Index 1.8636 1.8492 (Kennestone) (1) Does not include utilization statistics for WMCG and its consolidated subsidiaries, acquired August 29, 2023 (2) The reduction in staff beds as of June 30, 2023, is attributable primarily to the closure of AMC, which closed on November 1, 2022 (3)All patient case mix index excluding newborn, inpatient rehab patients and psychiatric patients COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT - WELLSTAR IS COMMITTED TO REINVESTNG IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY ENGAGING IN PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORTING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THAT ALIGN WITH OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WE SERVE TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT. COMMUNITY BASED PARTNERSHIPS MAY INCLUDE MISSION ALIGNED PARTNERS SUCH AS THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, GEORGIA ALLIANCE FOR BREAST CANCER, MARCH OF DIMES; OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFITS THAT FURTHER A SOCIAL CAUSE AND PROVIDE COMMUNITY BENEFIT SUCH AT THE ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, MUST MINISTRIES, TOMMY NOBIS CENTER; BUSINESS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND ROTARY, KIWANIS CLUBS; AND ACADEMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS INCLUDING LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND OTHER SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, AND PARTNERS FOCUSED ON CAREER EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING PIPELINES FOR BOTH CLINICAL AND NON-CLINCAL HEALTHCARE CAREERS. MANY EMPLOYEES SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM OR OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES SUCH AS ORGANIZING A COLLECTION OF GOODS FOR DONATION THROUGH WELLSTAR'S COMMUNITYCARE PROGRAM. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM'S COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO ADDRESS GEORGIA'S NURSING SHORTAGE WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN ITS COMMUNITY INITIATIVES THROUGH ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS TO STRATEGICALLY ADDRESS GEORGIA'S NURSING SHORTAGE. WELLSTAR IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A STRONGER CLINICAL WORKFORCE TO ENHANCE PRACTICE READY NURSES ENTERING THE PROFESSION. WELLSTAR SERVES AS A PREMIERE CLINICAL SITE SUPPORTING SCHOOLS OF NURSING COHORTS AND SENIOR PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS. OUR ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP MODEL AIMS TO SUPPORT THE STUDENT NURSE EXPERIENCE, FACULTY EXPERIENCE, EDUCATIONAL PROCESS, AND DEVELOPMENT/MENTORING OF OUR NURSING PIPELINE. TO ACHIEVE THE STRATEGIC GOALS THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, WELLSTAR CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT TACTICS AND OBJECTIVES TO ATTRACT, RECRUIT, AND RETAIN BEST TALENT FOR THE NURSING CLINICAL WORKFORCE. THE FOLLOWING PARTNERSHIPS ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF WELLSTAR'S STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS TO ENHANCE THE CLINICAL WORKFORCE. MERCER UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP: WELLSTAR HAS CONTINUED ITS CLINICAL AFFILIATION WITH MERCER UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ORBIS TO TRAIN AND RECRUIT GRADUATES OF THE ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ABSN) PROGRAM. THE ABSN PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS HOLDING A NON-NURSING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) DEGREE, ENABLING THEM TO EARN A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) WITHIN 12 MONTHS. WELLSTAR'S RELATIONSHIP WITH MERCER AS A TOP TIER PARTNER OFFERS BENEFITS TO THE ABSN STUDENTS BY PRIORITIZING CLINICAL PLACEMENT REQUESTS IN VARIOUS SPECIALTY AREAS ACROSS THE HEALTH SYSTEM. MERCER STUDENTS ARE ALSO RECRUITED AFTER COMPLETION OF THEIR INITIAL CLINICAL COURSE TO WORK AS AN EXTERN THROUGH WELLSTAR'S NURSE EXTERN PROGRAM. MERCER UNIVERSITY HAS ABOUT 300 NURSES TO GRADUATE EACH YEAR. KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY (KSU) PARTNERSHIP: WELLSTAR HAS A LONGSTANDING AFFILIATION WITH KSU, LOCATED WITHIN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREA. THIS PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS SUCH AS ENDOWMENTS AND GRANTS TO SUPPORT KSU'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. THE WELLSTAR SCHOOL OF NURSING (WSON), ESTABLISHED THROUGH A TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT FROM THE WELLSTAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN PREPARING NURSING STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS. WELLSTAR PROVIDES APPROXIMATELY 70% OF KSU STUDENT CLINICAL EXPERIENCES AND NEARLY 50% OF CLINICAL FACULTY ARE WELLSTAR NURSES. A $6.2 MILLION GRANT HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO HIRE ADDITIONAL FACULTY AND STAFF BY 2025 TO ACCOMMODATE INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND FUND ANNUAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEED-BASED STUDENTS. AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE PARTNERSHIP, KSU IS ON TARGET TO MEET THE GOALS OF THE CONTRACTUAL AFFILIATION BY DOUBLING ENROLLMENT IN THE NURSING PROGRAM AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FACULTY TO INCREASE ENROLLMENT OF NURSING STUDENTS. NURSING CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM: WELLSTAR CONTINUES TO OPERATIONALIZE THE NURSING CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM, AN INDUSTRY-DRIVEN INITIATIVE ADDRESSING THE STATEWIDE NEED FOR VARIOUS LEVELS OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS, FROM NURSING ASSISTANTS TO REGISTERED NURSES WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. THE PROGRAM ALSO TRAINS CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANTS TO SUPPORT THE NURSING PIPELINE AND CLINICAL WORKFORCE. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS WITH THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE AND IS DESIGNED TO GUIDE STUDENTS THROUGH PROGRESSIVE CAREER ATTAINMENT. THE PATHWAY INCLUDES A HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENTED BY DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES OFFERED THROUGH CHATTAHOOCHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE. THESE EFFORTS BY WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM REFLECT A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE NURSING SHORTAGE IN GEORGIA, ENSURING THAT THE STATE'S HEALTHCARE NEEDS ARE MET WITH WELL-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED NURSING PROFESSIONALS. WELLSTAR SPEAKERS BUREAU: WELLSTAR'S SPEAKERS BUREAU PROVIDES OUR COMMUNITY WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO OUR NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS. PROGRAMS MAY BE VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON AND COVER HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOPICS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HEART HEALTH, NUTRITION, MENTAL HEALTH, CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT, AND COVID-19 RELATED TOPICS. WOMEN & CHILDREN RESOURCE CENTERS: WOMEN'S HEALTH PATIENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES IS A SHARED SERVICES DEPARTMENT THAT PROVIDES PATIENT EDUCATION IN THE FORM OF CLASSES AS WELL AS OBGYN EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR WMG OFFICES, AND OVERSEES SERVICES RELATED TO LACTATION AND BEREAVEMENT AT COBB, DOUGLAS, KENNESTONE, NORTH FULTON, SPALDING, AND WEST GEORGIA HOSPITALS. PATIENT EDUCATION CLASSES INCLUDE BOTH VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON OFFERINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING CLASSES: UNDERSTANDING BIRTH, UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEWBORN, UNDERSTANDING BREASTFEEDING, GRANDPARENTING, TEEN CHILDBIRTH, NEXT TIME AROUND, BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER AND ARE OFFERED TO THE COMMUNITY AT EACH OF THE WELLSTAR HOSPITAL LOCATIONS. THE WMG PATIENT EDUCATION IS PROVIDED TO BOTH OB AND GYN PATIENTS IN THE FORM OF MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY BOOKLETS, OFFERED AT EACH PATIENT OB VISIT, CULMINATING WITH A MY POSTPARTUM JOURNEY BOOKLET AT THE TIME OF DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL. GYN PATIENT EDUCATION IS PROVIDED TO PATIENTS BASED UPON A HIGH-RISK DIAGNOSIS. FREE WELLSTAR SUPPORT GROUPS ARE OFFERED FOR NEWLY DELIVERED PATIENTS AND INCLUDE BEREAVEMENT, BREASTFEEDING, AND MOTHERS SUPPORT CIRCLE. INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT LACTATION CONSULTATIONS, LACTATION NICU CONSULTATIONS, PUMPS LOANED TO PATIENTS WITH A BABY IN THE NICU, AND WARM LINE PHONE CALLS ARE OFFERED TO LACTATING PATIENTS. THESE OFFERINGS DEMONSTRATE WELLSTAR'S COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE PATIENTS WE SERVE WITHIN WELLSTAR'S FOOTPRINT. IN FY 2024, THE UNREIMBURSED COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE OFFERINGS TOTALED MORE THAN $ 826,000.00 WITH MORE THAN 72,000 PATIENT/FAMILY INTERACTIONS FROM THOSE PARTICIPATING IN OUR PRENATAL, CHILDBIRTH, AND POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS. COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS - AT WELLSTAR, WE HAVE MOVED BEYOND IRS REQUIREMENTS - FROM COMPLIANCE TO STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT - WHICH ALLOWS THE SYSTEM TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DEMONSTRATE RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACTIVITIES. MAINTAINING EFFORTS BEYOND THE THREE-YEAR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) CYCLE HELPS WELLSTAR ADDRESS PERSISTENT COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES AND ENSURE CONTINUITY FROM ONE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO THE NEXT. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS DESCRIBE HOW WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM HAS CONTINUED BUILDING AND ALIGNING FOR HEALTH EQUITY. CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK (CHN) SERVES AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND FAITH COMMUNITIES. COORDINATED BY A FULL-TIME REGISTERED NURSE WHO SPECIALIZES IN FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING, WELLSTAR'S PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST CONGREGATIONS OF ALL FAITHS TO DEVELOP OR SUPPORT VOLUNTEER OR PAID HEALTH MINISTRIES. WITH MORE THAN 100 CONGREGATIONS AND 1,500 SPIRITUAL CARE PARTNERS, CHN SERVES AS A KEY TO WELLSTAR'S SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUITY-CENTERED PROGRAMS. THROUGH THIS NETWORK, WE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK (CONT.) ACCORDING TO THE CHNA ACCESS TO CARE INDICATORS, MANY MEMBERS OF WELLSTAR'S COMMUNITY HAVE CARE ACCESS CHALLENGES IN LARGE PART DUE TO INSURANCE CONSTRAINTS AND PROVIDER ACCESS SHORTAGES. ACCORDING TO HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020, "ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE, QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES IS IMPORTANT FOR PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING HEALTH, PREVENTING AND MANAGING DISEASE, REDUCING UNNECESSARY DISABILITY AND PREMATURE DEATH, AND ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY." WELLSTAR IS COMMITTED TO SERVING OUR COMMUNITY'S MOST VULNERABLE AND UNDER-RESOURCED POPULATIONS. IN 2016, WELLSTAR 4-1 CARE WAS CREATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO CARE AND THE CAPACITY OF PARTNERING COMMUNITY CLINICS BY PROVIDING REDUCED-COST OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT WHEN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS LIKE WELLSTAR PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY SAFETY-NET CLINICS, THE FOLLOWING CAN OCCUR. - REDUCTION IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS - REDUCTION IN AVOIDABLE READMISSIONS - INCREASE IN PATIENT SATISFACTION SCORES PREVENT ILLNESS BY PROMOTING HEALTHY BEHAVIORS IN PEOPLE WITHOUT RISK FACTORS (E.G., DIET AND EXERCISE COUNSELING) - PREVENT ILLNESS BY PROVIDING PROTECTION TO THOSE AT RISK (E.G., CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS) - IDENTIFY AND TREAT PEOPLE WITH NO SYMPTOMS, BUT WHO HAVE RISK FACTORS, BEFORE THE CLINICAL ILLNESS DEVELOPS (E.G., SCREENING FOR HYPERTENSION OR DIABETES) THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK HAS EVOLVED TO ADVANCE WELLSTAR'S ABILITY TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ACCESS TO CARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES. AS WELLSTAR'S GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT HAS EXPANDED, WELLSTAR IS ALSO COMMITTED TO FORGING NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY CLINICS (I.E., COMMUNITY SAFETY-NET CLINICS, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS) TO MORE COLLECTIVELY ACHIEVE OPTIMAL OUTCOMES FOR MORE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AND UNINSURED RESIDENTS. IN ADDITION, THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK EVOLVED TO INCLUDE COMMUNITY BENEFIT SUPPORT OF WELLSTAR'S GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (GME) CLINICS. IN ALIGNMENT WITH WELLSTAR'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FAP), THESE COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICS PROVIDE CHARITABLE DISCOUNTED OR FREE CARE BASED ON SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS LIKE A PATIENT'S HOUSEHOLD INCOME, INSURANCE STATUS AND/OR FAMILY SIZE. THESE CLINICS HELP SOME OF WELLSTAR'S MOST UNDER-RESOURCED AND VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES LIKE CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT, WELLNESS EXAMS, VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATION COUNSELING. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP, GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (GME) RESIDENTS SERVE PATIENTS AT THE SHEFFIELD AND KENNESTONE CLINICS. TO SUPPORT THESE WELLSTAR GME RESIDENT PHYSICIANS SERVING AT GME CLINICS, STRUCTURED EDUCATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO HELP RESIDENTS BETTER UNDERSTAND HEALTH DISPARITIES, HEALTH EQUITY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PRIORITIES. THROUGH THE COMMUNITY CLINIC NETWORK, WELLSTAR WILL CONTINUE TO LEVERAGE THE FACT THAT COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICS ARE LONG RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY IMPROVE AND EXPAND PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL, DENTAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IMPACTS AN INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH STATUS. WELLSTAR'S CHNA IDENTIFIED BOTH THE NEED FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS LEADING HEALTH CONCERNS FOR DISPARATE AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES INCREASINGLY EXPERIENCED HEALTH DISPARITIES AND GAPS IN SUPPORT; COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCED NEED FOR RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR OFFERING VIRTUAL CARE. WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY'S COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM PROVIDES A SCALABLE SOLUTION FOR IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRUSTED COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. EACH YEAR, WELLSTAR FUNDS A COHORT OF INITIATIVES THAT LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. INITIATIVES ARE EXPECTED TO BE TAILORED TO A COMMUNITY NEED AND ALIGN WITH EACH PARTNER'S MISSION. AT THE END OF 12 MONTHS, PARTNERS ARE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE IMPROVEMENTS IN: - ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SO THAT RESIDENTS RECEIVE TIMELY, HIGH-QUALITY, AND CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE WHEN THEY NEED IT; OR, - ACCESS TO SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES SO THAT RESIDENTS RECEIVE TIMELY, HIGH-QUALITY FOOD, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION AND LEGAL RESOURCES TO IMPROVE DAILY LIVING WHEN THEY NEED IT. THE COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION BY THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION FOR ITS IMPACT IN COLLABORATING WITH PARTNERS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES. SOUL SUPPORT TO ADDRESS THE BEHAVIORAL NEEDS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MITIGATE THE ROLE OF MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE CALLED SOUL SUPPORT, WHICH INCLUDES THREE EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT. THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE FACILITATED THROUGH WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK, WHEREBY PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE AT FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION'S HEALTHY AGING DIVISION TO PROVIDE "POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS" - A SIX-WEEK SERIES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO HELP CAREGIVERS LEARN TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEMSELVES. POWERFUL TOOLS IS PRESENTED BY CERTIFIED LAY LEADERS. THE WORKSHOP USES AN EVIDENCE-BASED CURRICULUM THAT HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE RESULTS FOR PARTICIPANTS. QUESTION, PERSUADE AND REFER (QPR) INSTITUTE STARTED AS A JOINT EFFORT WITH A WASHINGTON STATE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER AND THEIR MISSION IS TO "SAVE LIVES AND REDUCE SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS BY PROVIDING INNOVATIVE, PRACTICAL AND PROVEN SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING." THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES ARE TO TRAIN PARTICIPANTS TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND RANGE OF SUICIDAL COMMUNICATIONS AND HOW TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF SUICIDAL AND IN-CRISIS PEOPLE, PROVIDING LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AS WELL. QPR IS USED TO HELP SAVE LIVES FROM SUICIDE BY TRAINING INDIVIDUALS HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS OF A SUICIDE CRISIS AND HOW TO "QUESTION, PERSUADE AND REFER SOMEONE TO HELP." MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IS A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM "THAT CAN HELP COMMUNITIES UNDERSTAND MENTAL ILLNESSES, SEEK TIMELY INTERVENTION, AND SAVE LIVES." BY PROVIDING EDUCATION SURROUNDING MENTAL ILLNESS AS WELL AS RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THEIR AREA, FAITH-BASED LEADERS WILL BE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN WAYS TO SUPPORT THEIR CONGREGANTS. IT WAS DEVELOPED IN 2001 WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING PARTICIPANTS WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PROBLEMS AS WELL AS RESOURCES AVAILABLE. WELLSTAR RECEIVED PHILANTHROPIC FUNDING TO EXPAND "SOUL SUPPORT" TO INCLUDE FREE, VIRTUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS UNABLE TO RECEIVE CARE TRADITIONALLY DUE TO COST, TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES, OR LIMITED ACCESS TO BROADBAND SERVICES. COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLKHLTH AND COTTONELLE WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY ESTABLISHED A PARTNERSHIP WITH BLKHLTH, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF RACISM THROUGH EDUCATION AND ACTION. ONE OF THEIR CURRENT INITIATIVES IS A COLLABORATION WITH COTTONELLE ON THE #GOODDOWNTHERE CAMPAIGN. THIS NATIONAL PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE STIGMA SURROUNDING COLORECTAL CARE BY PROVIDING EQUITY-CENTRIC ACCESS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER TO BLACK AMERICANS. COLORECTAL CANCER, ALSO CALLED COLON OR RECTAL CANCER, IS THE THIRD MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER-RELATED DEATH. THROUGH THEIR COLLABORATION WITH COTTONELLE, BLKHLTH PROVIDES WELLSTAR WITH COMPLIMENTARY COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING KITS TO BE DISTRIBUTED ACROSS OUR SERVICE AREA. MEMBERS OF WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK SERVE AS AMBASSADORS TO DISTRIBUTE THE SCREENING KITS WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES. OUR GOAL IS TO BRING EDUCATION AND ACCESS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED DUE TO FEAR, LACK OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. KITS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 2,100 MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. BREAST CANCER SCREENING FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS, WELLSTAR HAS PROVIDED BREAST SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WHO LACK ACCESS TO OR ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THESE LIFE-SAVING SERVICES WITHIN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREAS. BY PROVIDING THESE SERVICES AT NO COST TO THOSE IN NEED, WE SEEK TO ELIMINATE EXISTING BREAST CANCER DISPARITIES AND DECREASE THE NUMBER OF LATE-STAGE BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSES BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. THIS PROGRAM INCREASES THE NUMBER OF REGULAR MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES PROVIDED, PARTICULARLY WITHIN HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES, ENABLING WELLSTAR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO DETECT BREAST CANCER AT AN EARLIER STAGE AND RESULTING IN BETTER TREATMENT OPTIONS AND IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS WHO NEED ACCESS TO THESE SERVICES MOST, WE PARTNER WITH LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY CLINICS, A CONGREGATIONAL NURSE NETWORK AND A ROBUST LIST OF OTHER TRUSTED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. THE WELLSTAR PHYSICIAN LIAISON TEAM AND WELLSTAR CLINICAL PARTNERS TEAM ALSO WORKS WITH 3,000+ WELLSTAR MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICIANS AND PARTNER PHYSICIANS THROUGHOUT OUR SERVICE AREA TO GENERATE REFERRALS TO THE PROGRAM. PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SCREENING AND EDUCATION RESOURCES IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERS WITH WELLSTAR UROLOGY, WELLSTAR LABORATORY OUTREACH SERVICES, AND FAITH COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE WELLSTAR CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK TO OFFER FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENINGS IN HIGH-RISK ZIP CODES. SUCCESS STORIES HAVE INCLUDED PARTICIPANTS PREVIOUSLY IN REMISSION FOR PROSTATE CANCER RECEIVING ABNORMAL PSA RESULTS, LEADING TO FURTHER TESTING AND THE RESUMPTION OF TREATMENT. MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM IN 2020, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED A MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM TO FEED MORE THAN 700 METRO ATLANTA AT-RISK FAMILIES ACROSS SIX GEORGIA COUNTIES. IN COLLABORATION WITH GOODR, THE JOINT INITIATIVE ADDRESSES FOOD ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREAS. THE SPRING-SUMMER MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM INCLUDED SEVEN COMMUNITY-BASED LOCATIONS THAT PROVIDED FREE, FRESH AND HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS MONTHLY TO 100 FAMILIES IN NEED AT EACH LOCATION. THROUGH WELLSTAR FOUNDATION AND VITAL COMMUNITY FUNDING, GOODR PROVIDED FOOD AND STAFFING SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM, REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS AND PROVIDED IMPACT REPORTING EACH MONTH. WELLSTAR PROVIDED PROGRAM LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, PARTICIPANT INCENTIVES AND NUTRITION EDUCATION. NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERS HELPED RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS AND SET UP FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES IN KEY SERVICE AREAS, INCLUDING COBB, TROUP, FULTON, SPALDING, PAULDING, AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES. SINCE THEN, THE WELLSTAR MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE: . THE ADDITION OF BUTTS COUNTY AS A PRIORITY LOCATION, . ON-SITE HEALTH EDUCATION IN ALIGNMENT WITH HEALTH AWARENESS MONTHS, AND . AVAILABILITY OF A BENEFITS SPECIALIST TO ASSIST FAMILIES WITH ENROLLMENT INTO PUBLIC FOOD PROGRAMS. SINCE INCEPTION, THE MOBILE MARKET PROGRAM HAS SERVED 16,000 REGISTRANTS THROUGHOUT THE WELLSTAR FOOTPRINT. THIRTY-NINE PERCENT (39%) OF REGISTRANTS INDICATE DELAYING OR AVOIDING MEDICAL VISITS TO AFFORD FOOD. FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM IN GEORGIA, FOOD RESIDUALS MAKE UP 12% OF LANDFILL WASTE ANNUALLY. THAT'S NEARLY 151 POUNDS OF FOOD PER GEORGIAN EVERY YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1.6 BILLION POUNDS OF TRASH ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA. THIS AMOUNT OF FOOD WASTE ALSO WASTES $1.92 BILLION EACH YEAR. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA AND GOODR, WELLSTAR LAUNCHED A FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, HIGH-QUALITY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD FROM WELLSTAR EATERIES, INCLUDE SELECT HOSPITAL CAFETERIAS, IS PICKED UP AND REDISTRIBUTED TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT WELLSTAR'S SERVICE AREA. BY RECAPTURING FRESH FOOD THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DISCARDED, WE REDUCE FOOD WASTE WHILE GUARANTEEING ACCESS TO FRESH PRODUCE AND HEALTHY MEALS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAMS AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED. THE GOAL IS TO BECOME A ZERO-FOOD WASTE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS. SINCE INCEPTION, WELLSTAR HAS DIVERTED OVER 36,141 POUNDS OF FOOD FROM LANDFILLS. LIVE TO THE BEAT. POWERED BY WELLSTAR. WELLSTAR SERVES AS A PARTNER OF THE LIVE TO THE BEAT CAMPAIGN, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PROGRAM LED BY THE CDC FOUNDATION AND THE MILLION HEARTS INITIATIVE, AIMED TO HELP ADULTS TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. OTHER STRATEGIC PARTNERS INCLUDE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, THE WELLSTAR CENTERFOR CARDIOVASCULAR CARE, AND UNITED WAY. THE LIVE TO THE BEAT PROGRAM UTILIZES A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER TO SERVE AS AHEALTH COACH TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF FAITH COMMUNITIES, IDENTIFIEDTHROUGH WELLSTAR'S CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK, TO BE ADVOCATES IN THEIROWN HEALTH JOURNEY. OVER A 12-MONTH JOURNEY, THE PROGRAM FOCUSES ONSUPPORTING THE MEMBERS THROUGH 8+ ESSENTIAL "SMALL STEPS" TO SUSTAINABLEHEART HEALTH. OPERATION M.I.S.T. (MONITOR | INTERVENE | SURVIVE | THRIVE) OPERATION M.I.S.T. PROMOTES MATERNAL VITALITY BY REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY WITH A MISSION TO MONITOR PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CONCEIVING, PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM BIRTH GIVERS. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH OPERATION M.I.S.T TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR 40 BIRTH GIVERS FROM SPALDING AND BUTTS COUNTIES. PARTICIPANTS WILL USE GARMIN-POWERED SMART WATCHES TO MONITOR THEIR HEALTH STATUS, COLLABORATE WITH THEIR CARE TEAM, AND PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION. AS A WRAPAROUND SERVICE, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH SUPPORT THIS PARTNERSHIP BY PROVIDING AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH (SDOH) AND RESOURCE REFERRAL CONNECTION FOR EACH OF THE PARTICIPANTS. THE PARTNERSHIP HAS SUPPORTED DISTRIBUTION OF OVER 4,800 CARE PACKAGES THROUGHOUT GEORGIA. PERINATAL KIT PROGRAM WITH HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES TO ADDRESS THE MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS THROUGH AN EQUITY LENS, WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY HAS PARTNERED WITH HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES COALITION OF GEORGIA (HMHBGA). HMHBGA HAS IMPACTED THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS BY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DIRECT SERVICES, ADVOCACY, AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. WELLSTAR'S PARTNERSHIP TO HELP EXPAND THE ORGANIZATION'S PERINATAL CARE PACKAGE PROJECT (PCP) PROVIDES SUPPORT TO PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM BIRTH GIVERS AND ENCOURAGES POSITIVE MATERNAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY PROVIDING VITAL RESOURCES AND EDUCATION. THE PARTNERSHIP REACHES 150 BIRTH GIVERS PER MONTH WHO RESIDE IN GEORGIA'S MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES. SINCE PARTNERSHIP INCEPTION, WELLSTAR HAS: . SUPPORTED EXPANDING THE MONTHLY REACH FROM 150 TO 200 BIRTH GIVERS; AND . PROVIDED EDUCATION ON COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY. THE PARTNERSHIP HAS SUPPORTED DISTRIBUTION OF OVER 4,800 CARE PACKAGES THROUGHOUT GEORGIA. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY FOR TRAINING AND DEPLOYMENT THE SOCIAL WORK STUDENT ROTATION PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY'S WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK. MASTER'S LEVEL SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS SPEND AN ACADEMIC YEAR INTERNING WITH WELLSTAR COMMUNITY HEALTH, SUPPORTING INITIATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS PATIENTS OF WELLSTAR GME INTERNAL MEDICINE. THE ROTATION WILL ENSURE STUDENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH WITH HEALTH OUTCOMES. PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED ACCESS TO SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH. PERSONS WHO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM THE SOCIAL WORK STUDENT INTERN REPORT IMPROVED OVERALL WELL-BEING. WELLSTAR PARTNERS WITH SER FAMILIA TO PROVIDE "PROMOTORAS" SER FAMILIA SERVES AS COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION DRIVEN TO STRENGTHEN LATINO COUPLES AND FAMILIES TO ADDRESS THE LACK OF RESOURCES FOR LATINOS ACROSS THE ATLANTA METROPOLITAN AREA. WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM HAS PARTNERED WITH SER FAMILIA TO ENLIST A "PROMOTORA" (ALSO, COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER) TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH TO THE SPANISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY. THE PROMOTORA ASSISTS WELLSTAR CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY IN DEVELOPING AND TRANSLATING CULTURALLY COMPETENT HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARTNERS SERVING THE SPANISH-LANGUAGE COMMUNITY, AND ATTENDING COMMUNITY EVENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY. COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY WELLSTAR AWARDS RECEIVED FY24 - THE TRAUMA SURGERY UNIT AT WELLSTAR KENNESTONE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVED THE PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMY OF MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSES (AMSN) PRISM AWARD, AN HONOR THAT RECOGNIZES EXCEPTIONAL NURSING PRACTICE, LEADERSHIP AND OUTCOMES IN HOSPITAL MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNITS. THE AWARD, WHICH STANDS FOR "PREMIER RECOGNITION IN THE SPECIALTY OF MED-SURG," IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, HONORING MED-SURG NURSING UNITS IN THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY. IT IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE?AMSN AND MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING CERTIFICATION BOARD. THE AWARD IS GIVEN TO OUTSTANDING ACUTE CARE/MED-SURG UNITS OR ADULT/PEDIATRIC UNITS CLASSIFIED AS MED-SURG. - WELLSTAR KENNESTONE AND WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTERS RECEIVED THE GEORGIA OGLETHORPE AWARD FROM THE STERLING COUNCIL. THE STERLING COUNCIL IS A PUBLIC/PRIVATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION SUPPORTED BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE COUNCIL OVERSEES THE GOVERNOR'S STERLING AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AND THE GEORGIA OGLETHORPE AWARD, WHICH IS BASED ON THE NATIONAL MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD, WITH AWARDS BEING PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO HIGH-PERFORMING, ROLE-MODEL ORGANIZATIONS, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, WHICH DEMONSTRATE SUPERIOR MANAGEMENT APPROACHES AND ROLE-MODEL RESULTS. - WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER AND SYLVAN GROVE MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVED THE SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM THE FLORIDA STERLING COUNCIL. THE GOVERNOR'S STERLING SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE STERLING AWARD RECIPIENTS TO RETAIN THEIR ROLE MODEL STATUS. THIS HIGH-LEVEL ASSESSMENT PROCESS EXAMINES HOW WELL AN ORGANIZATION HAS STRENGTHENED, IMPROVED, AND INNOVATED WINNING SYSTEMS TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT. HIGHLY TRAINED EXAMINERS REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE APPLICATION AND CLARIFY AND VERIFY THE ORGANIZATION'S RESPONSES THROUGH INTERVIEWS WITH LEADERS AND PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE PROFESSIONALS. - THE ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE NAMED WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AS ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS IN THE EXTRA-LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY, RECOGNIZING INNOVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE CREATED ROBUST AND HEALTHY WORKPLACE PROGRAMS. THE ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE'S HEALTHIEST EMPLOYER AWARD IS BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF OVER 60 SCORED QUESTIONS WITH MORE THAN 600 DATA POINTS FOR SCORING AND BENCHMARKING.? - WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, ONE OF GEORGIA'S LARGEST AND MOST INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS, WAS RANKED IN THE?TOP 10 BEST WORKPLACES IN HEALTH CARE BY FORTUNE IN THE LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY.?TO DETERMINE THE BEST WORKPLACES IN HEALTH CARE LIST, GREAT PLACE TO WORK ANALYZED THE SURVEY RESPONSES OF OVER 161,000 EMPLOYEES FROM GREAT PLACE TO WORK-CERTIFIED COMPANIES IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY. - DIVERSITYINC INCLUDED WELLSTAR AMONG 20 ORGANIZATIONS ON ITS 2023?LIST?OF TOP HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR DIVERSITY. THE TOP HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS SPECIALTY LIST IS INCLUDED IN DIVERSITYINC'S ANNUAL TOP 50 COMPANIES FOR DIVERSITY RANKING, WHICH RECOGNIZES COMPANIES THAT HIRE, RETAIN AND PROMOTE WOMEN, MINORITIES, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND VETERANS. DIVERSITY IS SCORED ON SIX KEY AREAS: LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY, HUMAN CAPITAL DIVERSITY METRICS, TALENT PROGRAMS, WORKFORCE PRACTICES, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AND PHILANTHROPY. - BECKER'S HOSPITAL REVIEW HAS NAMED WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM AS ONE OF ITS SPINE AND NEUROSURGERY PROGRAMS TO WATCH. THIS LIST OF 53 HEALTH SYSTEMS AND HOSPITALS NATIONWIDE RECOGNIZES THOSE DEDICATED TO EXPANDING NEUROSURGICAL CARE AND PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS NEURO TREATMENTS. THOSE ON THE LIST HAVE EARNED NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HAVING TOP SPINE AND NEUROSURGERY PROGRAMS. - WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM WAS NAMED BY FORTUNE AS ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES FOR 2023, WHICH HONORS 300 COMPANIES TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT. NEARLY EVERY COMPANY ON THIS LIST POSTED REVENUE GROWTH IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. FORTUNE PARTNERED WITH MARKET RESEARCH AND DATA COMPANY?STATISTA?TO COMPILE AMERICA'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES. THE LIST IS BUILT ON THREE PILLARS: PRODUCT INNOVATION, PROCESS INNOVATION AND INNOVATION CULTURE. - ALL EIGHT OF WELLSTAR'S INPATIENT STROKE PROGRAMS HAVE ACHIEVED AN AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION GET WITH THE GUIDELINES - QUALITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. THE AWARDS RECOGNIZE HOSPITALS THAT DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE IN EACH OF THE SEVEN GET WITH THE GUIDELINES- STROKE ACHIEVEMENT MEASURES. FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 12B AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., AND ITS CONTROLLED AFFILIATES ARE AUDITED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS BY AN OUTSIDE AUDITING FIRM, KPMG, AND AS PART OF THAT AUDIT A CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT IS ISSUED. THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT INCLUDES THE ACCOUNTS OF WELLSTAR AND ITS CONTROLLED AFFILIATES INCLUDING AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC., AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., COBB HOSPITAL, INC., DOUGLAS HOSPITAL INC., KENNESTONE HOSPITAL, INC., PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER, INC.,WELLSTAR ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH, INC.,WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL, INC., WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WELLSTAR SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL, INC., WELLSTAR MCG WARM SPRINGS, INC.,WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER, INC., WINDY HILL HOSPITAL, WELLSTAR MEDICAL GROUP, LLC, WELLSTAR FOUNDATION, INC. AND VARIOUS OTHER OWNED ENTITES AS LISTED IN SCHEDULE R. ALL SIGNIFICANT INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS AND TRANSACTIONS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED IN COMBINATION. FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 24A TAX EXEMPT BOND REPORTING FOR PURPOSES OF THE FORM 990 REPORTING, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (EIN 58-1649541) WILL LIST ALL TAX-EXEMPT BONDS ISSUED SINCE JANUARY 1, 2003, ON SCHEDULE K AS IT TYPICALLY ALLOCATES THE PROCEEDS OF THE BONDS TO MEMBERS OF THE OBLIGATED GROUP (INCLUDING THE HOSPITALS AND MEDICALGROUP), EXCEPT FOR the Development Authority of Augusta, Georgia 2018 TAX_EXEMPT Bond which is reported on the Wellstar MCG Health, Inc (EIN 27-2999718) tax return and the Development Authority of Richmond County 2014 TAX-EXEMPT BoNd which is reported on the AU Medical Center, Inc (EIN 58-2144788) tax return. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 THE BYLAWS WERE AMENDED TO CHANGE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO REFLECT THAT OF THE ULTIMATE SOLE MEMBER, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B POWERS OF THE BOARD AS PER THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, THE SOLE MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION IS WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A GEORGIA NONPROFIT CORPORATION. AS A SOLE MEMBER, WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. HOLDS CERTAIN POWERS OF ELECTION AND APPROVAL IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ORGANIZATION. THESE POWERS ARE PRESENTED IN DETAIL IN THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS WHICH THE COMPANY MAKES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B BOARD REVIEW OF FORM 990 INTERNAL STAFF PREPARES THE ORGANIZATION'S FORM 990. BEFORE FILING THE RETURN WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AN EXTERNAL ACCOUNTING FIRM, PWC US TAX LLP, REVIEWS AND SIGN-OFFS ON THE COMPLETED RETURN OF EACH ORGANIZATION. THE CURRENT YEAR FORM 990 IS PROVIDED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW. OPPORTUNITIES FOR DETAILED REVIEWS ALONG WITH A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION IS OFFERED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BOTH IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING OR IN A SEPARATE SESSION. FINAL COPIES OF THE 990 ARE PROVIDED TO EACH BOARD MEMBER THROUGH THE BOARD PORTAL ALONG WITH A SUMMARY MEMO OF THE CURRENT YEAR PREPARATION PROCESS HIGHLIGHTING ANY KEY ASPECTS OF THE 990. THE ORGANIZATION'S CFO OR DESIGNEE SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNS THE RETURN FOR EITHER MANUAL OR ELECTRONIC FILING BY THE APPROPRIATE DUE DATE. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY OUR CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST POLICY REQUIRES ALL COVERED PERSONS TO ANNUALLY REVIEW THE POLICY AND THEN COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST SURVEY AND ATTESTATION TO THE COMPLIANCE OFFICE. THE POLICY REQUIRES AN ON-GOING DISCLOSURE OBLIGATION IN THE EVENT A CONFLICT ARISES DURING THE YEAR. THE FOLLOWING IS OUR PROCESS TO REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY MONITOR AND ENFORCE THE POLICY: COMPLIANCE IDENTIFIES ALL COVERED PERSONS WHO MUST COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND ATTESTATION. COMPLIANCE VERIFIES THAT THE SURVEY AND ATTESTATION IS DISTRIBUTED TO THESE PERSONS. COMPLIANCE VERIFIES THAT THESE PERSONS RETURN A FULLY COMPLETED AND SIGNED SURVEY AND ATTESTATION. COMPLIANCE REVIEWS EACH COMPLETED AND SIGNED SURVEY AND ATTESTATION TO IDENTIFY ALL CONFLICTS LISTED IN THE DOCUMENT. ALL CONFLICTS, POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AND INCIDENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE ARE REFERRED TO THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE CCO TAKES APPROPRIATE ACTION TO COMPLETELY RESOLVE ALL IDENTIFIED CONFLICTS AND INCIDENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINES 15A & 15B COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES DESIGNATES A COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MADE UP OF OUTSIDE BOARD MEMBERS TO ESTABLISH THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY OF THE SYSTEM, AND TO REVIEW AND SET THE COMPENSATION ANNUALLY FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND THE SALARY PARAMETERS FOR ALL OTHER OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY. THE COMMITTEE UTILIZES THE OUTSIDE CONSULTING FIRM OF SULLIVAN COTTER AND ASSOCIATES, INC. TO PROVIDE EXPERT INFORMATION REGARDING INDUSTRY-WIDE COMPENSATION NORMS. THE COMPANY PHILOSOPHY IS TO MATCH THE MARKET ON BASE PAY IDENTIFYING THE MEDIAN. TOTAL CASH COMPENSATION IS GENERALLY GEARED TO COMPENSATION DETERMINED BY OUR CONSULTANTS TO BE AT THE 75TH PERCENTILE OF ITS PEERS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS AFFILIATES ARE SUBJECT TO THE OPEN RECORDS LAW IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. THEREFORE, BY LAW, CITIZENS ARE PERMITTED TO INSPECT AND COPY ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, POLICIES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM TIME TO TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THE ORGANIZATION'S FORM 990 IS MADE READILY AVAILABLE ON THE GUIDESTAR WEBSITE. PERIODICALLY, THE ORGANIZATION PUBLISHES A COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT ONCE A YEAR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC. IN ACCORDANCE WITH O.C.G.A SECTION 31-7-22 AND THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH'S RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY CHAPTER 111-8-41 THE APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ARE POSTED ON THE WELLSTAR.ORG WEBSITE IN THE WELLSTAR HOSPITAL TRANSPARENT INFORMATION SECTION. UNDER ITS CONTINUING DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS FOR PUBLIC BONDS, OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION IS POSTED AND REPORTED ON EMMA.MSRB.ORG ON A QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL BASIS. FORM 990, PART VII OFFICERS HOURS WORKED THE OFFICERS DEVOTE THEIR TIME TO ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM THAT ARE LISTED IN SCHEDULE R, PART II. AS SUCH, THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED BY THE OFFICERS ACROSS ALL ORGANIZATIONS EXCEEDS 40 HOURS A WEEK. FORM 990, PART VII & FORM 990, SCHEDULE J COMPENSATION ALL COMPENSATION AMOUNTS REPORTED ON FORM 990, PART VII; PART IX, LINES 5-7; AND SCHEDULE J REPRESENT COMPENSATION PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS THAT PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE ORGANIZATION. LIKEWISE, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES REPORTED ON PART V, LINE 2A REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE ORGANIZATION. ALL FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT TAX REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES) ARE HANDLED BY WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. (EIN 58-1649541). FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 OTHER CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD WELLSTAR AU MEDICAL CENTER, INC. HAD A CHANGE IN NET ASSETS OF $376,716,253 RELATED TO TRANSFERS TO AFFILIATES AS PART OF THE ALLOCATION OF INCOME STATEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS OVER THE YEAR. FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OTHER FEES TOTAL FEES:XXX-XX-XXXX AU HEALTH AIRCARE LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 30062 HEALTHCARE GA 0 0 AUMC INC MCGHPPG REPRODUCTIVE LAB LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 30062 HEALTHCARE GA 0 0 AUMC INC AU HEALTH IMAGING LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 30062 HEALTHCARE GA 0 0 AUMC INC SURGERY CENTER OF COLUMBIA COUNTY LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 30062 HEALTHCARE GA 0 0 AUMC INC MCG-PPG CANCER RESEARCH CENTER LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 30062 HEALTHCARE GA 0 0 AUMC INC COBB HOSPITAL INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 580968382 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true DOUGLAS HOSPITAL INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 582026750 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true KENNESTONE HOSPITAL INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 581649541 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true PAULDING MEDICAL CENTER INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 582095884 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true WELLSTAR FOUNDATION INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 581627413 FOUNDATION GA 501(C)(3) 12 II WHS INC true WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 330622222 581649541 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 12 II NA true WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 810851756 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true WELLSTAR SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITALINC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 810864789 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true WELLSTAR SYLVAN GROVE HOSPITAL INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 810875069 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 205497506 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WGS INC true WEST GEORGIA HEALTH SERVICES INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 205497622 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 12 II WHS INC true VERNON WOODS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 582575049 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 10 WGHS INC true WEST GEORGIA HEALTH FOUNDATION INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 200936376 FOUNDATION GA 501(C)(3) 3 WGHS INC true MEDICAL PARK FOUNDATION INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 581303478 FOUNDATION GA 501(C)(3) 7 WGHS INC true WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH INC 1120 15TH STREET BA 8412 AUGUSTA GA 30912 272999718 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 12 II WHS INC true AU MEDICAL ASSOCIATES INC 1120 15TH STREET BA 8412 MARIETTA GA 30912 582144788 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 12 II WHS INC true WELLSTAR MCG HEALTH WARM SPRINGS INC 1120 15TH STREET BA 8412 MARIETTA GA 30912 464824043 HEALTHCARE GA 501(C)(3) 3 WHS INC true KENNESTONE EAST PARKING DECK LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 200537100 PARKING GA NA GRIFFIN IMAGING LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 IMAGING CENTER GA NA WELLSTAR SPALD EMSSPALD 911 LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 OFF.BLDG/EMS GA NA NORTH FULTON PARKING DECK LP 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 PARKING GA NA COBB SOUTH PARKING DECK LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 PARKING GA NA SPALDING HEALTH SYSTEM LLC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 582148398 PHYS. HOSP. ORG. GA N/A COMMUNITY ASSURANCE CO 3RD FL BARCLAYS HSE SHEDDEN RD GEORGE TOWN CJ 581649541 INSURANCE CJ WHS INC C CORP WEST GEORGIA HEALTH PHYSICIANS INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 275125341 PHYSICIAN PRAC. GA WHS INC C CORP WELLSTAR HEALTH PLAN INC 793 SAWYER ROAD MARIETTA GA 300622222 461922499 HEALTH INSURANCE GA WHS INC C CORP false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false