SCHEDULE H
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Hospitals
MediumBullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on 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
2016
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Albany Medical Center Group Organization
 
Employer identification number

47-3869194
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
Yes
 
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
 
No
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) . . . 		    3,675,629   3,675,629 0.400 %
b Medicaid (from Worksheet 3, column a) . . . . .     188,067,492 164,523,355 23,544,137 2.540 %
c Costs of other means-tested government programs (from Worksheet 3, column b) . .     505,457   505,457 0.050 %
d Total Financial Assistance and Means-Tested Government Programs . . . . .     192,248,578 164,523,355 27,725,223 2.990 %
Other Benefits
e Community health improvement services and community benefit operations (from Worksheet 4).            
f Health professions education (from Worksheet 5) . . .     66,477,021 11,577,191 54,899,830 5.930 %
g Subsidized health services (from Worksheet 6) . . . .            
h Research (from Worksheet 7) .     3,762,924 1,737,280 2,025,644 0.220 %
i Cash and in-kind contributions for community benefit (from Worksheet 8) . . . .            
j Total. Other Benefits . .     70,239,945 13,314,471 56,925,474 6.150 %
k Total. Add lines 7d and 7j .     262,488,523 177,837,826 84,650,697 9.140 %
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 50192T Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
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            
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            
9 Other            
10 Total            
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
13,761,373
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
181,964,796
6
Enter Medicare allowable costs of care relating to payments on line 5.....
6
192,982,440
7
Subtract line 6 from line 5. This is the surplus (or shortfall)........
7
-11,017,644
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) 2016
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
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?1Name, 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 Albany Medical Center Hospital
43 New Scotland Avenue
Albany,NY12208
www.amc.edu
0101000H 14-1338307 		X X X X X X X     1
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 4
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 4
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)
Albany Medical Center Hospital
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 16
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  
6 a 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 Yes  
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 Yes  
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 16
10 Is the hospital facility's most recently adopted implementation strategy posted on a website?......... 10 Yes  
a If "Yes" (list url): www.amc.edu/Community-Health-Needs-Assessments
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" on line 12a, did the organization file Form 4720 to report the section 4959 excise tax?........ 12b    
c If "Yes" on 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) 2016
Page 5
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 5
Part VFacility Information (continued)

Financial Assistance Policy (FAP)
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
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 Was widely publicized 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
www.amc.edu/pbs
b
www.amc.edu/pbs
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 6
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 6
Part VFacility Information (continued)

Billing and Collections
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
Yes No
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 nonpayment?.................................. 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
f
19 Did the hospital facility or other authorized 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
e
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 19. (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
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 7
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 7
Part VFacility Information (continued)

Charges to Individuals Eligible for Assistance Under the FAP (FAP-Eligible Individuals)
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Name of hospital facility or letter of facility reporting group  
Yes No
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   No
If "Yes," explain in Section C.
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 8
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 8
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, 16j, 18e, 19e, 20e, 21c, 21d, 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
Part V, Line 5 - Account Input from Persons Who Represent the Community Healthy Capital District Initiative (HCDI), an independent, non-profit organization, lead the coordination of a regional community health needs assessment (CHNA) and health prioritization process for the six counties of the Capital Region -- Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Columbia, Greene and Schenectady. Albany Medical Center Hospital participated in this process along with other hospitals (listed in the response to line 6a), five local health departments, and scores of organizations across the six counties representing the interests and needs of the medically underserved, low-income and minority populations in the community (listed in the response to line 6b). These participants provided input on and assisted with: Identifying and prioritizing significant health needs Identifying resources potentially available to address those health needsCommunity health surveyBroad community engagement began with participation in a community health survey that provided key input in identifying and confirming priority health needs. HCDI contracted with Siena College Research Institute, a recognized and respected market research center that operates under Siena College in Loudonville, NY, to conduct the survey from February to March 2016. The survey was a random digit dial telephone survey of adult (18+ years) residents for each of the six counties comprising the community assessed in the CHNA (that is, the Capital Region) (n=400 per county; 2,400 for Capital Region). The survey offered multiple choice and open-ended questions to learn about residents' health needs, health behaviors, barriers to care, and concerns. Demographic information collected by the survey allowed review of information by age, gender, race/ethnicity and income. A set of questions asked for feedback on perceived community obstacles. Even with the increased percentage of Capital Region residents covered by some form of health insurance, 40% of respondents identified the cost of getting medical care as a very significant obstacle; a slightly lower percentage of the respondents (27%) identified the cost of mental health services as a very significant obstacle. About 31% identified their reluctance to seek help with a mental health issue as a very significant obstacle. About 31% identified the cost of food, and 14% identified access to grocery stores with nutritious options, as very significant obstacles. About 18% identified access to a safe place to exercise, and 21% identified the costs associated with being physically active, as very significant community obstacles. Capital Region residents were asked to identify the most important health-related issues to address in their community. About 31% of the residents identified "reducing obesity in both teens and adults", 27% identified "improving both substance abuse treatment and awareness programs", and 23% identified "improving both preventive care and management for chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and heart disease" as the most important issues.Regional WorkgroupsThe survey results were incorporated into the examination of health needs by the members of the four regional work groups that were formed by HCDI partners to target and address health priorities specific to particular regions in the defined community. Specially, Capital Region Public Health Prioritization Workgroups were established for Albany-Rensselaer, Columbia-Greene, Saratoga, and Schenectady. Albany Medical Center Hospital participated in and spearheaded the Albany-Rensselaer Workgroup, along with the Albany County Department of Health, the Rensselaer County Department of Health, and St. Peters Health Partners. Also participating in the Albany-Rensselaer Workgroup were dozens of community-based and advocacy organizations representing medically underserved, low-income, and minority populations, which were encouraged to share data of their own and to advocate for the needs of their constituents. These representatives were actively engaged, and many participated in all the prioritization meetings. They provided comments, data, and helped identify critical health resources within the Capital Region. Many of these organizations serve one or more of the following populations: low-income residents, the homeless, those with HIV/AIDS, Alzheimers, mental illnesses, those addicted to alcohol and substances, the elderly, disabled persons, low-income populations, persons challenged with food insecurity, minority populations, and the medically underserved. Examples of these organizations include the two participating federally qualified health centers, Food Pantries of the Capital District, United Way of the Capital Region, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, and our consumer community representatives have unique access to medically underserved residents that informed their input into the CHNA process. A full list of these and other community organizations, along with the populations they represent, is provided in the response to line 6b. The Albany-Rensselaer Workgroup held three meetings on February 10, February 24, and March 18, 2016. Information about the other three Workgroups is as follows: The Schenectady Workgroup was spearheaded by Schenectady County Public Health Services, Ellis Medicine, and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital and held meetings on February 4, February 19, and March 31, 2016. The Saratoga Workgroup was spearheaded by the Saratoga County Health Department and Saratoga Hospital and held meetings on February 10, February 24, and March 18, 2016. The Columbia-Greene Workgroup was led by Greene County Public Health, Columbia County Department of Health, and Columbia Memorial Hospital and held meetings on February 12th, March 2nd, and March 16th.As with the Albany-Rensselaer Workgroup, each of these Workgroups also included their local county public health departments as well as numerous organizations representing medically underserved, low-income, and/or minority populations, which such organizations are listed in the response to line 6b. Although Albany Medical Center Hospitals prior CHNA was broadly-publicized and a well-known document throughout the community, no written comments were received on the CHNA or its related implementation strategy and hence no such comments were taken into account in the needs assessment process.The Workgroups reviewed data analyses prepared by HCDI and selected the top priorities with one health disparity to be addressed. Data presentations were given at the Workgroup meetings to provide summarized available data on the leading problems in each of the Workgroups service areas. Health indicators were included in the Prioritization data presentations if: At least one of the county rates was significantly higher than the New York State, excluding New York City data; At least one of the county rates is in the highest risk quartile in the state; Rates for the health condition worsened over the past decade for one of the counties; The health condition was a leading cause of death in one of the counties; Disparity between rates was clearly evident in sub-populations; or There were a high absolute number of cases in the counties.Health indicators that met the criteria were included in the data presentations for each of five Prevention Agenda Priority Areas: Prevent Chronic Diseases; Promote a Healthy and Safe Environment; Promote Healthy Women, Infants, and Children; Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse; and Prevent HIV/STDs, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Healthcare-Associated Infections. In all, 90 health indicators across the five Prevention Agenda Priority Areas were presented. Available data on prevalence, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, mortality and trends were included for each indicator. Equity data for gender, age, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood groupings were presented as available. After the presentation, these data were made available to Capital Region partners on the HCDI website (http://hcdiny.org/). After the presentation of each set of health indicators, a discussion was held to answer any questions, or for individuals to share their experiences with the health condition in the population. Participants did a preliminary vote on the importance of the condition in the community based on three qualitative dimensions: the impact of the condition on quality of life and cost of health care; if there was community awareness and concern about the condition; and the opportunity to prevent or reduce the burden of this health issue on the community. Participants were provided with a Prioritization Tracking Tool to record their own comments and measure their thoughts on the severity, community values, and opportunity regarding each health indicator.In addition to spearheading and participating in the Workgroups themselves, public health departments were also involved in the review of draft CHNA reports. In particular, drafts were reviewed for accuracy and thoroughness by a public
Part V, Line 6a - List Other Hospital Facilities that Jointly Conducted Needs Assessment As adopted by members of the Healthy Capital District Initiative, the communities assessed in the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) are the six counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Columbia and Greene. Along with Albany Medical Center Hospital, other hospital participants in this CHNA process included Ellis Hospital, St Peters Health Partners hospitals, Saratoga Hospital, Sunnyview Hospital, and Columbia Memorial Hospital, all of which are located in the 6-county region.
Part V, Line 13h - Other Factors Used in Determing Amounts Charged Patients The organization also uses residency as a determining factor. For patients that reside outside the service area, available services to that patient in their service area is also a factor.
Part V, Line 22d - Other Billing Determination of Individuals Without Insurance Albany Medical Center utilizes the federal poverty guidelines to ensure patients are presumptively eligible, along with residence requirements. Based on family income and family members, Albany Medical Center utilizes a sliding scale calculation method to determine the amounts to bill the patient, and ultimately the amount to be paid by the patient.Charges are capped at the Medicare rates for inpatient and outpatient services.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 9
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 9
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?  
Name and address Type of Facility (describe)
1 Albany Medical Center Hospital South Campus
24 Hackett Blvd
Albany,NY12208 		Second Location of Albany Medical Center Hospital
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 10
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Page 10
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 6a - Related Organization Community Benefit Report All Schedule H disclosures reference the Albany Medical Center organization, of which Albany Medical Center Hospital is part of. The Community Benefit report is prepared for Albany Medical Center. Also included in this organization is Albany Medical College.
Part I, Line 7 - Explanation of Costing Methodology Albany Medical Center prepares a cost report for Medicare/Medicaid purposes. Figures reported in this cost report were used as the basis for reporting of charity care and means tested programs.The percent of total expense calculated in Part I, Line 7, Column (f) is calculated by dividing column (e), net community benefit expense, by total expenses for the Hospital of $940,295,971. The bad debt expense of $13,761,373 was subtracted from the total expense value for the Hospital used to calculate the percentage in Part I, Line 7, Column (f).Albany Medical Center surveyed staff for activities that meet the criteria to be reported for other benefits. Time reports from these surveys were provided and reviewed, resulting in a calculation of appropriate cost attributable to these programs.
Part III, Line 2 - Methodology Used To Estimate Bad Debt Expense Approximately 34% of the organization's patient charges relate to patients utilizing Medicare insurance. These services support the significant need from the community to have an organization to be able to provide the expertise and care required.COSTING METHODOLOGYAlbany Medical Center prepares a cost report for Medicare/Medicaid purposes. Figures reported in this cost report were used as the basis for reporting. The cost report is prepared by using financial statement data and statistical information to arrive at a cost allocated report. The report is cost certified as required by an independent accountant.
Part III, Line 4 - Bad Debt Expense Community Benefit, Charity Care and Uncompensated Care Footnote from Combined Audited Financial StatementsNOTE: The Center reports information regarding bad debt on a combined basis with Albany Medical Center Hospital.(a) Community BenefitThe Hospital offers numerous community benefit programs and services in community based settings in response to the needs of the communities it serves. They include community health fairs, health screenings, health education lectures and workshops for community groups and the general public, consumer health information, facilitated (insurance plan) enrollment services and clinical services such as outpatient clinics, adult and pediatric care services, neonatal intensive care services and behavioral health services. Staff members of the Hospital also participate in community leadership efforts by donating significant hours of board service to other not for profit organizations. The Hospital supports graduate medical education and offers health professions education support for community members through continuing education programs and scholarships.(b) Charity and Uncompensated CareThe Hospital's net cost of charity care, including payments to and receipts from the statewide pool was approximately $7.6 million in 2016 and $8.3 million in 2015 as follows:2016Charity care at cost: $5,914,000Payments to Statewide Pool: $6,732,000Receipts from Statewide Pool: $(5,087,000)Total : 7,559,0002015Charity care at cost: $6,747,000Payments to Statewide Pool: $6,357,000Receipts from Statewide Pool: $(4,838,000)Total : 8,266,000The cost of charity care provided was determined using direct and indirect costs to provide services based on the application of the ratio of the Hospital's overall cost to patient charges.The Hospital also subsidizes services to Medicaid patients, which are paid at reimbursement levels below the Hospital's cost of rendering the related services. In addition, during 2016 and 2015, the Hospital incurred approximately $13.8 million and $11.9 million in provisions for uncollectable accounts, respectively.
Part III, Line 8 - Explanation Of Shortfall As Community Benefit Approximately 34% of the organization's patient charges relate to patients utilizing Medicare insurance. These services support the significant need from the community to have an organization to be able to provide the expertise and care required.
Part III, Line 9b - Provisions On Collection Practices For Qualified Patients Albany Medical Center provides a guide to all patients and their families describing its services, programs and policies. This guide describes the financial assistance options available to a patient. In addition, Albany Medical Center maintains a website that provides information on financial assistance, charity care and frequently asked questions. Albany Medical Center further provides assistance and information about available programs during its collection process. Albany Medical Center supports our patients who may be uninsured or underinsured through the following programs and relationships.Fidelis facilitated enrollment specialists have partnered with AMC to screen and enroll patients in applicable programs. The program will service the patient in the community or home and provide follow up efforts with the respective insurer or county program.Chamberlin Edmond, an enrollment company, performs screening and enrollment in federal disability programs and State Medicaid programs. The company covers patients within and outside of NYS. There is no charge to the patient for this program.Albany County Department of Social Services Senior examiner is located on site at the hospital Monday - Friday and performs application determinations and facilitates complex case completion. This includes Chronic Care Medicaid enrollment.Albany Medical Center staffs a 7 day a week Patient Assistance Unit that performs enrollment in Medicaid, screens applicants for special program eligibility, provides Financial Aid/Charity Care application processing, performs COBRA premium requests, supports our patients in managing complex financial situations related to medical bills. The unit coordinates with physician practice groups to support the patient in navigating the financial process to ensure the provision of service with minimal financial burden whenever possible. Albany Medical Center provides a self pay/customer service unit to support the processing of Financial Aid/Charity Care applications and Presumptive Eligibility for all patients who may be determined eligible based on income and family size.Albany Medical Center also offers tailored payment plans upon request.We continue to build community partnerships that support the enrollment of patients in programs that will provide the most complete coverage for the care they need.
Part VI - Patient Education of Eligibility for Assistance Albany Medical Center provides a guide to all patients and their families describing its services, programs and policies. This guide describes the financial assistance options available to a patient. In addition, Albany Medical Center maintains a website that provides information on financial assistance, charity care and frequently asked questions. Albany Medical Center further provides assistance and information about available programs during its collection process. Albany Medical Center supports our patient who may be uninsured or underinsured through the following programs and relationships.Fidelis facilitated enrollment specialists have partnered with AMC to screen and enroll patients in applicable programs. The program will service the patient in the community or home and provide follow up efforts with the respective insurer or county program.Chamberlin Edmond, an enrollment company, performs screening and enrollment in federal disability programs and State Medicaid programs. The company covers patients within and outside of NYS. There is no charge to the patient for this program.Albany County Department of Social Services Senior examiner is located on site at the hospital Monday - Friday and performs application determinations and facilitates complex case completion. This includes Chronic Care Medicaid enrollment.Albany Medical Center staffs a 7 day a week Patient Assistance Unit that performs enrollment in Medicaid, screens applicants for special program eligibility, provides Financial Aid/Charity Care application processing, performs COBRA premium requests, supports our patients in managing complex financial situations related to medical bills. The unit coordinates with physician practice groups to support the patient in navigating the financial process to ensure the provision of service with minimal financial burden whenever possible. Albany Medical Center provides a self pay/customer service unit to support the processing of Financial Aid/Charity Care applications and Presumptive Eligibility for all patients who may be determined eligible based on income and family size.We continue to build community partnerships that support the enrollment of patients in programs that will provide the most complete coverage for the care they need.
Part VI - Community Information Our service area for Community Health Needs Assessment and Improvement PlanThe service area defined was chosen by the Health Capital District Initiative, an independent, non-profit organization intended to improve health care in the Capital Region through collaborative means. As adopted by members of the Healthy Capital District Initiative, the communities assessed in the CHNA are the 6 counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Columbia and Greene. They form the common service area covered by the local health departments in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Columbia and Greene Counties and the primary patient population served by Albany Medical Center Hospital, Ellis Hospital, St Peters Health Partners, Saratoga Hospital and Columbia Memorial Hospital, which are located within the six counties.This 6-county region is also referred to as the Capital Region.Service Areas/Regional WorkgroupsHCDI partners formed regional work groups to target and address health priorities specific to particular regions in the defined community. For example, four health priority work groups were established: Albany-Rensselaer, Columbia-Greene, Saratoga, and Schenectady.Albany Medical Center Hospital participated in the Albany-Rensselaer Work Group. Representatives, including Albany Medical Center Hospital, combined efforts to continue work on a cooperative health improvement plan for residents of these two counties.
Part VI - Community Building Activities Albany Medical Center Hospital is part of a unique tri-partite mission of medical education, biomedical research, and patient care. It is also our defining role as a community health provider, ensuring access to medical and technological innovations that are traditionally found in academic medical centers - for residents of our region and beyond. We are a safety net hospital, and the lead hospital of a Performing Provider System under the Delivery System Reform Incentive (DSRIP) Program. Community leadership and community service are integral part to our institutions strategic planning process. Population health and access for all persons serves as one of 4 pillars in our strategic plan. We actively promote public health, health education and conduct various health screenings, often in collaboration and partnership with organizations throughout our service area. Physicians, nurses, medical students and residents, and many of the staff of Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical Center Hospital volunteer their time and talents to the Capital Region community through their involvement in community organizations, community action groups, and healthcare organizations. Our missions of medical education and biomedical research improve our communitys health through: -education, training, recruitment and retention of physicians and health professionals for our community -advancement of new discoveries through medical science As the only academic medical center within nearly 150 miles, we provide a host of unique and/or highly specialized services to our community and to hospitals in our region including a Level I Trauma Center and largest Emergency Department, a Level IV NICU, the only Childrens Hospital in the region, the major resource for the Medicaid population, and a provider of high-end surgical services and medical care for the acutely ill. We are in the process of constructing a pediatric emergency department to care for the emergency needs of children in our region, ranging from trauma to minor emergencies and critical care. More than half approximately 55% - of our pediatric emergency patients are Medicaid beneficiaries.Many of Albany Medical Center Hospitals assets and resources are listed below, all of which greatly impact the health of our region. The regions only medical college: a valuable asset and resourceOur mission of education inspires us to teach our regions current and future medical professionals. Albany Medical Colleges Patient Safety and Clinical Competency Center houses an incredible collection of simulation and training resources to educate students and other health care workers. It is a critical component of Albany Medical Center Hospitals commitment to the highest standards of patient safety. Our Continuing Medical Education program helps medical professionals maintain competency skills and learn about new and developing areas in their field, all aimed at improved care of the patient (over 450 educational sessions annually). Project MEDSCOPE is a unique Albany Medical College program that offers medical students and physicians the opportunity to partner with community organizations and physicians to serve the unmet health care needs of the underserved throughout the region. Medical students and residents also participate in numerous advocacy projects, such as anti-smoking education to grade school students. We serve as a clinical rotation site for students from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) and Albany College of Pharmacy (ACP) in the fields of nursing, respiratory therapy, ultrasound, cardiovascular, paramedical services, pharmacy and laboratory sciences. Additionally, we offer scholarships to students in these HVCC and ACP programs, and has recently included scholarship programs at other local and regional colleges such as College of St. Rose (in the field of clinical laboratory medicine). This initiative has succeeded in increasing enrollment in previously under-enrolled HVCC programs to the point where there are sufficient graduating students to fill vacancies in many other hospitals in this region. A key community educator in our region: a valuable asset and resourceWe are committed to serving as one of the greatest community education resources in the region: General Public Education -Annual Health Fairs -Health Screenings -Health seminars and workshops Targeted Community Education -Disease specific programs -Broad range of clinical experts from Albany Med Serving as an educational site for local high schools Community Support -Memberships -Partnerships -Board service Support for awareness programs, programmatic initiatives -e.g., Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association Support for Economic Development / Workforce Development -To attract and retain a trained, educated workforce Support for Quality of Life programs -e.g., Boy Scouts, Jewish Family Services, Capital Region Pride Center, Regional Food Bank, Girls Inc. Needed services provided to special populations: a valuable asset and resource Major resource for Medicaid and uninsured populations -We are the largest single provider of care to the Medicaid and uninsured populations in a 25-county region, making community-based physicians available by accepting public plans that private physician groups often do not Hospital that serves other hospitals -We provide comprehensive care to the critically ill and injured that is not available at other hospitals accepting more than 13,000 patient transfers a year Diverse population -Our caregivers and medical students are from demographically diverse backgrounds, meeting the primary and specialty care needs of a diverse population -Our workforce is demographically more diverse than the 25-county region we serve Provider of regional services -We coordinate and provide a host of regional services created to improve the health and outcomes of our regions population. Examples of our regional outpatient and hospital-based services are as follows: -Regional Perinatal Center -Lifestar Regional Trauma Program -Regional AIDS Program -Regional Trauma Center -Regional Resource Center -Patient Safety and Clinical Competency Center (training for health care professionals in a virtual learning environment) Collaborating with Regional Health Improvement Task Forces: contributing valuable assets and resourcesThe following summarizes some of the many resources Albany Medical Center Hospital will provide to maximize the health strategies of each Regional Health Improvement Task Forces (Behavioral Health and Diabetes): Multi-specialty physician network Acute and tertiary care Adult and pediatric health education programs Clinical and biomedical research Medical education Community education programs Caregiver education programs Various public education forums (health fairs, seminars, workshops, screenings, etc.) Continuing Medical Education Employee Wellness initiatives
Part VI - Explanation Of How Organization Furthers Its Exempt Purpose The following are examples of Albany Medical Center Hospitals commitment to the region it serves across the spectrums of patient care, education and research. Albany Medical Center Hospital accepts all patients, regardless of ability to pay, how much they or their insurers pay, or whether they are eligible for assistance under our Hospitals financial assistance policy. We have never and will never allow financial status to impact the level of care we provide despite the fact that the financial impact is significant. We perform this financial mission for our community in an effort to keep those most in need as healthy as we can. We are the dominant provider of services for the Medicaid and uninsured populations, and as such, have been designated as a Safety Net Provider. Because of the vast range of programs and services available at academic medical centers, Albany Med retains a wide array of physician specialists not found elsewhere in our region, including critical care medicine and surgery; HIV medicine; neuro-interventional care; pediatric subspecialties; trauma; plastic reconstructive surgery; surgical oncology; endovascular surgery; transplant surgery; and various other critical services. We have many enrollment assistance programs in place and continue to expand those. For example, Albany Medical Center Hospital utilizes a specialized firm to assist our patients most in need with complicated Medicaid and Disability Application processing. The monthly fee is substantial, and is solely covered by Albany Medical Center Hospital on behalf of our patients. As the regions Level I Trauma Center and often the busiest in New York State, we provide comprehensive care to the critically ill and injured that is not available at other hospitals. As a result we receive thousands of patient transfers from other hospitals and health facilities due to the absence of a qualified specialist on staff or on-call at the time of need or because the patient required a higher level of care that the hospital could not provide. As a result, we receive a significant number of transfers from other hospitals and health facilities. Annual transfers have increased 83% since 2009, to over 11,600 patients in 2015. Our medical staff includes over 600 community-based physicians. We provide Continuing Medical Education to over 4,000 medical professionals annually. We invest in meeting community health needs at all levels, from community-based programs such as diabetes and other chronic disease management to highly specialized inpatient programs like or end-stage Congestive Heart Failure Clinic and Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic. Additional disease-based primary care outpatient programs assist patients with HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and provide services through our psychiatry clinic. Albany Med runs the regions sexual assault examiner program. In addition to serving as a resource for specialty services and transfer of patients, we work with other health systems and service providers to ensure that community needs are met. Albany Med has expanded its role as a clinical rotation site for students studying in the fields of nursing, respiratory therapy, ultrasound, cardiovascular, paramedical services, pharmacy and laboratory sciences. Additionally, the Hospital offers scholarships to students in some of these programs, and has recently included scholarship programs at other local and regional colleges in the field of clinical laboratory medicine. This initiative has succeeded in increasing enrollment in previously under-enrolled programs to the point where there are sufficient graduating students to fill vacancies in many other hospitals in our region. We have expanded our access into our communities through multi-specialty locations and urgent care sites. We educate and train physicians over 550 future physicians each year. We also offer residencies and fellowships in over thirty accredited programs, while maintaining an important commitment to the societal trends on the practice of medicine and community health. Notably, approximately 40% of the regions physicians have graduated from, or have received continuing medical education from Albany Medical College. Within the field of nursing, Albany Medical Center Hospital has instituted a Grow Our Own program whereby hospital employees who are not nurses can become nurses by attending courses and gaining clinical experience 1 day out of each scheduled work week. To better serve the needs of populations throughout our region, we continue to expand our reach into our communities by adding needed services, including urgent care. Albany Med physicians and researchers have extensive experience in a wide range of basic and clinical research topics. Our basic research scientists facilitate discoveries that translate into medical innovations at patients' bedsides.
Part VI - Affilated Health Care System Roles and Promotion Albany Medical Center Hospital is a discrete operating entity of Albany Medical Center. Other members of Albany Medical Center includes Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Center Foundation and Albany Medical Center. As a member of Albany Medical Center, the Hospital has a mission of providing excellence in patient care.All Schedule H disclosures reference the Albany Medical Center organization, of which Albany Medical Center Hospital is part of. Also included in this organization is Albany Medical College.
Part VI - States Where Community Benefit Report Filed NY
Part V - Explanation of Number of Facility Type One Facility with two locations
Schedule H (Form 990) 2016
Additional Data


Software ID: 16000303
Software Version: 2016v3.0