SCHEDULE H
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Hospitals
MediumBullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, question 20.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990.
MediumBullet Information about Schedule H (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER GROUP RETURN
 
Employer identification number

27-0440772
Part I
Financial Assistance and Certain Other Community Benefits at Cost
Yes
No
1a
Did the organization have a financial assistance policy during the tax year? If "No," skip to question 6a . . . .
1a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," was it a written policy? .......................
1b
Yes
 
2
If the organization had multiple hospital facilities, indicate which of the following best describes application of the financial assistance policy to its various hospital facilities during the tax year.
3
Answer the following based on the financial assistance eligibility criteria that applied to the largest number of the organization's patients during the tax year.
a
Did the organization use Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) as a factor in determining eligibility for providing free care?
If "Yes," indicate which of the following was the FPG family income limit for eligibility for free care:
3a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization use FPG as a factor in determining eligibility for providing discounted care? If "Yes," indicate
which of the following was the family income limit for eligibility for discounted care: . . . . . . . .
3b
Yes
 
c
If the organization used factors other than FPG in determining eligibility, describe in Part VI the criteria used for determining eligibility for free or discounted care. Include in the description whether the organization used an asset test or other threshold, regardless of income, as a factor in determining eligibility for free or discounted care.
4
Did the organization's financial assistance policy that applied to the largest number of its patients during the tax year provide for free or discounted care to the "medically indigent"? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Yes

 
5a
Did the organization budget amounts for free or discounted care provided under its financial assistance policy during
the tax year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5a

Yes

 
b
If "Yes," did the organization's financial assistance expenses exceed the budgeted amount? . . . . . .
5b
 
No
c
If "Yes" to line 5b, as a result of budget considerations, was the organization unable to provide free or discountedcare to a patient who was eligibile for free or discounted care? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5c
 
 
6a
Did the organization prepare a community benefit report during the tax year? . . . . . . . . .
6a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," did the organization make it available to the public? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6b
Yes
 
Complete the following table using the worksheets provided in the Schedule H instructions. Do not submit these worksheets with the Schedule H.
7
Financial Assistance and Certain Other Community Benefits at Cost
Financial Assistance and
Means-Tested
Government Programs
 (a) Number of activities or programs (optional) (b) Persons served (optional) (c) Total community benefit expense (d) Direct offsetting revenue (e) Net community benefit expense (f) Percent of total expense
a Financial Assistance at cost
(from Worksheet 1) . . . 		    7,554,798 139,057 7,415,741 0.990 %
b Medicaid (from Worksheet 3, column a) . . . . .     153,447,676 117,714,625 35,733,051 4.760 %
c Costs of other means-tested government programs (from Worksheet 3, column b) . .            
d Total Financial Assistance and Means-Tested Government Programs . . . . .     161,002,474 117,853,682 43,148,792 5.750 %
Other Benefits
e Community health improvement services and community benefit operations (from Worksheet 4).   17,640 408,424   408,424 0.050 %
f Health professions education (from Worksheet 5) . . . 37 551,416 27,085,415 9,940,409 17,145,006 2.280 %
g Subsidized health services (from Worksheet 6) . . . .     160,458,884 146,633,925 13,824,959 1.840 %
h Research (from Worksheet 7) .     64,192,185 42,849,626 21,342,559 2.840 %
i Cash and in-kind contributions for community benefit (from Worksheet 8) . . . .   155,278 4,403,542   4,403,542 0.590 %
j Total. Other Benefits . . 37 724,334 256,548,450 199,423,960 57,124,490 7.600 %
k Total. Add lines 7d and 7j . 37 724,334 417,550,924 317,277,642 100,273,282 13.350 %
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 50192T Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part II
Community Building Activities Complete this table if the organization conducted any community building activities during the tax year, and describe in Part VI how its community building activities promoted the health of the communities it serves.
(a) Number of activities or programs (optional) (b) Persons served (optional) (c) Total community building expense (d) Direct offsetting
revenue 		(e) Net community building expense (f) Percent of total expense
1 Physical improvements and housing            
2 Economic development     240,870   240,870 0.030 %
3 Community support            
4 Environmental improvements            
5 Leadership development and training for community members            
6 Coalition building            
7 Community health improvement advocacy            
8 Workforce development   131 231,136   231,136 0.030 %
9 Other            
10 Total   131 472,006   472,006 0.060 %
Part III
Bad Debt, Medicare, & Collection Practices
Section A. Bad Debt Expense
Yes
No
1
Did the organization report bad debt expense in accordance with Heathcare Financial Management Association Statement No. 15? ..........................
1
Yes
 
2
Enter the amount of the organization's bad debt expense. Explain in Part VI the methodology used by the organization to estimate this amount. ......
2
5,013,396
3
Enter the estimated amount of the organization's bad debt expense attributable to patients eligible under the organization's financial assistance policy. Explain in Part VI the methodology used by the organization to estimate this amount and the rationale, if any, for including this portion of bad debt as community benefit. ......
3
 
4
Provide in Part VI the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes bad debt expense or the page number on which this footnote is contained in the attached financial statements.
Section B. Medicare
5
Enter total revenue received from Medicare (including DSH and IME).....
5
141,446,098
6
Enter Medicare allowable costs of care relating to payments on line 5.....
6
125,972,950
7
Subtract line 6 from line 5. This is the surplus (or shortfall)........
7
15,473,148
8
Describe in Part VI the extent to which any shortfall reported in line 7 should be treated as community benefit.Also describe in Part VI the costing methodology or source used to determine the amount reported on line 6.Check the box that describes the method used:
Section C. Collection Practices
9a
Did the organization have a written debt collection policy during the tax year? ..........
9a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," did the organization’s collection policy that applied to the largest number of its patients during the tax year
contain provisions on the collection practices to be followed for patients who are known to qualify for financial assistance? Describe in Part VI .........................

9b

Yes

 
Part IV
Management Companies and Joint Ventures(owned 10% or more by officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and physicians—see instructions)
(a) Name of entity (b) Description of primary
activity of entity 		(c) Organization's
profit % or stock
ownership % 		(d) Officers, directors,
trustees, or key
employees' profit %
or stock ownership % 		(e) Physicians'
profit % or stock
ownership %
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VFacility Information
Section A. Hospital Facilities
(list in order of size from largest to smallest—see instructions)
How many hospital facilities did the organization operate during the tax year?1
Name, address, primary website address, and state license number (and if a group return, the name and EIN of the subordinate hospital organization that operates the hospital facility) 		Licensed Hospital General-Medical-Surgical Children's Hospital Teaching Hospital Critical Hospital ResearchGrp Facility ER-24Hours ER-Other Other (Describe) Facility reporting group
1 TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER INC
800 WASHINGTON STREET
BOSTON,MA02111 		X X X X X X X      
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VFacility Information (continued)

Section B. Facility Policies and Practices

(Complete a separate Section B for each of the hospital facilities or facility reporting groups listed in Part V, Section A)
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER INC
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
Line number of hospital facility, or line numbers of hospital facilities in a facility
reporting group (from Part V, Section A): 		1
Yes No
Community Health Needs Assessment
1 Was the hospital facility first licensed, registered, or similarly recognized by a State as a hospital facility in the current tax year or the immediately preceding tax year?.......................... 1   No
2 Was the hospital facility acquired or placed into service as a tax-exempt hospital in the current tax year or the immediately preceding tax year? If “Yes,” provide details of the acquisition in Section C............... 2   No
3 During the tax year or either of the two immediately preceding tax years, did the hospital facility conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA)? If "No," skip to line 12...................... 3 Yes  
If "Yes," indicate what the CHNA report describes (check all that apply):
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
4 Indicate the tax year the hospital facility last conducted a CHNA: 20 13
5 In conducting its most recent CHNA, did the hospital facility take into account input from persons who represent the broad interests of the community served by the hospital facility, including those with special knowledge of or expertise in public health? If "Yes," describe in Section C how the hospital facility took into account input from persons who represent the community, and identify the persons the hospital facility consulted ................. 5 Yes  
6a Was the hospital facility’s CHNA conducted with one or more other hospital facilities? If "Yes," list the other hospital facilities in Section C.................................. 6a   No
b Was the hospital facility’s CHNA conducted with one or more organizations other than hospital facilities?” If “Yes,” list the other organizations in Section C. ............................. 6b   No
7 Did the hospital facility make its CHNA report widely available to the public?.............. 7 Yes  
If "Yes," indicate how the CHNA report was made widely available (check all that apply):
a
b
c
d
8 Did the hospital facility adopt an implementation strategy to meet the significant community health needs
identified through its most recently conducted CHNA? If "No," skip to line 11. .............. 		8 Yes  
9 Indicate the tax year the hospital facility last adopted an implementation strategy: 20 13
10 Is the hospital facility's most recently adopted implementation strategy posted on a website?......... 10 Yes  
a If "Yes" (list url): WWW.TUFTSMEDICALCENTER.ORG/COMMHEALTH
b If "No," is the hospital facility’s most recently adopted implementation strategy attached to this return? ...... 10b   No
11 Describe in Section C how the hospital facility is addressing the significant needs identified in its most recently conducted CHNA and any such needs that are not being addressed together with the reasons why such needs are not being addressed.
12a Did the organization incur an excise tax under section 4959 for the hospital facility's failure to conduct a CHNA as required by section 501(r)(3)?............................... 12a   No
b If "Yes" to line 12a, did the organization file Form 4720 to report the section 4959 excise tax?........ 12b    
c If "Yes" to line 12b, what is the total amount of section 4959 excise tax the organization reported on Form 4720 for all of its hospital facilities? $  

Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VFacility Information (continued)

TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER INC
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) Yes No
Did the hospital facility have in place during the tax year a written financial assistance policy that:
13 Explained eligibility criteria for financial assistance, and whether such assistance included free or discounted care? 13 Yes  
If “Yes,” indicate the eligibility criteria explained in the FAP:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 Explained the basis for calculating amounts charged to patients?................. 14 Yes  
15 Explained the method for applying for financial assistance?................... 15 Yes  
If “Yes,” indicate how the hospital facility’s FAP or FAP application form (including accompanying instructions) explained the method for applying for financial assistance (check all that apply):
a
b
c
d
e
16 Included measures to publicize the policy within the community served by the hospital facility?........ 16 Yes  
If "Yes," indicate how the hospital facility publicized the policy (check all that apply):
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
Billing and Collections
17 Did the hospital facility have in place during the tax year a separate billing and collections policy, or a written financial assistance policy (FAP) that explained all of the actions the hospital facility or other authorized party may take upon non-payment?.................................. 17 Yes  
18 Check all of the following actions against an individual that were permitted under the hospital facility's policies during the tax year before making reasonable efforts to determine the individual’s eligibility under the facility’s FAP:
a
b
c
d
e
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VFacility Information (continued)

TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER INC
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) Yes No
19 Did the hospital facility or other authorized third party perform any of the following actions during the tax year before making reasonable efforts to determine the individual’s eligibility under the facility’s FAP?............ 19   No
If "Yes," check all actions in which the hospital facility or a third party engaged:
a
b
c
d
20 Indicate which efforts the hospital facility or other authorized party made before initiating any of the actions listed (whether or not checked) in line 18. (check all that apply):
a
b
c
d
e
f
Policy Relating to Emergency Medical Care
21 Did the hospital facility have in place during the tax year a written policy relating to emergency medical care that required the hospital facility to provide, without discrimination, care for emergency medical conditions to individuals regardless of their eligibility under the hospital facility’s financial assistance policy?.................. 21 Yes  
If "No," indicate why:
a
b
c
d
Charges to Individuals Eligible for Assistance Under the FAP (FAP-Eligible Individuals)
22 Indicate how the hospital facility determined, during the tax year, the maximum amounts that can be charged to FAP-eligible individuals for emergency or other medically necessary care.
a
b
c
d
23 During the tax year, did the hospital facility charge any FAP-eligible individual to whom the hospital facility provided emergency or other medically necessary services more than the amounts generally billed to individuals who had insurance covering such care? ............................... 23   No
If "Yes," explain in Section C.
24 During the tax year, did the hospital facility charge any FAP-eligible individual an amount equal to the gross charge for any service provided to that individual? ........................... 24 Yes  
If "Yes," explain in Section C.
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part V
Facility Information (continued)
Section C. Supplemental Information for Part V, Section B. Provide descriptions required for Part V, Section B, lines 2, 3j, 5, 6a, 6b, 7d, 11, 13b, 13h, 15e, 16i, 18d, 19d, 20e, 21c, 21d, 22d, 23, and 24. If applicable, provide separate descriptions for each hospital facility in a facility reporting group, designated by facility reporting group letter and hospital facility line number from Part V, Section A (“A, 1,” “A, 4,” “B, 2,” “B, 3,” etc.) and name of hospital facility.
Form and Line Reference Explanation
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: IN CONDUCTING THE 2013 CHNA KEY COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS WERE INTERVIEWED AND THEIR INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON CRITICAL COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS WERE INCORPORATED INTO THE CHNA WHICH WAS THEN REVIEWED BY THE MEDICAL CENTER'S LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ADVISORS WHO APPROVED PRIORITIES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUSED GRANT-FUNDED INITIATIVES AND GUIDED DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES TO ADDRESS IDENTIFIED HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THE HOSPITAL'S CATCHMENT AREA.
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7D: THE CHNA WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO ANYONE REQUESTING A COPY.
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS THREE GRANT-FUNDED INITIATIVES THAT ARE FOCUSED ON TWO NEIGHBORHOODS AND SOLICITS SERVICES FROM COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH AN OPEN AND COMPETITIVE PROCESS TO ADDRESS THE HEALTH PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED FOR A 3-YEAR FUNDING CYCLE. FOR A THIRD NEIGHBORHOOD, SERVICES TO ADDRESS A CRITICAL HEALTH ISSUE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ARE DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER AND RECOVERY SERVICES PROVIDER. HEALTH ISSUES THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY ADDRESSED BY GRANT INITIATIVES OR BY MEDICAL DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE OF LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND/OR ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ARE ADDRESSED THROUGH COORDINATED EFFORTS WITH THE CONFERENCE OF BOSTON TEACHING HOSPITALS, THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS.
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 22D: THEREFORE, FAP-ELIGIBLE CHARGES WERE NOT DISCOUNTED BASED UPON OTHER PAYOR RATES IN 2015. HOWEVER, THE HOSPITAL EXPECTS TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROCEDURE BY 10-1-16.THE HOSPITAL DISCOUNTS BILLS, AS FOLLOWS: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND/OR DISCOUNTED FEES FOR EMERGENCIES AND MEDICALLY NECESSARY SERVICES AS DEFINED UNDER TITLE XVIII OF THE FEDERAL SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AND BASED ON THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT OF THE PROVIDER WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED PATIENT WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS. INITIAL SCREENING FOR ALL PATIENTS WILL BE FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS.A. SELF PAY PATIENT: MASSACHUSETTS OR OUT OF STATE RESIDENT I. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS WILL BE SCREENED FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR ANY APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS INCLUDING MASS HEALTH, THE HEALTH SAFETY NET PROGRAM, PARTIAL HSN, MEDICAL HARDSHIP, MEDICARE, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS. II. THE OUT OF STATE RESIDENT WILL BE SCREENED FOR GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS IN THEIR STATE OF RESIDENCE, MEDICARE, AND OTHER PROGRAMS AS OFFERED BY THEIR HOME STATE. III. IF INELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, PATIENT WILL BE SCREENED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY VIA THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION/DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FORM: 1. PATIENTS WITH INCOME BELOW 125% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES (FPG) MAY QUALIFY TO HAVE ALL DEBT INCURRED FORGIVEN. 2. PATIENTS WITH INCOME ABOVE 125% BUT NOT EXCEEDING 375% OF THE FPG MAY QUALIFY FOR A REDUCTION OF THEIR DEBT BASED ON A SLIDING SCALE. IV. IF INELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: 1. PATIENTS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED COVERAGE OR WHOSE INCOME EXCEEDS 375% OF THE FPG WILL BE OFFERED A 30% DISCOUNT OF ESTIMATED CHARGES. 2. AN ADDITIONAL 5% DISCOUNT OF ESTIMATED CHARGES WILL BE EXTENDED IF THE DISCOUNTED PAYMENT AMOUNT IS MADE IN FULL PRIOR TO THE DATE OF SERVICE, ON THE DATE OF SERVICE, OR AT DISCHARGE. 3. DEPOSITS WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE SELF-PAY PATIENT AT THE DATE OF SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING SERVICES; A. CLINIC OFFICE VISIT: $150.00 B. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT: $360.00 V. PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE SELF-PAY PATIENT FOR THEIR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BASED ON THE APPROVED MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN GRID. A SIGNED PAYMENT AGREEMENT WILL BE EXECUTED WITH THE PATIENT BY THE FINANCIAL COORDINATOR, AND FILED WITH THE PATIENT'S ACCOUNT.B. UNDERINSURED AND INSURED PATIENT I. PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE UNDERINSURED OR INSURED PATIENT FOR THEIR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CO-PAYMENT, DEDUCTIBLE, CO-INSURANCE). II. DISCOUNTS MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR PATIENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AMOUNTS (CO-PAYMENT, DEDUCTIBLE, CO-INSURANCE) WHEN A THIRD PARTY PAYER IS THE PRIMARY PAYER, UNLESS THE MEDICALLY NECESSARY SERVICES ARE NON-COVERED BY THE SPECIFIC INSURANCE POLICY.C. CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL EXPENSE I. A PATIENT WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY AS FINANCIALLY NEEDY, BUT WHOSE PATIENT RESPONSIBILITY PAYMENTS SPECIFIC TO TREATMENT AT TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY SERVICES, EVEN AFTER PAYMENT FROM THIRD PARTY PAYERS, EXCEED 30% OF THE FAMILY UNIT'S GROSS INCOME WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS HAVING A CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL EXPENSE. ANY PATIENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR SERVICES WITHIN A 12-MONTH PERIOD MAY BE WRITTEN OFF TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE CATASTROPHIC EXPENSE.D. INTERNATIONAL PATIENT I. THE SELF-PAY INTERNATIONAL PATIENT WILL BE OFFERED A 35% DISCOUNT ON ESTIMATED CHARGES IF PAID PRIOR TO SERVICE, AT THE POINT OF SERVICE, OR AT DISCHARGE.E. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT (MVA) OR WORK RELATED INJURY I. CHARGES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN MVA OR WORK RELATED INJURY, WHEN THERE IS PENDING LITIGATION AND THE EXPECTATION OF A SETTLEMENT OR JUDGMENT EXISTS, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE TUFTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR DISCOUNT PROGRAMS.
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 24: THE HOSPITAL CHARGES ALL PATIENTS AND INSURANCE PAYORS AT GROSS CHARGES. DURING 2015 THE HOSPITAL ALSO CHARGED FAP-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS AT GROSS CHARGES. HOWEVER, ONCE FAP-ELIGIBILITY WAS DETERMINED, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED FREE CARE (BOTH FULL AND PARTIAL) TO THESE INDIVIDUALS. AS NOTED IN OUR 22D RESPONSE, THE HOSPITAL EXPECTS TO IMPLEMENT THE APPLICABLE SEC. 501(R) CHANGE EFFECTIVE FOR 10-1-2016.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VFacility Information (continued)

Section D. Other Health Care Facilities That Are Not Licensed, Registered, or Similarly Recognized as a Hospital Facility
(list in order of size, from largest to smallest)
How many non-hospital health care facilities did the organization operate during the tax year?1
Name and address Type of Facility (describe)
1 NEW ENGLAND LONG-TERM CARE INC
78 BOSTON ROAD
BILLERICA,MA01862 		LONG-TERM ACUTE-CARE FACILITY
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
Page
Part VI
Supplemental Information
Provide the following information.
1 Required descriptions. Provide the descriptions required for Part I, lines 3c, 6a, and 7; Part II and Part III, lines 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9b.
2 Needs assessment. Describe how the organization assesses the health care needs of the communities it serves, in addition to any CHNAs reported in Part V, Section B.
3 Patient education of eligibility for assistance. Describe how the organization informs and educates patients and persons who may be billed for patient care about their eligibility for assistance under federal, state, or local government programs or under the organization’s financial assistance policy.
4 Community information. Describe the community the organization serves, taking into account the geographic area and demographic constituents it serves.
5 Promotion of community health. Provide any other information important to describing how the organization’s hospital facilities or other health care facilities further its exempt purpose by promoting the health of the community (e.g., open medical staff, community board, use of surplus funds, etc.).
6 Affiliated health care system. If the organization is part of an affiliated health care system, describe the respective roles of the organization and its affiliates in promoting the health of the communities served.
7 State filing of community benefit report. If applicable, identify all states with which the organization, or a related organization, files a community benefit report.
Form and Line Reference Explanation
PART I, LINE 7: THE COSTING METHODOLOGY IS BASED ON A COST ACCOUNTING SYSTEM WHICH TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION ALL INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT ACTIVITY FOR ALL AREAS OF THE HOSPITAL INCLUDING ALL PAYER SOURCES. THE COSTS UTILIZED ARE BASED ON ACTUAL COSTS FROM THIS SYSTEM, ALLOCATED TO INDIVIDUAL PATIENT ENCOUNTERS.
SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 1, REQUIRED DESCRIPTIONS: HOSPITAL BACKGROUNDTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER WAS ESTABLISHED OVER 200 YEARS AGO BY COMPASSIONATE BOSTONIANS, INCLUDING SAMUEL ADAMS AND PAUL REVERE AND IT EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF ITS FOUNDERS TODAY THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF COMPASSIONATE CARE, EMBARKING ON CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH AND TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAREGIVERS.FOUNDED AS THE BOSTON DISPENSARY WITH SOME OF ITS ORIGINAL BENEFACTORS INCLUDING PEOPLE LIKE PAUL REVERE AND SAM ADAMS, IT WAS THE FIRST PERMANENT MEDICAL FACILITY IN NEW ENGLAND AND ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE COUNTRY. PART OF ITS ORIGINAL MISSION WAS TO GUARANTEE THAT THE POOR PEOPLE OF BOSTON HAD ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY MEDICAL CARE. THAT GOAL REMAINS INTACT TODAY. OVER THE PAST TWO CENTURIES, NUMEROUS DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AS WELL AS ADVANCES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH HAVE BEEN BASED AT WHAT IS NOW CALLED TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER. THE INSTITUTION CONTINUES TO BE DEDICATED TO ITS MISSION OF MAINTAINING ITS TRADITION OF HEALTH CARE INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, CHARITY AND HIGH QUALITY CARE AND SERVICE TO ITS PATIENT POPULATION.THE FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN BEGAN AS A FLOATING SHIP, BOSTON FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN, SAILING IN BOSTON HARBOR IN 1894. THE MISSION OF THE SHIP WAS TO BRING ILL URBAN CHILDREN OUT ONTO THE HARBOR TO EXPERIENCE THE HEALING QUALITIES OF THE FRESH SEA AIR AND SUNSHINE. DURING ITS 31 YEARS AT SEA, THE BOSTON FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN WAS THE SITE OF MANY IMPORTANT MEDICAL ADVANCES, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BABY FORMULA AND THE HUMAN MILK BANK. THE FLOATING HOSPITAL BEGAN PROVIDING CARE ON LAND IN 1927, WHERE IT CONTINUED ITS PIONEERING MISSION BY ESTABLISHING THE CONCEPT OF CARING FOR THE "WHOLE CHILD" RATHER THAN SIMPLY TREATING A CHILD'S ILLNESS. TODAY THE FLOATING HOSPITAL IS FORMALLY KNOWN AS THE FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN AT TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER. IT HAS GROWN TO BECOME A WORLD-CLASS PEDIATRIC INSTITUTION OFFERING A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES FROM PREVENTION AND PRIMARY CARE TO THE MOST SOPHISTICATED TREATMENT OF RARE AND UNUSUAL CONDITIONS.IN 1965 THE BOSTON DISPENSARY, THE FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN AND THE PRATT CLINIC/NEW ENGLAND CENTER HOSPITAL MERGED TO FORM THE NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITALS. IN 1971 THE INSTITUTION CHANGED ITS NAME TO TUFTS - NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL CENTER. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER BECAME THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE MEDICAL CENTER IN 2008, AS THE INSTITUTION SOUGHT A CHANGE TO REFLECT ITS ROLE AS THE PRINCIPAL TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE TUFTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.HOSPITAL TODAYTODAY, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS A 415 BED AND 24 BASSINET ROBUST ORGANIZATION, PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE CARE FROM ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE TO TREATING THE MOST COMPLEX DISEASES AFFECTING ADULTS AND CHILDREN. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS ALSO HOME TO FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN, A FULL-SERVICE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO ALL LEVELS OF PEDIATRIC CARE FROM THE TINIEST OF NEWBORNS TO MATURING ADOLESCENTS, BOTH OF WHICH ARE STILL DEDICATED TO THE MISSION OF SERVING BOSTON AND OTHER RESIDENTS IN NEED OF QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH EDUCATION TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN THE GOOD HEALTH OF ALL FAMILY MEMBERS.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S FOCUS IS TERTIARY AND QUATERNARY CARE, PROVIDING THE MOST ADVANCED TREATMENTS FOR THE MOST COMPLEX AND SERIOUS ILLNESSES AND INJURIES. THE MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES HEART, KIDNEY AND BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTS, SERVES AS A LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER, PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE NEUROLOGICAL AND NEUROSURGICAL CARE, AND OFFERS CUTTING-EDGE CANCER TREATMENTS.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER SERVES AN INCREDIBLY DIVERSE POPULATION OF PATIENTS; APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE POPULATION IS WHITE, 10% IS BLACK, 10% IS ASIAN AND 9% IS HISPANIC. ALONG WITH SERVING AN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE POPULATION, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES CARE TO THE SECOND HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF MEDICAID PATIENTS (26 PERCENT OF THE HOSPITAL'S PATIENT POPULATION) OF ALL ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. THE HOSPITAL ALSO SERVES A LARGE MEDICARE POPULATION, WHICH MAKES UP ALMOST 32 PERCENT OF THE PATIENT POPULATION.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE CARE OF ITS PATIENTS. DUE TO ITS INTIMATE SIZE, PHYSICIANS FROM ONE DEPARTMENT EASILY COMMUNICATE WITH MEMBERS OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND DIVISIONS TO BRING IN PERSPECTIVES FROM ALL GROUPS TO DETERMINE THE RIGHT TREATMENT PLAN FOR EACH PATIENT. REFERRING PHYSICIANS, THE PATIENT AND FAMILY MEMBERS ARE VITAL MEMBERS OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AT TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. THE HOSPITAL'S FOCUS AND MISSION EVERY DAY IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.MISSION AND OBJECTIVESTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN CARRY OUT A TRIPARTITE MISSION EVERY DAY, PURSUING EXCELLENCE IN CARE FOR ADULT AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS, TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATIONS OF CARE GIVERS AND PURSUING GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH. COMPASSIONATE, PATIENT-CENTERED CARE IS ONE OF THE MEDICAL CENTER'S HALLMARKS. THE MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES FROM PRIMARY CARE TO SOME OF THE MOST COMPLEX TREATMENTS, INCLUDING-SURGERIES, CANCER CARE, ORTHOPEDICS, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, FULL CARDIOVASCULAR CARE, NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY, OPHTHALMOLOGY, TRANSPLANT SURGERY, WEIGHT AND WELLNESS SERVICES. A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH ENSURES BOTH COMPLETE AND THOROUGH CONSIDERATION OF TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OUR PATIENTS. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER ALSO PROVIDES EMERGENCY CARE AND IS AN AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS CERTIFIED LEVEL 1 ADULT AND LEVEL 1 PEDIATRIC,TRAUMA CENTER.MISSION STATEMENTTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN'S MISSION IS AS FOLLOWS:"WE STRIVE TO HEAL, TO COMFORT, TO TEACH, TO LEARN AND TO SEEK THE KNOWLEDGE TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND PREVENT DISEASE. OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO. WE DEDICATE OURSELVES TO FURTHERING OUR RICH TRADITION OF HEALTH CARE INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP, CHARITY AND THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF CARE AND SERVICE TO ALL IN OUR COMMUNITY."PATIENT CARE, TEACHING AND TRAININGTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER GROWS FUTURE GENERATIONS OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS BY PROVIDING OUTSTANDING CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEDICAL STUDENTS AND THE RESIDENTS. AS THE PRINCIPAL TEACHING HOSPITAL OF TUFTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER WORKS COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE MEDICAL SCHOOL BY SHARING STAFF, PROVIDING PHYSICIAN TIME FOR TEACHING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND SHARING OVERSIGHT OF DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP AMONG BOTH INSTITUTIONS. ALL FULL-TIME PHYSICIANS AT TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN HOLD FACULTY APPOINTMENTS AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN MAINTAIN A ROBUST GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM, RECRUITING APPROXIMATELY 455 RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. TEACHING AT TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS INTEGRATED INTO THE CARE EXPERIENCE AND AS AN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER THIS ALSO MEANS WE PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A NUMBER OF ACUTE CARE SERVICES THAT ARE NOT PROVIDED BY ALL HOSPITALS. SOME OF THESE VITAL COMMUNITY SERVICES INCLUDE INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT ADULT PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, OUTPATIENT PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AND CONSULTATIONS, EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA CARE, AS WELL AS NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE.RESEARCHTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN ARE PIONEERS IN GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH INCLUDING NUMEROUS CLINICAL TRIALS TAKING PLACE IN BOSTON. IT RANKS AMONG THE TOP 15 PERCENT OF THE NATION'S INDEPENDENT HOSPITALS THAT RECEIVE FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDS AND HAS PIONEERED GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH INVOLVING CLINICAL TRIALS FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, INDUSTRY, AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS. OUR RESEARCH MISSION IS NOT ONLY TO ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE BUT TO TRAIN PHYSICIANS AND NON-CLINICIANS TO BECOME THE INVESTIGATORS OF THE FUTURE. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER RESEARCH HAS LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF DRUGS THAT PREVENT THE BODY'S REJECTION OF TRANSPLANTED ORGANS, COINING THE TERM "IMMUNOSUPPRESSION, AND ALSO BROUGHT TO LIGHT THE LINK BETWEEN OBESITY AND HEART DISEASE. ONE NEWLY FUNDED PROJECT LED BY THE TUFTS CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE (CTSI) WILL HELP BUILD THE CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY-BASED, NON-HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO IDENTIFY CONSTITUENT NEEDS AND DOCUMENT THE BENEFITS OF INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS. THIS CAPACITY BUILDING EFFORT WILL SUPPORT AND COMPLEMENT THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO WORK WITH LOCAL HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY GROUPS TO TURN GROUNDBREAKING LABORATORY RESEARCH INTO WIDELY-USED TREATMENTS FOR PATIENTS IN A FASTER, MORE PRODUCTIVE MANNER. THIS EFFORT CONTINUES TO FOSTER COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE GENERAL LAY COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, THE CLINICAL PRACTITIONERS AND ACADEMIA TO TRAIN PHYSICIANS FOR WORK IN UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES.
SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 1, REQUIRED DESCRIPTIONS (CONTINUED): TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S CANCER CENTER CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE REPRESENTATION OF LINGUISTIC AND ETHNIC MINORITIES IN CLINICAL TRIALS. THE CANCER CENTER HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO TRANSLATE INFORMATION FROM SURVEYS INTO OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS TO FOSTER A GREATER AWARENESS ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS, THEIR AVAILABILITY AND THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN CLINICAL TRIALS.
PART II, COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAININGTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON AND EMPLOYS OVER 5,000 PEOPLE. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER EMPLOYS A DIVERSE WORKFORCE TO FILL POSITIONS RANGING FROM ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND HOSPITALITY RELATED, SUCH AS PATIENT TRANSPORT, FOOD SERVICES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO RESEARCH AND DIRECT PATIENT CARE ROLES. APPROXIMATELY 32% OF THE MEDICAL CENTER'S WORKFORCE IS DERIVED FROM RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF BOSTON.THE MEDICAL CENTER HAS CONSISTENTLY PUT AN EMPHASIS ON RECRUITING FROM THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY. THE EDUCATIONAL AND LINGUISTIC REQUIREMENTS OF POSITIONS AT THE MEDICAL CENTER HAVE OFTEN MADE IT DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT LARGE NUMBERS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS INTO POSITIONS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. THE MEDICAL CENTER HAS SOUGHT TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES BY WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE LANGUAGE SKILLS AND BASIC EDUCATION CLASSES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTS AND PARTICIPATES IN MANY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE EDUCATIONAL, SKILL AND LINGUISTIC ISSUES. TO PROVIDE CAREER TRAINING AND PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES SOME OF THE PROGRAMS TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS EMBARKED UPON ARE:THE CAREER EXPLORATION EVENTAN ANNUAL EVENT WHERE EMPLOYEES HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES WHO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES. EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS, TERI COLLEGE ACCESS AND THE TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER BENEFITS DEPARTMENT PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ONSITE WORKPLACE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR ESOL, THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE PROCESS, CERTIFICATE AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS AND EDUCATIONAL FINANCING OPTIONS.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMA CAREER TRAINING PROGRAM ESTABLISHED TO ASSIST INNER-CITY ADULT STUDENTS TO PREPARE FOR THE WORKFORCE BY PROVIDING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS THAT TYPICALLY TEACH MEDICAL ASSISTANT, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, CODING AND BILLING SKILLS TO MEMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:- ASIAN AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION- BOSTON CAREER INSTITUTE- BUNKER HILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE- EVEREST INSTITUTE- GIBBS COLLEGE- HEALTH TRAINING CENTER- HORIZON LEARNING CENTER- JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES- TARE TRAINING CENTER- MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE- SALTER SCHOOL- YMCA TRAINING, INC.THE STUDENTS FROM THESE PROGRAMS COME TO TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER TO COMPLETE A REQUIRED INTERNSHIP IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR CERTIFICATION, TYPICALLY 160 HOURS, DURING WHICH TIME THEY WORK IN A SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT, UTILIZING THE SKILLS FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS WITH A GOAL OF FUTURE EMPLOYMENT. THESE INTERNSHIPS WILL TYPICALLY LEAD TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR, UNIT COORDINATOR, AND PHLEBOTOMIST POSITIONS. IN FISCAL YEAR 2015, APPROXIMATELY 87 STUDENTS COMPLETED THE PROGRAM. HIRING OPPORTUNITIES ARE POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE EXTERNSHIPS.OTHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIESPARTICIPATION IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION/REGIONAL HOSPITAL WORKING GROUP SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE BOSTON HEALTHCARE CAREERS CONSORTIUM SPONSORED BY THE BOSTON PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL. THESE GROUPS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AND OTHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS. THESE GROUPS FOCUS ON ADDRESSING HIGHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYER NEEDS.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS COMMITTED TO A DIVERSE WORKFORCE AND TO PROVIDING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. THROUGH ITS REGULAR RECRUITMENT CHANNELS THE MEDICAL CENTER REACHES OUT TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYMENT POPULATION, AS WELL AS TARGETED MINORITY POPULATIONS, INCLUDING THE LOCAL CHINATOWN COMMUNITY. THESE EFFORTS ARE MADE THROUGH EMPLOYMENT POSTING COMPANIES, SUCH AS MONSTER.COM AND LOCAL OUTLETS SUCH AS THE BILINGUAL SAMPAN NEWSPAPER.IN THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO SEE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE INDUSTRY PROPELLING IT FORWARD WITH ADVANCES IN MEDICAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS AND ECONOMICS, AS WELL AS CHANGES TO MODELS OF CARE DELIVERY WHICH WILL CHALLENGE EVEN THE MOST PREPARED AND ORGANIZED WORKFORCE. THESE CHANGES WILL MEAN A TRUE DEDICATION TO EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND TRAINING; IT WILL MEAN TRAINING IN MANY DIFFERENT SETTINGS, FROM EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN A TEAM ENVIRONMENT, WEB-BASED INSTRUCTION AND INCREASED SIMULATION-TRAINING. THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA WILL HELP ENSURE TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS THE FACILITIES TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF AN EVER CHANGING INDUSTRY AND WORKFORCE.
PART III, LINE 2: THE HOSPITAL RECORDS BAD DEBTS BASED ON CHARGES. THE BAD DEBT COSTS PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BASED ON THESE CHARGES MULTIPLIED BY THE HOSPITAL'S COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO OF 48.2%.
PART III, LINE 4: THE ORGANIZATION'S PROVISION FOR BAD DEBT IS DESCRIBED ON PAGE 12 OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (ATTACHED). THE FOLLOWING IS EXCERPTED FROM THAT FOOTNOTE..."PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE REDUCED BY AN ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS. IN EVALUATING THE COLLECTABILITY OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, THE ORGANIZATION ANALYZES ITS PAST HISTORY AND IDENTIFIES TRENDS FOR EACH OF ITS MAJOR PAYOR SOURCES OF REVENUE TO ESTIMATE THE APPROPRIATE ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS AND PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS. MANAGEMENT REGULARLY REVIEWS DATA ABOUT THESE MAJOR PAYOR SOURCES OF REVENUE IN EVALUATING THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS. FOR RECEIVABLES ASSOCIATED WITH SERVICES PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WHO HAVE THIRD-PARTY COVERAGE, THE ORGANIZATION ANALYZES CONTRACTUALLY DUE AMOUNTS AND HISTORIC PAYMENT TRENDS AND RECORDS ESTIMATED CONTRACTUAL ALLOWANCES. FOR RECEIVABLES ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-PAY PATIENTS, THE ORGANIZATION RECORDS A SIGNIFICANT PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS IN THE PERIOD OF SERVICE ON THE BASIS OF ITS PAST EXPERIENCE, WHICH INDICATES THAT MANY PATIENTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO PAY THE PORTION OF THEIR BILL FOR WHICH THEY ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STANDARD RATES AND THE AMOUNTS ACTUALLY COLLECTED AFTER ALL REASONABLE COLLECTION EFFORTS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED IS CHARGED OFF AGAINST THE ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS."
PART III, LINE 8: COSTS ARE ALLOCATED TO PATIENT ENCOUNTERS BASED ON COST ACCOUNTING SYSTEM, WHICH TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION ALL INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT ACTIVITY FOR ALL AREAS OF THE HOSPITAL INCLUDING ALL PAYER SOURCES. THE COSTS UTILIZED ARE BASED ON ACTUAL COSTS FROM THIS SYSTEM, ALLOCATED TO INDIVIDUAL PATIENT ENCOUNTERS.
PART III, LINE 9B: TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S FINANCIAL COORDINATION OFFICE IDENTIFIES AND ASSISTS THOSE PATIENTS THAT HAVE NO INSURANCE OR WHO ARE UNDERINSURED. WE WILL PROCESS ON-LINE APPLICATIONS FOR STATE PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ESTABLISHED MASS HEALTH GUIDELINES. THE GUIDELINES ARE BASED ON 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS ALSO EXTENDED TO OUT-OF-STATE/COUNTRY PATIENTS WITH NO INSURANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. A NOTICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS LOCATED ON THE PATIENT BILL AND THE HOSPITAL WEB-SITE. IT IS ALSO POSTED IN VARIOUS STRATEGIC LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL.THE FINANCIAL COORDINATION OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:40 P.M. THE MAIN NUMBER FOR THE FINANCIAL COORDINATION OFFICE IS 617-636-6013.
PART VI, LINE 2: TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTS REGULAR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS TO DEVELOP APPROPRIATE PRIORITIES FOR ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMMING. THE NEED ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH DATA AVAILABLE FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (DPH) AND FROM THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION (BPHC) AND ITS REGULAR REPORTS ON THE HEALTH OF THE CITY AND THE HEALTH OF INDIVIDUAL NEIGHBORHOODS. THESE DATA ARE REVIEWED WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND OTHER KEY INFORMANTS WHO SERVE ON ADVISORY COMMITTEES THAT GUIDE SPECIFIC COMMUNITY BENEFITS EFFORTS SUCH AS THE ASIAN AND DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVES. THE COMBINATION OF STATISTICAL DATA AND DATA FROM KEY INFORMANTS HELP TO IDENTIFY PRIORITIES THAT REFLECT NEEDS IN REAL TIME AS WELL AS COMMUNITY MEMBERS' ASSESSMENTS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ISSUES AND NEEDS WHICH GUIDE THE TARGETING OF RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING THAT MAY NOT BE REFLECTED IN PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SOURCES. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER BEGAN ITS DATA COLLECTION FOR ITS TRI-ANNUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN THE FALL OF 2012. THIS INCLUDED THE REVIEW OF AVAILABLE HEALTH DATA FROM THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION AND KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS FROM EACH OF THE THREE COMMUNITIES WE WORK WITH: CHINATOWN, DORCHESTER AND SOUTH BOSTON. THE INITIAL ANALYSIS OF THE DATA WAS REVIEWED BY ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND PRIORITIES WERE IDENTIFIED FOR TWO OF THE GRANT FUNDED INITIATIVES. THE MEDICAL CENTER'S COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS COMPLETED IN FY 13 AND THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN INCLUDED IDENTIFYING NEW GRANTEES FOR BOTH THE ASIAN AND DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVES THROUGH OPEN AND COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESSES. SEVEN APPLICANTS WERE SELECTED FOR THE ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE AND FIVE FOR THE DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVE. GRANTEES WERE AWARDED FUNDS TO PROVIDE HEALTH PROMOTION ACTIVITIES WHICH REFLECTED THE HEALTH PRIORITIES FOR THE RESPECTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS.BOSTON'S DIVERSE ASIAN AND MINORITY COMMUNITIES CONTINUE TO GROW AND ARE DISPERSED THROUGHOUT THE CITY'S MANY NEIGHBORHOODS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. TO ENSURE THAT THE MEDICAL CENTER CONTINUES TO MEET THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF THE GROWING POPULATIONS, HOSPITAL-BASED PROGRAMS SUCH AS INTERPRETER SERVICES, ASIAN ACCESS PROGRAM, ASIAN CLINICAL SERVICES AND THE JOSIAH QUINCY SCHOOL PSYCHIATRY CONSULTATION PROGRAM WERE ESTABLISHED AND CONTINUE TO THRIVE TODAY.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS A SUPPORTER OF THE BOSTON ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEMBER OF THE CONFERENCE OF BOSTON TEACHING HOSPITALS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY EXCHANGING INFORMATION ON THE HEALTH OF BOSTON RESIDENTS AND DEVELOPING A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO CONDUCTING CHNAS FOR NEIGHBORHOODS WHICH MULTIPLE HOSPITALS CONSIDER AS THEIR PRIORITY. THE MEDICAL CENTER IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE CHINATOWN COALITION AND MONITORS THE HEALTH OF THE CHINATOWN AND BOSTON ASIAN COMMUNITY THROUGH THIS ENTITY. IN FISCAL YEAR 2015 TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR ITS NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT. THE WORKPLAN, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE HOSPITAL'S BOARD OF GOVERNORS' OUTREACH COMMITTEE, PROJECTS THAT THE CHNA WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY SPRING OF 2016 AND THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN WILL BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS' OUTREACH COMITTEE EARLY SPRING 2016 AND ELEMENTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN WILL BE INITIATED IN LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2016.
PART VI, LINE 3: PATIENTS ARE INFORMED ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIAL COORDINATION RESOURCES OFFERED BY THE HOSPITAL THROUGH SEVERAL DIFFERENT MEDIUMS AND AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT POINTS IN THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOSPITAL. PATIENTS ARE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AN IN PERSON DISCUSSION WITH A FINANCIAL COORDINATOR ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DURING THE INITIAL REGISTRATION PROCESS. IF A PATIENT EXPRESSES THE NEED FOR INSURANCE OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE A FINANCIAL COORDINATOR WILL WORK WITH THEM TO APPLY FOR ANY AVAILABLE AND APPROPRIATE SERVICES. SHOULD A PATIENT QUALIFY FOR MEDICARE OR MEDICAID ASSISTANCE OF ANY FORM, E.G. COMMONWEALTH CARE, THE COUNSELOR OR FINANCIAL COORDINATOR WILL ALSO ASSIST THE PATIENT IN APPLYING FOR ANY OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES THEY MAY FIND HELPFUL, SUCH AS FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES. PATIENTS ARE NOTIFIED OF THEIR RIGHTS AND AVAILABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES THROUGH A VARIETY OF OTHER MEASURES AS WELL, INCLUDING INFORMATION ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT PAGES AND LANDING POINTS ON THE TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN WEBSITE, IN WRITTEN INFORMATION PROVIDED AT DISCHARGE, ON ANY BILLING STATEMENTS THEY RECEIVE AND IN POSTINGS THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL IN ALL WAITING AREAS AND CLINICS.
PART VI, LINE 4: TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S LOCATION IN THE HEART OF BOSTON'S CHINATOWN DISTRICT PLAYS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN SHAPING AND DRIVING THE MISSION OF THE MEDICAL CENTER. OUR POSITION AS A PART OF THE FABRIC OF THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY HAS INFORMED SOME OF THE CLINICAL DIRECTION OF THE INSTITUTION AND INSPIRED THE MEDICAL CENTER TO PURSUE RESPONSES TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THIS CAN BE EXPERIENCED IN THE ASIAN PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT CLINIC, WHICH WAS DEVELOPED IN DIRECT RESPONSE TO A COMMUNITY NEED FOR AN ACCESSIBLE, MULTI- CULTURAL AND MULTI-LINGUAL PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE FOR THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. CHINATOWN IS NOT ONLY HOME TO MANY CHINESE AMERICANS, IT IS CONSIDERED A GATEWAY FOR MANY NEW CHINESE IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING IN THE UNITED STATES. RECOGNIZING THE NEEDS OF THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY AND THE NEEDS OF MANY NEW IMMIGRANTS TO THIS COUNTRY, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER ESTABLISHED THE ASIAN ACCESS PROGRAM. THE ASIAN ACCESS PROGRAM SERVES THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS EACH YEAR BY PROVIDING THEM WITH ASSISTANCE TO ACCESS AND NAVIGATE THE MEDICAL CENTER, AS WELL AS THE MANY OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES OFFERED BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROGRAM TO THE ASIAN COMMUNITY AND HIGH DEMAND FOR SERVICES PROMPTED THE HOSPITAL TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM IN 2011 AND PROVIDE GREATER ACCESSIBILITY TO THE CLINIC SERVICES WITH A NEW STREET SIDE LOCATION ON KNEELAND STREET.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PAYS CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS SPECIFIC TO THE ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. INFORMATION ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY IS GATHERED THROUGH FORMAL AND INFORMAL CHANNELS. UTILIZING REPORTS OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION WHICH CONSISTENTLY DOCUMENT THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE POPULATION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH INPUT FROM COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUPS, THE MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS TO EVALUATE AND UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH NEEDS AND CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE MEDICAL CENTER HAS USED THIS METHOD TO DEVELOP PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ADDRESSING CHRONIC DISEASES SUCH AS MENTAL HEALTH, ASTHMA, SMOKING CESSATION, DIABETES, AND OBESITY. THE ASIAN PSYCHIATRY PROGRAM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MANY YEARS AT THE MEDICAL CENTER TO RECOGNIZE AND ADDRESS THE SENSITIVE CULTURAL ISSUES AROUND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY. THE ASTHMA PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE HAS PROVIDED CULTURALLY TARGETED OUTREACH AND EDUCATION MATERIALS TO HELP REDUCE THE HIGH RATES OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA WITHIN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS ALSO DEVELOPED PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF SPECIFIC DISEASES PREVALENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS HEPATITIS B.SERVICE POPULATIONTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER SERVES AN INCREDIBLY DIVERSE POPULATION OF PATIENTS; APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE POPULATION IS WHITE, 10% IS BLACK, 15% IS ASIAN AND 9% IS HISPANIC. ALONG WITH SERVING AN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE POPULATION, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES CARE TO THE SECOND HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF MEDICAID PATIENTS (25 PERCENT OF THE HOSPITAL'S PATIENT POPULATION) OF ALL ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. THE HOSPITAL ALSO SERVES A LARGE MEDICARE POPULATION, WHICH MAKES UP ALMOST 32 PERCENT OF THE PATIENT POPULATION. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES ITS PATIENTS WITH A FULL SPECTRUM OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES; PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF TERTIARY AND QUATERNARY CARE TO PATIENTS FROM THE SMALLEST OF NEONATES TO THE MOST COMPLEX GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE DIAGNOSIS.PRIMARY SERVICE AREA COMMUNITIESLOCATED IN THE HEART OF CHINATOWN, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER SERVES A DYNAMIC POPULATION FROM THE ENTIRE EASTERN COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS BUT THREE BOSTON NEIGHBORHOODS REMAIN THE FOCUS OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMMING. THESE ARE CHINATOWN (AND THE DISPERSED BOSTON ASIAN COMMUNITY), SOUTH BOSTON, DORCHESTER AND THE SOUTH END.CHINATOWN AND THE ASIAN COMMUNITYBOSTON'S CHINATOWN IS THE SMALLEST OF THE CITY'S NEIGHBORHOODS, LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON NEAR MAJOR TRANSPORTATION NODES FOR NORTH-SOUTH AND EAST-WEST AUTOMOTIVE TRAVEL (1-93 AND 1-90), TRAIN AND BUS TRAVEL (MBTAORANGE AND SILVER LINES), AND THE CITY'S DOWNTOWN RETAIL, FINANCIAL AND THEATER DISTRICTS. ITS 42 ACRES INCLUDE A ROBUST RESIDENTIAL, ECONOMIC AND SERVICE HUB FOR GREATER BOSTON'S CHINESE AND ASIAN COMMUNITY. MORE THAN 9,100 PEOPLE LIVE IN CHINATOWN ACCORDING TO THE 2000 U.S. CENSUS, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. IT IS A COMMUNITY WHERE MANY NEW IMMIGRANTS SETTLE AND WHERE APPROXIMATELY 35% OF THE RESIDENTS DESCRIBE THEMSELVES AS SPEAKING ENGLISH NOT WELL OR NOT AT ALL", APPROXIMATELY ONE-FIFTH OF THE POPULATION IS OVER THE AGE OF 65, AND ONE-FIFTH IS DISPROPORTIONATELY LOW-INCOME.HEALTH DATA FOR CHINATOWN IS OFTEN INTEGRATED WITH DATA FROM THE ADJOINING NEIGHBORHOODS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY HEALTH TRENDS, LET ALONE BRING TO THE SURFACE HEALTH DISPARITIES SPECIFIC TO ITS ASIAN RESIDENTS. THE BPHC HAS CONSISTENTLY PROVIDED CITYWIDE HEALTH DATA FOR ASIANS IN BOSTON TO PROVIDE A HOLISTIC VIEW OF THEIR NEEDS, THOUGH DATA MAY BE LIMITED BY NOT SURVEYING NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS. THE MOST RECENT AVAILABLE REPORT FOR THE BOSTON ASIAN COMMUNITY FROM 2004 AND UPDATED HEALTH DATA FOR RESIDENTS OF BOSTON (2011 AND 2012) CONTINUES TO ILLUSTRATE THAT THE HEALTH ISSUES SUCH AS CANCER, HEART DISEASE AND STROKE CONTINUE TO BE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.ALL OF THIS DATA, ALONG WITH INPUT FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS, LED TO THE PRIORITIES FOR THE MEDICAL CENTER'S ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE IN 2013 AND GUIDED THE EMPHASIS AND FUNDING FOR THE THREE-YEAR INITIATIVE: PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH.DORCHESTERNORTH AND SOUTH DORCHESTER ARE AMONG THE LARGEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN BOSTON AND REFLECT THE CITY'S ECONOMIC, LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY. TOGETHER THEY HAVE A POPULATION OF OVER 128,000 RESIDENTS, OR APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE CITY'S POPULATION. CENSUS DATA INDICATES THAT 30% OF THE POPULATION IS UNDER THE AGE OF 17, AND 32% ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 25 AND 44.HEALTH DATA FROM THE BPHC IN 2011 INDICATED THAT DORCHESTER CONTINUED TO HAVE THE HIGHEST BIRTH AND INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN THE CITY, A HIGH INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE RELATED INJURIES, THE SECOND HIGHEST HOMICIDE RATE AMONG BOSTON NEIGHBORHOODS, A HIGH ASTHMA HOSPITALIZATION RATE AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5; 50% OF THE ADULT POPULATION WERE CONSIDERED TO BE OBESE OR OVERWEIGHT. THE HEALTH ISSUES IDENTIFIED AS PRIORITIES FOR THE MEDICAL CENTER'S DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVE IN 2013 AND ITS THREE-YEAR FUNDING CYCLE: PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION.FOUR OF THE DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVE GRANTEES HAVE REPORTED AN INCREASE IN MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS THAT THEY ATTRIBUTE TO THE CONTINUED VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY: TRAUMA FROM EXPERIENCING AND/OR WITNESSING VIOLENT ACTS, THE LOSS OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS, AND STRESS FROM CONSTANT THREATS OF VIOLENCE.SOUTH BOSTONSOUTH BOSTON IS A COMMUNITY OF APPROXIMATELY 30,000 RESIDENTS AND IS A NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION. HISTORICALLY CONSIDERED A FAMILY, WORKING-CLASS COMMUNITY, WITH A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, A FLURRY OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AND CONVERSIONS OF MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING TO CONDOMINIUMS CONTINUE AND MANY LONG TIME RESIDENTS ARE PRICED OUT OF THE CURRENT HOUSING MARKET.HEALTH DATA FROM THE 2006 BPHC REPORT ON THE "HEALTH OF SOUTH BOSTON AND THE "HEALTH OF BOSTON 2007" IDENTIFIED HIGH RATES OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE AND THE HIGHEST MORTALITY RATE ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE. THE INCIDENCE OF LOW-BIRTH RATES WAS 8.5%. SOUTH BOSTON'S HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED THROUGH MULTIPLE PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED BY TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER INCLUDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE, SPECIFICALLY OPIOID DEPENDENCE TREATMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS THAT ARE BASED IN THE COMMUNITY.CARE TO BOSTON RESIDENTS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIESTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER BELIEVES THAT CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY HAPPENS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF OUR INSTITUTION. A GREAT DEAL OF DATA HAS SHOWN THAT MANY BARRIERS EXIST TO HINDER PATIENT ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY HEALTHCARE. TO INCREASE ACCESS OF HOSPITAL SERVICES TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES THE MEDICAL CENTER CONTINUES A LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO INCREASE CULTURAL COMPETENCY AMONG OUR MEDICAL PROVIDERS AND TO REMOVE LANGUAGE BARRIERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. THE WORKING DEFINITION OF CULTURAL COMPETENCY THAT HELPS SHAPE AND DRIVE POLICIES AND CARE DELIVERY AT THE HOSPITAL IS AS FOLLOWS:THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE DIFFERENCES AMONG PEOPLE, AND USE OUR UNDERSTANDING, TO INFLUENCE OUR INTERACTIONS WITH ONE ANOTHER. THIS INVOLVES DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITY TO DELIVER PATIENT-CENTEREDSERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF VARIOUS CULTURES.
PART VI, LINE 6: COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PARTNERSHIPSTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS A RICH HISTORY OF PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE TO THE BOSTON COMMUNITY SINCE ITS FOUNDING. IN 2009 TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER LAUNCHED ITS DISTRIBUTED ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER MODEL, WHICH PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY HOSPITALS TO KEEP MORE CARE LOCALLY IN THE COMMUNITY. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH EXCELLENT COMMUNITY HOSPITALS TO DELIVER THE HIGHEST QUALITY CARE IN THE MOST CONVENIENT MANNER FOR PATIENTS. WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WHEN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS AND COMMUNITY HOSPITALS WORK SIDE-BY-SIDE, THE PATIENT AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM BENEFIT. THROUGH OUR DISTRIBUTED ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER MODEL, WE BRING TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN PHYSICIANS TO THE COMMUNITY - SAVING PATIENTS THE DRIVE INTO DOWNTOWN BOSTON AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCELLENT HOSPITALS IN THE CITIES AND TOWNS SURROUNDING BOSTON. WE ALSO CONSULT CLOSELY WITH OUR TALENTED PHYSICIAN COLLEAGUES WHO ARE PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY ALREADY. AND WHEN EXCEPTIONALLY COMPLEX CARE IS NEEDED, THESE PARTNERSHIPS MEAN THE TRANSFER TO BOSTON IS WELL COORDINATED BETWEEN PHYSICIANS AND COMFORTABLE FOR THE PATIENT AND FAMILY MEMBERS.THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER AREA HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS, DOCTORS FROM TUFTS MC AND FLOATING HOSPITAL STAFF VARIOUS COMMUNITY MEDICAL FACILITIES. THIS ALLOWS MORE PATIENTS TO RECEIVE TOP-QUALITY CARE IN A LOCATION CLOSE TO HOME. TUFTS MC SPECIALISTS SEE PATIENTS AND PERFORM SOME TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES LOCALLY. WHEN HIGH-LEVEL ADVANCED CARE IS NEEDED, TUFTS MC DOCTORS WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS TO ENSURE A SMOOTH PATIENT TRANSITION TO TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IN BOSTON.TUFTS MC AND FLOATING HOSPITAL MAKE EXCELLENT CLINICAL PARTNERS FOR TWO MAIN REASONS. FIRST, WE WORK WITH OUR PARTNER HOSPITALS TO KEEP MOST MEDICAL CARE LOCAL. THIS IS THE MOST CONVENIENT OPTION FOR PATIENTS AND THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS. SECOND, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND FLOATING HOSPITAL PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY CARE AT REASONABLE COSTS-IN FACT, A REPORT BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE SAID THAT WE ARE THE MOST AFFORDABLE ADVANCED CARE OPTION IN BOSTON.PATIENTS MAY EXPERIENCE OUR AFFILIATION WITH COMMUNITY HOSPITALS IN ANY NUMBER OF WAYS, SUCH AS:- A PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIST- CARING FOR A SICK CHILD ON THE PEDIATRIC UNIT OF A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL- A CARDIOLOGIST PERFORMING CARDIAC CATHETERIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY- OUR EXPERT WEIGHT AND WELLNESS CENTER TEAM PROVIDING SUPPORT AND SURGERIES IN THE COMMUNITY - OUR TRAUMA TEAM PREPARING FOR AN URGENT TRANSFER FROM A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL- OUR NEUROLOGY TEAM PROVIDING A CONSULT ON A STROKE PATIENT IN A COMMUNITY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT- CARDIOLOGY EXPERTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE REGION MEETING TO DISCUSS BEST PRACTICE FOR TREATING HEART FAILURE PATIENTS- COORDINATED CARE PROTOCOLS BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND CARE SETTINGSADULT AFFILIATE HOSPITALSMETROWEST MEDICAL CENTER (FRAMINGHAM, MA)PEDIATRIC AFFILIATE HOSPITALSLAWRENCE GENERAL HOSPITAL (LAWRENCE, MA)LOWELL GENERAL HOSPITAL (LOWELL, MA)METROWEST MEDICAL CENTER (FRAMINGHAM, MA)SIGNATURE HEALTHCARE BROCKTON HOSPITAL (BROCKTON, MA)
PART VI, LINE 7, REPORTS FILED WITH STATES MA
PART VI, LINE 5: COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSIONTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN FOCUSES ON THREE BROAD AREAS:- IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH RELATED COLLABORATIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.- INCREASING THE MEDICAL CENTER'S CAPACITY TO BE USER FRIENDLY TO ALL PATIENTS AND VISITORS.- CREATING PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS IN A MANNER THAT BUILDS CAPACITY WITHIN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP MEET THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMSTHE MEDICAL CENTER'S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS OVERSEES THREE DIRECT GRANT INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS A WIDE RANGE OF HEALTH CONCERNS AND RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES: THE PARENT-TO-PARENT PROGRAM, ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE AND DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVE. IT ALSO OVERSEES THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THE ASTHMA PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (APMI). THE SUMMER INTERNSHIPS OFFER SUMMER JOBS TO STUDENTS FROM THE JOSIAH QUINCY UPPER SCHOOL, BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL, CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL AND OTHERS SCHOOLS, TO HELP STUDENTS BUILD SKILL SETS AND WORK EXPERIENCES, AND PROMOTE INTEREST IN CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE. THE ASTHMA PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (APMI) WAS LAUNCHED TO REDUCE A HEALTH DISPARITY IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY BY WORKING WITH ASTHMATIC YOUTH WHO ATTEND NEARBY SCHOOLS WITH A THREE PRONG APPROACH: AN ASTHMA CLINIC, COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION AND A HOME VISITING PROGRAM.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S PARENT-TO-PARENT (P2P) INITIATIVE WAS ESTABLISHED IN RESPONSE TO INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN BOSTON'S POOR AND MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS WHICH WERE AND CONTINUE TO BE DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH. WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THESE COMMUNITIES OFTEN LACK ACCESS TO PRENATAL CARE, PREVENTION HEALTH SERVICES, PROPER NUTRITION, COMMUNITY SUPPORTS, AND SOCIAL SERVICES. ALL OF THESE FACTORS INFLUENCE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN; THE MEDICAL CENTER'S PARENT TO PARENT (P2P) INITIATIVE SEEKS TO HELP ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. THE MEDICAL CENTER'S P2P INITIATIVE IS A COMPETITIVE GRANT WHICH ENABLES ESTABLISHED P2P PROVIDERS TO INTEGRATE EFFORTS WITHIN THEIR SITES TO PROVIDE FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS.MANY BARRIERS EXIST THAT CAN PREVENT WOMEN AND MOTHERS FROM GETTING THE CARE THEY NEED INCLUDING LACK OF CHILDCARE, DISTRUST OR FEAR OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, LANGUAGE OR CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, FINANCIAL ISSUES AND UNSTABLE HOUSING. P2P STRIVES TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO RESOURCES WOMEN NEED TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. P2P ALSO PROVIDES TRAINING AND INFORMATION ON PARENTING SKILLS, ACCESSING EMPLOYMENT, AND ACCESSING SOCIAL SERVICES. P2P IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER AND PROGRAM SITES IN THE DORCHESTER AND CHINATOWN NEIGHBORHOODS OF BOSTON. THE PRIMARY GOAL OF P2P IS TO REDUCE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND INFANT MORTALITY BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN. P2P REDEFINES PRENATAL CARE TO INCLUDE SOCIAL SERVICES, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY. MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTREACH WORKERS ARE TRAINED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO SOCIAL SUPPORTS AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, MOTHERS AND THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN.P2P OUTREACH WORKERS ARE WORKING IN THEIR COMMUNITIES TO HELP PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS GET THE CARE THEY NEED. THEY ARE FROM DIVERSE ETHNIC AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS AND MANY SPEAK ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE. EACH OUTREACH WORKER IS BASED AT A PROGRAM SITE AND PROVIDES SERVICES SUCH AS:- REFERRALS TO SOCIAL SERVICES AND PRE-AND POST-NATAL CARE- PARENTING SKILLS TRAINING AND HEALTH EDUCATION- INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES- CASE MANAGEMENT- ADVOCACY ON ISSUES RELATED TO HEALTH CARE, HOUSING, INSURANCE, TRANSPORTATION, CHILD CARE, STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTSCOORDINATION OF SERVICESTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVEIN RESPONSE TO THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER, IN CONSULTATION WITH CHINATOWN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, ESTABLISHED THE ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE (AHI) AND ITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN 1995. THE AHI IDENTIFIES PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES OF PARTICULAR PREVALENCE OR CONCERN TO THE LOCAL ASIAN COMMUNITY AND SEEKS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP ADDRESS THOSE HEALTH ISSUES IN A CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY APPROPRIATE SETTING.SINCE ITS INCEPTION, FUNDED PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS HAVE ADDRESSED HEALTH CONCERNS INCLUDING: TUBERCULOSIS, HYPERTENSION, HEPATITIS B, CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION, DOMESTIC AND YOUTH VIOLENCE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY CARE AND UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. THE AHI CONVENES WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS WELL AS GRANT RECIPIENTS SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR TO RECEIVE PROGRAM UPDATES, DISCUSS PRESSING HEALTH CONCERNS WITHIN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY AND CONSIDER FUNDING PRIORITIES AND DISTRIBUTION. IT ALSO PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUAL ORGANIZATIONS AS REQUESTED AND FEASIBLE. BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY OF THE PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED, THE AHI HAS BEEN ABLE TO REACH A BROAD SEGMENT OF THE ASIAN COMMUNITY, FROM INFANTS TO SENIOR CITIZENS. IN 2013 THE PRIORITIES FOR ASIAN HEALTH INITIATIVE WERE SET AND GUIDED THE EMPHASES AND FUNDING FOR THE THREE-YEAR INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS AND CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT. SOME OF THE PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH THE AHI ARE:ASIAN AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION: THE SAMPAN NEWSPAPER OFFERS AN EXPANDED BIWEEKLY, BILINGUAL HEALTH PAGE, TWO SPECIAL HEALTH EDITIONS AND AN ON-LINE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH READERS ABOUT HEALTH TOPICS AND CONCERNS.ASIAN SPECTRUM: THE BILINGUAL CHINESE CABLE ACCESS PROGRAM IS DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL SEGMENTS ON DIABETES AND BREAST CANCER FOR BROADCAST TO THE BOSTON, MALDEN AND QUINCY COMMUNITIES. THE BROADCASTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON ASIAN SPECTRUM'S WEBSITE AND DVDS FOR EACH SERIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.BOSTON ASIAN: YOUTH ESSENTIAL SERVICE: THE PROGRAM GOAL FOR "TEENS GOING HEALTHY" IS HELPING YOUTH AND TEENS ACQUIRE THE INFORMATION AND SKILLS TO IMPLEMENT HEALTHY LIFESTYLES THAT INCLUDE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AND REGULAR EXERCISE.BOSTON CHINATOWN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER: THE FOCUS OF BCNC'S NEW PROGRAM IS HELPING ADULTS DEAL WITH THE STRESS OF THE IMMIGRATION EXPERIENCE AND ITS EFFECT ON THEIR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH, AND THE HEALTH OF THE FAMILY.GREATER BOSTON CHINESE GOLDEN AGE CENTER: THE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES PROGRAM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO HELP ASIAN SENIORS TO BETTER MANAGE THEIR CHRONIC DISEASES, AVOID THE CONSEQUENCES OF POOR MANAGEMENT, ENJOY BETTER HEALTH AND CONTINUED INDEPENDENCE.SOUTH COVE MANOR: BREAKFAST SEMINARS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE INTERESTS AND NEEDS OF PARTICIPANTS. HEALTH TOPICS WILL BE FACILITATED WITH THE GOAL OF MAKING REQUESTED INFORMATION AVAILABLE, HELPING SENIORS TO APPLY THE NEW KNOWLEDGE TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE.WANG YMCA OF CHINATOWN: THE SENIOR STRENGTH AND MOVEMENT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO OFFER AN EXERCISE PROGRAM TO INCREASE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE TO RETARD MUSCLE AND BONE LOSS AND PREVENT FALL AND INJURIES.TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVETUFTS MEDICAL CENTER ESTABLISHED THE DORCHESTER HEALTH INITIATIVE (DHI) TO ADDRESS HEALTH ISSUES DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTING RESIDENTS OF THE VARIOUS DORCHESTER NEIGHBORHOODS. THROUGH THE DHI, TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES GRANT FUNDING TO INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS ADDRESSING THE PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS OF THE DORCHESTER COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DHI ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE DHI ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS WITH EXPERIENCE IN SERVING THE NEEDS OF DORCHESTER RESIDENTS, PUBLIC HEALTH AND CITY OFFICIALS AND HOSPITAL REPRESENTATIVES.THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION (BPHC) REPORTED IN THE HEALTH OF BOSTON 2010 REPORT THAT THE MINORITY POPULATION IN BOSTON IS MORE LIKELY TO BE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL, MORE LIKELY TO BE UNINSURED, AND MORE LIKELY TO HAVE INADEQUATE HEALTH CARE. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEALTH OF BOSTON 2004 REPORT SHOWED THAT MINORITY RESIDENTS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS LIKE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES, AND INFANT MORTALITY. DORCHESTER SPECIFIC DATA SUPPORTS THE FINDINGS OF THE BPHC, AND DORCHESTER, WITH ITS HIGH MINORITY POPULATION, CONSISTENTLY RANKS AMONG THE HIGHEST FOR MOST OF THE MORE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES AMONG BOSTON'S RESIDENTS. PAST DHI HEALTH PRIORITIES HAVE INCLUDED: VIOLENCE, ASTHMA, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, OBESITY, DIABETES, LOW BIRTH WEIGHTS AND INFANT MORTALITY.
PART VI, LINE 5 (CONTINUED): CURRENT PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH THE DHI INCLUDE:BIRD STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: THE CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OFFERS INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES TO COURT INVOLVED YOUTH TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES. AN ARRAY OF SERVICES INCLUDING WORKSHOPS ON ANGER MANAGEMENT AND PERSONAL COACHING HELPS YOUTH TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURT PROCESS AND TO IDENTIFY AND SUCCEED WITH THEIR PERSONAL, ACADEMIC AND CAREER GOALS.BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DORCHESTER: THE F.I.T.T. CLUB PROGRAM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO FOSTER INTELLIGENCE IN TEENS & TWEENS BY PROMOTING HEALTH BY INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AND COMBAT BULLYING AND VIOLENCE. THE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON ENGAGING TEENS AND TWEENS OF ALL ABILITIES.DORCHESTER HOUSE MULTI-SERVICE CENTER: OFFERS THE HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR LIFE CLINIC TO HELP PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WHO HAVE DIAGNOSED AS OBESE TO LEARN ABOUT NUTRITION, ADOPT HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AND ENGAGE IN REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO INCLUDE PARENTS AND SIBLINGS.KIT CLARK SENIOR SERVICES: THE FIT-4-LIFE PROJECT HELPS SENIORS TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH BY MORE EFFECTIVELY MANAGING THEIR CHRONIC ILLNESSES SO THEY MAY ENJOY A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE WITH IMPROVED STAMINA, FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE.PROJECT R.I.G.H.T.: WAS AWARDED A SPECIAL PLANNING GRANT TO BETA TEST THE STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITIES DEVELOPED TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN LIVING IN THE GROVE HALL NEIGHBORHOOD OF BOSTON. SPORTSMEN'S TENNIS & ENRICHMENT CENTER: THE GENERATING EXCELLENT MENTOR (GEM) PROGRAM REPRESENTS AN ENHANCEMENT TO THE VOLLEY AGAINST VIOLENCE - A MULTI-COMPONENT PROGRAM WHICH INCLUDES TENNIS LESSONS AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT. THE ENHANCEMENT IS PROVIDING MENTORS TO 165 YOUTH AND THEN TRAINING THEM TO BECOME MENTORS THEMSELVES.OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMSCOMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERSANOTHER ON-GOING PRIORITY FOR TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER IS BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS TO SERVE THEIR PATIENTS, AND MORE EFFECTIVELY IMPROVE THE OVERALL HEALTH STATUS OF THEIR PATIENT POPULATIONS. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER CONTINUES TO SUPPORT AND WORK WITH THREE HEALTH CENTERS: SOUTH BOSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, SOUTH END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, AND NEPONSET HEALTH CENTER, AS WELL AS PROVIDE PROGRAMMATIC FUNDING TO SEVERAL MORE HEALTH CENTERS IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.THE PROGRAMMING THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS INCLUDES INCREASING ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE, INCREASING ACCESS TO PRENATAL CARE AND REDUCING INFANT MORTALITY FOR THE INCREASINGLY DIVERSE PATIENT POPULATIONS SERVED BY THE HEALTH CENTERS.SOUTH BOSTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S SOUTH BOSTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC IS A SATELLITE COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC OF TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER SERVING ADULTS, CHILDREN, AND ADOLESCENTS. IT IS LOCATED 10 MINUTES FROM THE HOSPITAL AND IS A TRAINING SITE FOR BOTH THE GENERAL PSYCHIATRY AND THE CHILD/ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY RESIDENCY PROGRAMS.COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC INCLUDE: INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY, GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY, FAMILY PSYCHOTHERAPY, PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF ADULT AND CHILD/ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRISTS, LICENSED INDEPENDENT CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS, LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, PSYCHIATRIC CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST, AS WELL AS PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTS AND SOCIAL WORK INTERNS.THE CLINIC HAS THE SPECTRUM OF SERVICES AND EXPERTISE TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT A VAST ARRAY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS INCLUDING MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS, PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS, PERSONALITY DISORDERS, POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER.THE CUSHING HOUSETUFTS MEDICAL CENTER ALSO PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT TO THE CUSHING HOUSE OF SOUTH BOSTON. THE CUSHING HOUSE IS OPERATED BY THE GAVIN FOUNDATION, INC. THE MISSION OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE A STABILIZING TRANSITIONAL CARE RESIDENCE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE UNABLE TO BE SERVED IN A LESS RESTRICTIVE FACILITY. THE TYPICAL CLIENT IS DIAGNOSED WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND IN NEED OF SUPPORT. RESIDENTS HAVE EVIDENCE OF DIFFICULTY WITH TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND/OR SOME EXPERIENCE WITH THE COURT, SOCIAL SERVICE OR YOUTH SERVICES SYSTEM.THE PROGRAM PROVIDES A NURTURING, STRUCTURED AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNGSTERS WHO ARE LIVING IN DISORGANIZED, FRAGMENTED AND DYSFUNCTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. IT PROMOTES SELF-CARE, SELF-RELIANCE AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY, BOTH THROUGH STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES AND THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THIS RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT.MAYOR'S SUMMER JOBS PROGRAMTUFTS MEDICAL CENTER PARTICIPATES IN THE MAYOR'S SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM, PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BOSTON PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL, LAST YEAR PLACING MORE THAN 40 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN 20 DEPARTMENTS. STUDENTS CAME FROM BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS INCLUDING JOSIAH QUINCY UPPER SCHOOL, BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL, CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, AND SOUTH BOSTON HIGH SCHOOLS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD THEIR SKILL SETS, JOB EXPERIENCE, OFFER THEIR CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC SKILLS IN SOME CASES, AND HELPS TO CREATE INTEREST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS TO CONSIDER HEALTHCARE CAREERS.PILOT PAYMENTSMUCH OF TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S PROPERTY IS TAX-EXEMPT, HOWEVER TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER CONTRIBUTES ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO THE CITY THROUGH A PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILOT) AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF BOSTON. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER HAS DEVOTED MORE THAN $1.8 MILLION IN FUNDING ANNUALLY TO COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMMING THAT DIRECTLY BENEFITS RESIDENTS OF BOSTON. TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER'S PILOT CONTRIBUTION TOTALED OVER $2.7 MILLION IN FISCAL YEAR 2015.
Schedule H (Form 990) 2014
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