Buckhannon, West Virginia
Catholic, not-for-profit
79 acute beds, 30 skilled
Rate regulated environment
Affiliations: None

Background

Rural area with shortage of physicians; high turnover in physicians recruited to community; income from operations at $400k; reserves at $1.8 million; attracting personnel very difficult; limited specialty support; heavy outmigration to larger communities.

Superior Results

• After 4 years, income from operations at $3.4 million; reserves at $5.8 million
• Reserves after 10 years at $10 million

Key Moves

• Recruited and retained physicians in specialties that community could realistically support
• Created Management Services Organization to assist all physicians in practice management, marketing, and customer service
• Implemented outreach programs to improve health and prevent catastrophic hospitalizations in at-risk populations

Leadership Strategy

• Strategy, long-term positioning, and resource allocation
• Minimal Board involvement in operations
• Intense focus on recruitment and retention of physicians

St. Joseph’s is a rural hospital, and it is an excellent example of long-term commitment in action. Rural facilities seldom have the resources of their more urban counterparts. Yet this facility recognized the correctness of its strategy, adapted as the environment changed, and stayed its course.