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Lodi Memorial Hospital employees receive grim financial news from the hospital's president and CEO, Joe Harrington, on Monday. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi Memorial Hospital faces $2.1 million in losses

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 6:21 AM PDT

Comments (99 comment(s))

In a surprising turnaround in its finances, Lodi Memorial Hospital will need to make several cuts to compensate for $2.1 million in revenue losses.

Hospital President and CEO Joe Harrington had said that he expected the hospital to make $4.3 million by the end of April. Instead, it has lost more than $2 million.

Harrington told more than 200 employees crammed in the hospital dining room on Monday afternoon that there won't be any layoffs at Lodi's community-based hospital.

The easiest way to trim the hospital's deficit, Harrington said, would have been to cut everyone's salary by 16 to 17 percent across the board, or to lay off 65 to 70 people.

The hospital board chose not to take either of those steps.

"We chose not to do that," he told employees. "We have enough people out of work. We don't need more."

Instead, Lodi Memorial will take other steps to trim its budget, including freezing merit pay increases and accrual of paid time off, reducing the amount of cash employees may collect in lieu of health insurance, charging employees health insurance premiums for the first time, and freezing employer retirement plan contributions.

Cuts at a glance

Lodi Memorial Hospital cuts, effective July 19:

  • Eliminate August merit increases for all staff members. Managers' merit increases were already eliminated in April.
  • Freeze accrual of paid time off for all employees and reduce cash payment for those not taking health insurance from 18 percent to seven percent. Freezing PTO payments will save the hospital $530,000 per month alone.
  • Require employees for the first time to pay premiums for their medical insurance and increase premiums for part-time employees.
  • Freeze employer contributions to its 403(b) retirement plan. It's similar to a 401(k) plan.
  • Eliminate sign-on bonuses.
  • Eliminate hiring "traveling nurses" if there is a temporary shortage of nurses.
  • Eliminate all non-essential travel and education.

    Source: Lodi Memorial Hospital

    • Although Lodi Memorial has treated more patients in the past five months than any time in its history, more of them are uninsured and self-paying due to the increase in unemployment, Harrington said.

    "We don't think that (patients) will miraculously go back to work and pick up health insurance," he added. "We still need people to treat people."

    State and federal budget cuts are also expected to seriously affect Lodi Memorial's Medi-Cal and Medicare reimbursements, he added.

    Harrington told employees he had two basic questions: "Would you rather have a job or not? And do you care about the people you work with (having) their job?"

    Harrington has already cut his salary by 10 percent, according to Carol Farron, Lodi Memorial's community development director.

    "If reducing my pay is going to save somebody's job, I'm willing to do that," Harrington said.

    Belinda Hurst, a registered nurse in the Information Technology Department, said she has a "nice salary," so her greater concern is the welfare of the entry-level employees. She said she wants to keep them employed.

    Harrington pledges to continue the hospital's quality, personalized care, and to open new buildings and add services that are already planned — an endoscopy center, community clinics, ambulatory surgery center and the hospital's South Wing.

    The endoscopy center is for people getting a colonoscopy and other procedures requiring a scope. The South Wing is scheduled to open near the end of this year.

    A hospital employee asked Harrington if selling the hospital is being considered.


    Joe Harrington, President and CEO of Lodi Memorial Hospital, addresses hosipital employees with grim news about the hospital's financial situation Monday. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

    "Every time I bring that up to the board, they say 'no,'" Harrington replied. "That is really not an option."

    That is, unless the hospital was nearing bankruptcy and there were no other options, he added.

    Another employee asked if administrators gave any thought to seeking donations from the community to improve the hospital's finances.

    "We'll look at everything we can," Harrington said, but in this economy where everyone's struggling, it's not a good time to ask anybody for money.

    Diana Veasley, of Lodi, a nutrition and food service employee at Lodi Memorial, said after the staff meeting that she'll have to cut back a little because she's attending San Joaquin Delta College.

    "I'm thankful that we're still employed," Veasley said. "I respect the fact (that Harrington) is giving up his 10 percent."

    Stockton resident Sameena Shah, a diet aide in food services, said she will be affected by having her cash benefit in lieu of health insurance reduced from 18 percent to seven percent. This is for people who have a spouse or relative on another medical plan collecting a cash payment in lieu.

    Shah and Hurst said they are grateful for the opportunity to have a staff meeting where Harrington explained the hospital's financial picture.

    There may be some other changes, but Harrington said he doesn't know if there will be any or what they would be.

    "I have a list of, I think, 56 things we're continuing to analyze," he said.

    Harrington quipped, "HR will be open 24 hours a day."

    The community is welcome to view the employee bulletin board as information is updated. The address is www.lmhemployees.org.

    Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

    Reader Feedback

    princess05 wrote on Jun 17, 2009 9:08 PM:

    " "goonandget" I'm neither unemployed, uninsured, or an employee of SJGH, just glad to be out of LMH! "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 17, 2009 6:52 PM:

    " So little Miss Princess05,are you now an employee of SJGH or are you one of the uninsured, unemployed that go there for health care? "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 17, 2009 5:19 PM:

    " I will admit that I have no actual facts about swine flu in er no one can for sure say thats why the er has been full. B ut no one can say that anyone has mismanage money either. the south wing was a necessary thing if you dont keep up with the times you can not take care of you patients. frankly the whole healthcare system needs an overhaul "

    Report Abuse

    princess05 wrote on Jun 17, 2009 1:51 PM:

    " "sleahc" I do know how LMH treats their employees, I used to be one! "

    Report Abuse

    sleahc wrote on Jun 17, 2009 7:37 AM:

    " Princess- I was just making the point that even if the St Joes treats their employees better than you seem to think LMH treats theirs, it certainly doesnt reflect in most of the staffs attitude toward patients. And yes, I said most, not all. As for county.... I worked there before I came to LMH. All I will say(because I could go on and on about SJGH) is I made the right move- I am very proud to be an employee at LMH! "

    Report Abuse

    princess05 wrote on Jun 16, 2009 11:09 PM:

    " "sleahc" I didn't say anything about the quality of care at LMH or St Joe's. If you want to talk quality of care though, SJGH, yea I said it, COUNTY! "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 9:22 PM:

    " goonandget wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:29 PM:

    " The new Wing is almost completed. Get over it!!"

    I think the point being made here is that when there are now cuts to be made it's hard to accept when there was just $187 million dollars put out for a beautiful addition to the hospital. Were funds mismanaged? Perhaps someone in charge of this project/funding should be fired. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 9:19 PM:

    " sleahc: What is the average wait time at the LMH (ER) waiting room? "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 9:18 PM:

    " loyal worker: When was the ER flooded? "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 9:17 PM:

    " loyal worker: How many showed up at LMH concered with the Swine Flu? "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 9:16 PM:

    " I wonder why LMH thought it was the time to spend a $187 million dollars on this project/addition to the hospital. Bad choice? Bad planning? I'm wondering why the hospital would spend so much ($187million)if they have been having trouble collecting on the bills. Seems like a bad idea to continue with such a large project in the face of such debt being incurred. Could they not have downsized this project? "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 16, 2009 8:04 PM:

    " wecan hash this over a million times and it wont change a thing. if you were reading the paper or watching tv the last few months you would of heard about swine flu those who had been to Mexico flocked to the hospitals with their families to make sure they did not have it. alot with no way to pay so why cant you believe that a loss suddenly happens who pays for them. it is called panic and a flooded er. wake up. "

    Report Abuse

    sleahc wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:30 PM:

    " Princess- if you think St Joes isnt taking a hit right now because of the economy-think again! All hospitals, all over the country are having a tough time right now and its due to the unemployed not having insurance, the illegals that have to be treated(no questions asked) and the government not adequately reimbursing for services rendered for many people that can work but are taking advantage of the system! St Joe's is also a much bigger hospital, it takes a little longer for big businesses to feel the full impact. It will catch up to them too! I've also been to St Joe's and you cant tell me the quality of care is better there...go see how long you sit in their ER. "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:29 PM:

    " The new Wing is almost completed. Get over it!! It has nothing to do with the bad economy, which is by the way all over the United States!! Hello! Not just LMH!Maybe some of you don't read a newspaper or watch TV.You should try it sometime. "

    Report Abuse

    Sweet Lady wrote on Jun 16, 2009 2:50 PM:

    " Joe took a 10 per cent salary cut . All employee took a20 per cent cut . Is that fair. N o No "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 12:41 PM:

    " This may indeed have been bad management. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2009 12:40 PM:

    " It seems to me that if LMH could have cut back a little on that $187 million project price tag they could have avoided this problem today. "

    Report Abuse

    intheknow wrote on Jun 16, 2009 12:08 PM:

    " Another thought...The previous layoffs were mostly clinic billers. The service was outsourced to an outside vendor. This was done after YEARS of working with staff to improve their collections but we simply didn't have the qualified staff in Lodi to do it. It's unfortunate but that's the truth. That was a business decision - when something isn't working, we need the freedom to change it, right? That's what was done there. We shouldn't criticise LMH for that. "

    Report Abuse

    intheknow wrote on Jun 16, 2009 12:05 PM:

    " It seems that illegal, concerned, and jchimpo are pretty bitter employees - employees that should do the community a favor and move on to greener pastures. The thoughts you share sound as though you have poor character and values relative to work and no one needs that at LMH. I guess that economic hardtimes really differentiate the men from the boys. Yes, it's going to be difficult and those that are dedicated will work through it. Those that don't feel they should do just as good of a job as always should take that as a cue to consider another career. I would never put the needs of a patient second. Bringing in a union will not guarantee or resolve anything. They can only give you what the management is willing to give! This is temporary - they've been through hard times before. This is not due to mismanagement but due to the economy, just as it is with other businesses. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2009 10:07 PM:

    " $187 million is quite a huge price tag. I wonder if the LMH went over budget. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 15, 2009 7:29 PM:

    " I would like to say to all of you who are so unhappy that I am sure none of us would like to stand in your way of happiness. I f jobs are better somewhere else dont let the door hit you in the ass. It will give someone who really wants to give quality care a chance. Yes I wil have to do with less but I will still have a job giving me money to pay my bills. It will be tough but I am a survivor "

    Report Abuse

    princess05 wrote on Jun 15, 2009 7:13 PM:

    " "sleahc" I bet all those people that were laid off back in Nov. will beg to differ that the financial difficulties began a couple months ago. I hardly think non-paying patients did this to them in 2 months. St Joe's gets non-paying patients, they are expanding, and they are not taking away from their employees! Sounds like the "good ole boys" of LMH are to thank. "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 15, 2009 6:26 PM:

    " To "sleahc"
    You are so right!I wish everyone felt the same way we do. Like I said before, unhappy LMH employees need to move on!!! "

    Report Abuse

    sleahc wrote on Jun 15, 2009 6:10 PM:

    " I disagree, when they broke ground there was no way of knowing how bad things were going to get and at that point the hospital was still in the black. We have only gone into the red in the last couple of months and it is due to increasing numbers of patients that have no way of paying their bills. Administration is not to blame for that. I am just a regular employee but I am very happy to be working because I have family and friends who are not. During tough times like these we all have to give a little somewhere until things turn around. I have no doubt that when that happens, LMH will make things right again and we will all be compensated for our sacrifices. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2009 4:08 PM:

    " I'll bet the people that made the choice to proceed with this LMH project are not personally suffering financially, but are asking others to adjust their budget as well as say goodbye to their jobs. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2009 4:06 PM:

    " goonandget: Economic troubles were crystal clear when they broke ground. Are you saying that since all was approved there should not have been any adjustments due to the economy? They had a choice and they proceeded, even in such terrible economic times. "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 15, 2009 3:37 PM:

    " it's too late to cry about the much needed addition to the Hopital. When this project was planned several years ago,there was no crystal ball to tell what the future would bring. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:13 PM:

    " If their short fall is $2 million then they should have budgeted better with that $187 million they spent on this addition project. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:11 PM:

    " The economy was not looking good a year ago when they started this project. LMH should not have proceeded with such a huge expensive addition. Now they are paying the price for that decision. Well, rather the employees are paying the price. "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 14, 2009 10:56 PM:

    " sleahc: When did they start construction? "

    Report Abuse

    sleahc wrote on Jun 14, 2009 9:44 PM:

    " They started the addition way before anyone knew the economy was going to take a nose dive. If we could have all seen into the future, do you think any of us would be in this situation? "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 14, 2009 9:34 PM:

    " sleahc: With money being tight, why did the hospital add on the large addition? "

    Report Abuse

    sleahc wrote on Jun 14, 2009 9:23 PM:

    " I dont even know where to begin to respond to all these comments. I am an employee of LMH and very proud to be a part of this organization. I previously worked for SJ County hospital(union) and hated it, never saw one thing the union did for us except take our dues! I also had Kaiser Insurance when I worked there and was not the least bit impressed.
    As for everyone who cant understand where all the money has gone in the last 6 months-LOOK AROUND! How many businesses have you seen close in Lodi alone? How many car dealers? Everyone is hurting financially, do you think LMH is exempt from this? Our situation is that we cant turn anyone away from the ER- Thats a federal law! So now with more people unemployed, no insurance, no money but they are sick and we still have to treat them. Dont get me wrong, I am not complaining... I got into healthcare to help people and I always will regardless of their ability to pay.
    I am more than willing to give up a few benefits to keep my job at a place that I love to work! "

    Report Abuse

    Lodian wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:51 AM:

    " From personal experience I can tell you that I have seen a decline in quality of care at Lodi Memorial Hospital over the years. Back in the day they were quite good. Now they don't seem as attentive and sharp. This is my evaluation from personal experience. I would say that if you have an emergency it might be wise to go elsewhere.

    Oh, and they have way too many non English speaking assistant nurses. If they knew English it was not enough as far as I'm concerned, especially in a hospital setting. Makes for a very confusing visit that could actually become dangerous due to language barrier. "

    Report Abuse

    ProudRn wrote on Jun 13, 2009 8:36 PM:

    " It is my understanding the deficit is from patient care costs of people not from this country. This is an issue facing all of the citizens of the US. Our doors are open and we give free health care to all but our own. As for care at LMH, my family has had nurses who were too good to empty urinals and too important to answer alarms and call lights. My aunt sat for 3 days in the ER without an xray for a broken hip. But that's caring at the local community hospital. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 13, 2009 7:06 PM:

    " to a point you are right thats why all the whiners shouls leave and let those of us who have community pride do our jobs. bad care ect comes from people just woring for a pay check and having no compassion. nurses make hugh paychecks "

    Report Abuse

    missktk wrote on Jun 13, 2009 5:59 PM:

    " LMH is NOT community based. They have ruined private practices that took 20 years to build, have no respect for patients, employees OR lodi. If/when I get sick I would rather be shipped out anywhere but Lodi Memorial. "

    Report Abuse

    Observer wrote on Jun 13, 2009 2:29 PM:

    " Yeah, unionize as quickly as you can. You know how well unions have been doing for their members lately. You could follow the same path. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 13, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " to jchimpo please do us all a favor and go to kaiser or sutter with your attitude and values you are not what LMHwants or needs. Patient care should be foremost. Now I understand why my husbands care was so lousy we could not understand it at the time now I know the almighty dollar is more important that is not what the healthcare system should be about. try one less latte in the morning or eat at home more. you might as well get use to it everyone needs to tighten that belt "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 13, 2009 1:47 PM:

    " to jchimp i know who you are you are the one who made my husband wait for his med in unbearable pain while you gossip with your budddies . money and benifits should never come before patient care you are in a career that has to be protected fron those issues and if thats what is important to you get another career. i my be upset but my clients alwats come first. i will ride the tide . LMH was there fifty five years ago to save my dad and I will stay and help all I can no brown nosing about it it is community pride "

    Report Abuse

    princess05 wrote on Jun 13, 2009 1:23 PM:

    " "jchimpo" I understand where you're coming from but I'm now 20% happier to have Kaiser! "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 13, 2009 6:25 AM:

    " I think you should go work for Sutter Gould now! Don't want someone working for LMH that compromises patient care!When you went to school to enter the Medical field, did they tell you to give excellent patient care only when the benefits and pay were good? "

    Report Abuse

    jchimpo wrote on Jun 13, 2009 6:10 AM:

    " 20% pay cut = 20% less employee moral = 20% less quality care. Why should I give 100% if I only get 80%? i.e. When you push your call light for pain meds it will take us 20% longer to respond. When you have to use the camode you will have to hold it 20% longer. It's sad but true, it's what we all talked about last night. During our 20% longer breaks. "

    Report Abuse

    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 12, 2009 10:11 PM:

    " goon and get, the union and Sutter Gould will be taking most of LMH's business away very soon. The city of Lodi can only protect you LMH brownnosers so long. Sutter Gould will build on Harney and LMH will be history. Your only chance is to unionize or lose your nurses to Sutter Gould. Just how can a not for profit hospital miss their earnings mark by over $6 million? And end up $2.1 in the red without someone dipping into the kitty? Why would you be happy about a 20% cut? It's time to unionize now before you take the same cut next year. "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 12, 2009 7:26 PM:

    " To loyalworker:
    Please hang in there. Yes,Joe makes big bucks, but do we want the Union to come in or be bought out by a Corporation? Union leaders and Corporate Giants make big bucks too! I don't want to become a number! We need to keep our Hospital just the way it is,a Community Hospital. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 12, 2009 6:42 PM:

    " well I have to say Iam not as happy as I was a few days ago.I got my check and withit came a letter saying my insurance premium will now be out of my price range and I will hve to stop it. I must say that management has let us down and we are paying for it. I will stay but it will be hard to trust someone making 400 000 a year telling us to tighten our belts "

    Report Abuse

    goonandget wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:00 PM:

    " For those of you that think the grass is greener on the other side, move on!LMH does not need you. There are plenty of people that would love to have your job. Yes,we lost our benefits, but it beats unemployment.I know that LMH Administration and the Board will do every thing they can to make things right. We just need to support the Hospital during these hard times. "

    Report Abuse

    Sweet Lady wrote on Jun 12, 2009 4:02 PM:

    " Joe you just lost-6 million dollars. And you took it out on your employees. Now what. "

    Report Abuse

    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 12, 2009 7:49 AM:

    " Isn't commonsense one of the bloggers that also thinks the city council and manager are doing a wonderful job? Must be a real insider or brownnose to make such utterly ridiculous statements. "

    Report Abuse

    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:47 PM:

    " As for commonsense1 comment! They took all benefits away, not just one or two! Eleven per cent decrease for those who didnt take benefits! No match for 403 B, No VACATION AT ALL! These are huge, this is a 20 percent cut at minimum! All because Joe does not have a handle on where the money that the hospital has made hand over fist in the last three years has gone! It is time for a takeover by a competent hospital group, and for upper management to be cleaned out and gotten rid of! Nurses, too bad you arent unionized, at least you would have had a say in what your future was. "

    Report Abuse

    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:07 PM:

    " Isn't this the second time this same scenario has been used by LMH management in the recent past? All employees of LMH need to organize and form their own representative organization to protect yourselves from further cuts and unfulfilled promises. With a not for profit status at LMH, there's always waste and greed involved in these organizations. "

    Report Abuse

    commonsense1 wrote on Jun 11, 2009 2:24 PM:

    " Looking at this from a recent patient's perspective and being a business owner, my view might be a little different than many of those posted here. I'm surprised that some folks are having a difficult time grasping today's "real world" economics. A small reduction in your compensation means you get to keep your job. Sounds like a good deal to me. If you find this demeaning or an insult to you professionally, quit! If there is a better compensation package being offered elsewhere, take it. Problem solved. By the way, LMH did a great job caring for me. "

    Report Abuse

    Sweet Lady wrote on Jun 11, 2009 1:38 PM:

    " Employee need a union for better conditions and wages. How could you have +4.2 million and go to -2 million that is -6 million dollars that is 6 million dollars. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 11, 2009 12:52 PM:

    " I would take Joe Mark Wallace ect over a union any day. Ican not believe the junk and smack you are spouting my guess is those spouting are people who have too much time on their hands and not enough brains to find out the truth. The nursing staff could use some shaking up .If you have ever been in the hospital you know that numbers dont mean quality care . It means give the nurses more time to gossip laugh ect.The employees are spoiled and know with tough times coming they are all crying foul "

    Report Abuse

    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 10, 2009 10:22 PM:

    " Check that site I printed INTHEKNOW!! You will find Harrington, Sey, and many others salaries there! LMH did not accept the Blue Cross contract last year and the "COMMUNITY HOSPITAL" (their term) turned away thousands of Lodians in favor of illegals and uninsured-maybe next time they will pay attention to their loyalties! I think that is way too much to ask of Joe Harrington! I dont think giving up 10% out of his 400,000 yearly will hurt too bad, if you noticed he took a 15%increase in 2007 and who knows what he makes now in 2009!!?!? Keep those tired old nurses that perform no meaningful duty, that are "friends of Joe" in out of the way places with their 100,000 dollar plus paychecks doing nothing and all of your "education nurses" working on computers making over 100,000 a year, HOW about your clinic Dirctor who makes over 200,000 a year! and then continue to wonder why you cant make ends meet! Who is checking on Joe and the H.R. Director? NOBODY!!! "

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    princess05 wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:39 PM:

    " "intheknow" you didn't look hard enough on the site because both the hospital and the foundation are there. Just search lodi memorial hospital and not only will you see the top 5 paid employees but Harrington's salary as well. "

    Report Abuse

    loyal worker wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:38 PM:

    " I have worked for lmh for 5 years and can say that I have no complaints. I work at my job because I NEED TO WORK and IT IS MY PASSION . Money and benifits are secondary.Sounds like the union people see this as a way to unite and incite.Dont fall for it.It will turn around.I am not losing what I have already earned and so what if I have to pay an extra few bucks on health "

    Report Abuse

    S & W 500 wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:21 PM:

    " Whoa Nellie FOR PRESIDENT! DAMN FINE COMMENTS! My wife works at LMH. If we took all the legal & illegal "leeches" out of our hospitals, schools, and state dependent departments, we MIGHT NOT BE IN A &%&&(ING DEPRESSION. The moochers are making US pay. I say screw them! Let them pay their way or be gone. ER's should have the right to pull files on who has not paid, and deny them.\\

    I was unisured for 20 years, I paid cash. I have insurance now, briefly.

    Screw all people who are milkers: WIC, Welfare, SSI, You TURDS should be free public employees. "

    Report Abuse

    lodibrown wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:44 PM:

    " what i heard is that they we're fined by medi-cal in the millions because of billing irregularities. the billing problem is just the tip of the iceberg. "

    Report Abuse

    intheknow wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:20 PM:

    " I looked up that information on the link mentioned below and it doesn't even list the top 5 paid employees because the LMH Foundation is NOT the hospital! It is the fundraising arm that raises funds to donate for new equipment and facilities - to improve things for our community should they need it. For all of the complainers, I'll bet if you were having a heart attack or a stroke, you wouldn't think twice in going there! "

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    jna040806 wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:30 PM:

    " "OTH" as far as we know the other administrators havent taken a pay cut. they are taken the cuts like us peons are taking. I believe they should take pay cuts also!! "

    Report Abuse

    Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:05 PM:

    " galdtobeout - did you REALLY say, "whats the point of WORKING In a dead end job with no benefits anymore when you can make that money by sitting at home or spending precious time with your kids?"

    The POINT is having a job, being a productive member of society, being a role model for your children, the list goes on & on... But you state you want to go out on mental stress disability, make the same pay (NOT true!), and lay around the house with the kids. Ring Ring.... "Jerry Springer calling.."

    My only question would be: single or double wide? "

    Report Abuse

    intheknow wrote on Jun 10, 2009 10:49 AM:

    " It's sadly comical to see how misinformed much of the community as well as past and present employees seem to be on this issue. The employees are so spoiled! Many employers have been charging premiums for year! Sure it hurts to take a cut but I'd happily do it to remain employed and save another's job. A freeze on PTO accrual is not the worst thing that could happen! This is a temporary situation and dependent upon the economy turnaround. Be happy to have a job! A union couldn't get you a raise if there is no money to pay it with! Almost every hospital in the state is doing worse this year - due to a payer shift. I don't work there anymore but know that they are considering every option that will allow them to continue to treat the community - with or without insurance coverage. If you want to go elsewhere, go! They have lost money before and turned it around. I have no doubt that they will get things turned around. If the admin told you every consideration, it would be a rumor mill. They are doing what's best for everyone. "

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    gladtobeout wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:07 AM:

    " to Whoa Nellie...whats the point of WORKING In a dead end job with no benefits anymore when you can make that money by sitting at home or spending precious time with your kids? The hospital is going NO INCENTIVE WHATSOEVER for their employees anymore and unless you work there, your comments mean NOTHING because this does not DIRECTLY AFFECT YOU~! "

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    Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jun 10, 2009 1:43 AM:

    " S&W500- you are right on target. It is a FACT that uninsured people using a hospital emergency room for their everyday doctors visit. If you have ever had to sit in an ER in the evening you know that this group is highly Hispanic, and most of that group are in the USofA illegally or "anchor babies."

    It is also a FACT that these white, black, brown, & yellow UNINSURED patients are one of the leading reasons to the out of control increases in health care premiums.

    And, to GLADTOBEOUT- "if all the smart employees went out on medical disability due to stress," would that be because they are mentally weak or just another person looking for a free ride? And what self-respecting Doctor would sign of on this? "

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    princess05 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 10:46 PM:

    " "OTH" you need to check out the website that "concerned citizen" found. (foundationcenter.org, go to find funders then 990 finder, type in lodi memorial hospital) You'll see how much Harrington and some of the other administrators make. Hope he can make ends meet without that 10%! "

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    OTH wrote on Jun 9, 2009 9:46 PM:

    " Does anyone know if all dept heads and the rest of the administration took a 10% cut? Also 10% compared to the 16 or 17% of other workers is a small price. Most administrators make well over $100,000. "

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    gladtobeout wrote on Jun 9, 2009 9:45 PM:

    " dogs4u...sorry! didn't mean to come across harshly. Its just frustrating to see how the hospital is treating its employees. Politics Politics Politics...
    They tell their employees to just be glad you have a job! ha! You can make more on unemployment and what incentive are they now giving ANY of their dedicated hardworking employees? NONE...The hospital's Admin is very underhanded and sneaky so don't be surprised to see this place go into BK or get sold in the near future! Also, Mr.Harrington said "the board" is looking at 56 other things/options but he doesn't know what they are...Yah right! He knows, he just won't tell because then what would the hosp do if their smart ee's all went out on a Medical Disability due to STRESS and he and his wonderftul efficient team of leaders were to left to do the IMPORTANT WORK that the unmentioned people do? They wouldn't have a clue how to do the billing,etc...Just sit back and watch the politics happen here... "

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    dogs4you wrote on Jun 9, 2009 9:15 PM:

    " gladtobeout,don`t wave a red flag at me, all I know about billing is what you said in your post.

    Nellie, FYI, LMH is JCAHO rated, type it up on Google and you know the "rest of the story"

    Sam, good advice but you would be surprised at how many guys won`t have that procedure done, at least get a PSA test done, your life counts on it. "

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    gladtobeout wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:54 PM:

    " and make all of those patients go elsewhere out of town for treatment than accept the rates the Ins Co was willing to pay! But now that the hospital does NOT have the funds for their NEW WING, they are expecting the community to give them the money, just as they told the employees we all had to give $$$ or it would affect our yearly reviews(of which we never got)!!! They are frauding you.... "

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    sam wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:53 PM:

    " Dogs thanks for asking. My colon is spectacular.. very healthy.

    On a serious note, everyone over 40 should have a colonoscopy. My dear friend died at 45. By the time he had any symptoms it was too late.

    No matter where you go, "Getter Done." "

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    gladtobeout wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:52 PM:

    " ok dogs4u.....Billing is a BIG deal and if it weren't for billers, nobody would get paid period! FYI: there are multiple billing aspects of the hospital and I highly doubt the ones people are complaining about was the dept that USED to exist! If you know ANYTHING about billing then you would be smart enough to say its not the billers fault you can get a bill up to a year or more later. For all you know, there were problems with your Ins Co that the biller has been writing letters of appeal on and trying to get your claim overturned for pymt. Problem lies a lot of times with your coverage and not with the billers! You apparently have NO CLUE as to the fact that there are still billers located inside the hospital and these are the ones you most likely have probs with not the clinic billers. You also apparently don't work with the RATS that run this hospital because you would then know that they are running the place into the ground. After all, it was Joe Harrington and the board who chose to term contract w/BC-BS~! They would rather take loss of revenue and "

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    commonsense1 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:25 PM:

    " Unfortunately, I have had to use the Radiology Dept as well as a couple of other departments and found the service provided to be excellent. This was not a place filled with unhappy employees. I'm an "outsider" but I am an employer and it appears to me that Mr. Harrington is doing an excellent job. The fact that he missed his budget numbers in this economic nightmare is hardly shocking. I say, be thankful you have a job that pays well and a CEO that appears to care about you. "

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    Robb wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:18 PM:

    " Is anyone surprised?, the quality of care has been plummeting for years... "

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    S & W 500 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 6:56 PM:

    " Why did my comment get kicked out? Because it WAS true! Certain groups in Lodi, whether LEGAL or ILLEGAL,use LMH as a primary care physician! That is a fact! Then they simply do not pay for services rendered. ALSO A FACT!

    At least have the b*&ls to print reality and my freedom of speech! "

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    dogs4you wrote on Jun 9, 2009 6:02 PM:

    " Sam, how was your colonoscopie, mine was fine, what a thing to talk about in an open forum. I would expect the quality of care to be excellent everywhere, I believe I had the best care there was to give. Like everything else that`s why there are different hospitals, just like Republicans and Democrats, gives people a choise, that`s why I`m going independent. Was dogs4U approved? "

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    dogs4you wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:45 PM:

    " Nellie, to be totally satisfied all the time, very difficult to do. To go to Stanford or UC Davis, long trip, the older I get I`m happy to be close to my Doctor. I am satisfied with Kaiser and have been for almost 50 years. Everytime I go there, being the shy person I am (not) I always ask everyone that works there, how do you like your job, I would say well over 90% say they love their job and there is plenty of room for advancment, Kaiser is in most states if moving is to be considered. My Doctor used to be in private practice, but lack of payment and overhead made him leave his private practice, many Doctors come to Kaiser for that reason. "

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    sam wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:43 PM:

    " When Lodi Memorial refused to accept my Blue Cross insurance, I had to go elsewhere.

    I fell in love with Sutter in Sac. I also LOVE the Elk Grove outpatient surgery clinic for colonoscopies. The drive is a bit more, but the quality of care is amazing.

    Now that LMH takes Blue Cross again, why go back? "

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    jna040806 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:26 PM:

    " i am a current employee of LMH of 3 yrs. We are all really frustrated with the choices ADMINISTRATION has taken! We feel that the hospital is community based and they should have come to us employees to see what we would be willing to SACRAFICE for the hospital. We are all happy to have a job but the HARSH changes are not appreciated.

    I am fine with paying for insurance, but does it really need to be this high??? how about cutting PTO in half? "

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    Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:26 PM:

    " Dogs4you- I agree, Kaiser does have it's benefits but I'm not 100% totally satisfied there.

    From my family members experiences with LMH, and the Doctors, if I was with another insurance I would be going somewhere else; UC Davis or Stanford maybe.

    What, or Who, is the Board protecting? Times have changed and the local independent one hospital is even out of style in Mayberry.

    Ding Dong... Sutter is here. Ring ring... Kaiser calling. It is time to sell. Is LMH even JCAHO rated? "

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    dogs4you wrote on Jun 9, 2009 4:55 PM:

    " of all the posts gladtobeout is the most critical of LMH. Sounds like billing tops the problems that need to be addressed. To get a bill a year later, totally rediculas. Glad I don`t get billed, just pay my monthly dues and co-pay, show my little piece of plastic, thats it. Try another hospital you might like it. Kaiser ranks first or second in all catagories in San Joaquin County. Manteca ranks # 1. All services under one roof, most convenient. "

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    gladtobeout wrote on Jun 9, 2009 4:14 PM:

    " I am sooo glad to be out of that RAT HOLE OF A HOSPITAL~! There are sooo many ADMINISTRATIVE SNAKES! I bet the public does not know that NURSES were running the billing dept. Hmmm...make sense? Uh NO!! ...and Joe wonders why the hospital is $2mill in deficit...duh..Pam Schneider running billing dept? Give me a break! Then the BIG WIGS thought it a good idea to OUTSOURCE ENTIRE BILLING DEPT to another STATE? Another smart administrative move. Smart members of the community will NOT GIVE THIS HOSPITAL ONE PENNY!!! Employees: beware --your job will be outsourced next and u won't b told about it in time to look for another job because thats how the LMH ADMIN SLITHERS THRU THE GRASS!!! Jusk ask any member of the previous billing dept that was given a 5 minute notice to pack up and vacate as they no longer had a job!!! SNAKES.... "

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    dogs4you wrote on Jun 9, 2009 2:47 PM:

    " If all the posts I have read are correct, glad I don`t have anything to do with LMH. They were almost last in all catagories posted in the LNS last month, doesn`t look good for anyone looking for a hospital to join. Medi-Cal and Medicare are slow to reimburse the hospital, and as far as insurance is concerned, sounds like a joke to me. To believe your two mill to the good and find out your minus $4 million, someone has some serious explaining to do, how could you be that far off? "

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    Inquisitor wrote on Jun 9, 2009 12:43 PM:

    " I'm with jbhiker. How do you unknowingly go from +4.3M to -2M? Fire the CEO and start there. Anyone that clueless with the company finances can only be a cancer to this hospital. "

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    Aimee wrote on Jun 9, 2009 11:28 AM:

    " Things are much worse for public sector employees. 2 furlough days per month with another proposed or a 5% cut in base pay. They are basically pawns at the will of the Governor and the Legislature. Already he declares that state workers get too many benefits while he praises the illegal status of undocumented aliens - their benefits, of course, should continue!

    Although these cuts are sure to sting, I think the employees of Lodi Memorial should count themselves lucky that they still have a job; things could be much worse.

    As far as the billing comments that have been made, I couldn't agree more. The billing department is rude and needs to get their act together. "

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    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 11:27 AM:

    " LMH employees (except administration) always paid some for their health benefits but NOW have to pay MORE!! Perhaps Administration should have ALWAYS paid some for their health benefits as well! Look at the site I printed before for their tax filings you will see 17 million in PROFITS for the 2007 year------where was it spent?? "

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    glockman125 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 10:42 AM:

    " Well Joe, Ron and Mark. You have done it again. Found another way to take from the hard working employees of lodi memorial again. Its nice to know that when they tell you you make the same at other its a lie. Take for example a housekeeping aide. At LMH 10 something an hour at ST. Joseph's Medical Center they start at 17.32. I know I work there. One thing the lodi Newspaper was lied to about was about preimums of medical benefits. Full time employees have always paid for benefits it has never been preimum free. But at St. Josephs its free for full time and part-time. Plus on top of that no more pto for the year. What happens you get sick or explaining to your kid that you cant take a vacation beacuse mommy wont get paid. These are the things that a top 100 employer does to there employees and again I thank you. Please visit www.seiu-uhw.org for more information about joining a union. AT SJMC we just got a 7% pay increase something LMH employees will never see. Again I want to thank the wonderful admin team at lodi for a job well done. "

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    jbhiker wrote on Jun 9, 2009 9:34 AM:

    " Seems to me that if Harrington missed his income predictions that much, he should find a new job. My predictions were spot on and all I am is a contractor. Most everyone I work with knew this was coming too. Odd that we pay these people so much to be wrong. "

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    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:33 AM:

    " Non Profits must make their tax returns public. If interested you may go to http://foundationcenter.org/finderfunders/990finder/ and then type in Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation This will show the tax returns of 05-07 and also the top earners at LMH "

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    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:27 AM:

    " Observer. I'm glad you believe, now how about convincing the rest of us? "

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    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:26 AM:

    " Concerned citizen, you're so right about Ms. Farron. She has in the past, and will also now, do anything she can to keep her cush do nothing job. Just what does a community development director have to do with running a hospital. The cut should start there.And a paltry 10% cut for the CEO of a not for profit? If it's not making a profit after all those years, then he should be re-evaluated and take a wage cut according to his performance, I'd say at least 25%. Does he think this hospital is invincible to the bad economic times? I think the books need to be thoroughly examined. This didn't just happen overnight and accounting had to be aware of the gradual loss. "

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    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:25 AM:

    " HMMmmmmmmmmmmmm--how would an "outsider" KNOW if all responsible parties were doing their jobs!?!?!? "

    Report Abuse

    Observer wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:10 AM:

    " Didn't the hospital just farm out their billing department to an independent company? I believe the Hospital does a great job for this community. It has remained independent and resisted big bucks from the Big Boys. In reading this article the shortfall is a result of uninsured patients. Looks like all parties have been reasonable in their positions. (But what's with six weeks vacation) "

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    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 8:09 AM:

    " It is sooooo unfortunate that the hard working staff has to carry the incapable administration on their backs. Interesting that one of the persons interviewed for the article is a Nurse from Administration! Did Carol Farron have a part in picking her out to interview? The view that she gave is NOT the view of the masses. "

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    WingIt wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:53 AM:

    " I agree Jenn, is it just me or is it totally crazy to still be getting hospital bills a whole year after your stay. If your billing Dept. can't do better then that your in sad shape. "

    Report Abuse

    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:53 AM:

    " Big raises for nurses in February and now this! Is there no foresight in the Administration?? Please! I agree with the overabundance of "dead wood" staff in administration (friends of Joe) who are making BIG BUCKS and are a BIG reason of the Hospital's demise. "

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    illegalinLodi wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:49 AM:

    " Time for the nurses to organize and bring in the nurses' union and get rid of those administrative do nothing jobs, such as Ms. Farron and cut the fat for the real fatcats at the top and admin. And the reduced child care and other programs sponsored at HSS for the well connected. Why is LMH sponsoring reduced cost childcare in the first place? "

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    Jenn H wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:45 AM:

    " An unfortunate situation, but one I might feel worse about were it not for the fact that the amounts LMS bills for services is ridiculous. Worse, LMH employees in the billing dept. have proven rude and incompetent on more than one occasion. For instance, they never bothered to bill my ins. co. & then tried to collect from me. When they learned it was too late to bill my ins., they had to write off the amount owing due to their own negligence. Fix those kinds of problems, Harrington, and you might find a lot of $. "

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    concerned citizen wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:14 AM:

    " This plan by LMH hits the long term employees harder than others. Long term employees have 6 weeks vacation and the loss of this PTO means a 10% cut alone. Unfortunately there was not a better plan so that it was fair to ALL employees. As usual long term staff is ONLY celebrated and appreciated every 5 years with a dinner! A percentage of wages as well as a percentage of PTO was what should have been done to be fair to all. It was just EASIER and MORE MONEY to take PTO from all. "

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    Comments on this story are now closed.

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