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 Go to www.irs.gov/Form990EZ for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2021
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
 
Employer identification number

22-2537423
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) . . .
    512,453 107,993 404,460 0.490 %
b Medicaid (from Worksheet 3, column a) . . . . .     15,776,046 10,145,990 5,630,056 6.860 %
c Costs of other means-tested government programs (from Worksheet 3, column b) . .     1,132,389 743,302 389,087 0.470 %
d Total Financial Assistance and Means-Tested Government Programs . . . . .     17,420,888 10,997,285 6,423,603 7.820 %
Other Benefits
e Community health improvement services and community benefit operations (from Worksheet 4).     175,399 0 175,399 0.210 %
f Health professions education (from Worksheet 5) . . .     0 0    
g Subsidized health services (from Worksheet 6) . . . .     6,183,840 2,795,111 3,388,729 4.130 %
h Research (from Worksheet 7) .     0 0    
i Cash and in-kind contributions for community benefit (from Worksheet 8) . . . .     69,511 0 69,511 0.080 %
j Total. Other Benefits . .     6,428,750 2,795,111 3,633,639 4.420 %
k Total. Add lines 7d and 7j .     23,849,638 13,792,396 10,057,242 12.240 %
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 50192T Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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     2,000 0 2,000 0 %
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     2,000   2,000 0 %
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 Healthcare 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
1,081,196
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
16,624
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
21,016,599
6
Enter Medicare allowable costs of care relating to payments on line 5.....
6
20,911,493
7
Subtract line 6 from line 5. This is the surplus (or shortfall)........
7
105,106
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) 2021
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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 and Surgical Children's Hospital Teaching Hospital Critical Access Hospital Research Facility ER-24Hours ER-Other Other (describe) Facility reporting group
1 BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
115 WEST SILVER STREET
WESTFIELD,MA01085
STATE LICENSE #2076
X X         X X PSYCHIATRIC AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION  
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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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)
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
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 21
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 21
10 Is the hospital facility's most recently adopted implementation strategy posted on a website?......... 10 Yes  
a If "Yes" (list url): BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/CHNA
b If "No," is the hospital facility’s most recently adopted implementation strategy attached to this return? ...... 10b    
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) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Part VFacility Information (continued)

Financial Assistance Policy (FAP)
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
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
HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/PATIENTS/BILLING-AND-FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE
b
HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/PATIENTS/BILLING-AND-FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Part VFacility Information (continued)

Billing and Collections
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
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) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Part VFacility Information (continued)

Charges to Individuals Eligible for Assistance Under the FAP (FAP-Eligible Individuals)
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION
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) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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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, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 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
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: BAYSTATE HEALTH HOSPITALS SERVE AS PART OF THE COALITION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALS/INSURER (COALITION). THE COALITION IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EIGHT NON-PROFIT HOSPITALS/INSURER IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL, COOLEY DICKINSON HOSPITAL, MERCY MEDICAL CENTER (A MEMBER OF TRINITY HEALTH OF NEW ENGLAND), SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN SPRINGFIELD, AND HEALTH OF NEW ENGLAND, A LOCAL HEALTH INSURER WHOSE SERVICE AREAS COVERS THE FOUR COUNTIES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. THE COALITION FORMED IN 2012 TO BRING HOSPITALS WITHIN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TOGETHER TO SHARE RESOURCES AND WORK IN PARTNERSHIP TO CONDUCT THEIR TRIENNIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS (CHNAS) AND ADDRESS REGIONAL NEEDS. THE INPUT OF THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER IMPORTANT REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS WAS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CHNA PROCESS. A WIDE RANGE OF STAKEHOLDERS TOOK PART IN THE 2022 CHNA PROCESS, INCLUDING LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, OTHER LOCAL MUNICIPAL AGENCIES, DIVERSE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTS. THESE STAKEHOLDERS PROVIDED INPUT THROUGH A CHNA REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC), FOCUS GROUPS, KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS, AND COMMUNITY CHATS. ADDITIONALLY, COMMUNITY FORUMS WERE CONDUCTED TOWARDS THE END OF THE CHNA PROCESS TO VET PRELIMINARY FINDINGS WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS. PLEASE REFER TO THE HOSPITALS' CHNA APPENDIX I FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF PUBLIC HEALTH, COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDED IN THE PROCESS.THE CHNA RAC INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH COALITION MEMBER HOSPITAL/INSURER AS WELL AS PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS FROM EACH HOSPITAL SERVICE AREA. STAKEHOLDERS ON THE RAC INCLUDED LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES; REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SERVING OR REPRESENTING MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED, LOW-INCOME OR POPULATIONS OF COLOR; AND INDIVIDUALS FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT THE BROAD INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY. IN DECEMBER 2020 PREVIOUS RAC MEMBERS CONDUCTED A NEW STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS TO ENSURE GEOGRAPHIC, SECTOR (E.G. SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND HOUSING), AND RACIAL/ETHNIC DIVERSITY OF RAC. THE RAC MET IN WORKGROUPS (DATA AND REPORTS, ENGAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION, AND HEALTH EQUITY) TO GUIDE THE CONSULTANTS IN THE PROCESS OF CONDUCTING THE CHNA, AND PRIORITIZING COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS, CHNA FINDINGS, AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND FINDINGS WERE MODIFIED BASED ON THE RAC'S FEEDBACK. THE RAC CONSISTED OF ABOUT 50 PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING COALITION MEMBERS AND CONSULTANTS. THE RAC MET MONTHLY FROM FEBRUARY 2021 THROUGH JULY 2022. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS WERE CONDUCTED TO GATHER INFORMATION USED TO IDENTIFY PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS, LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS, AND LOCAL LEADERS THAT REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY OR THAT SERVE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED, LOW-INCOME, OR POPULATIONS OF COLOR IN THE SERVICE AREA. INTERVIEWS WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS IDENTIFIED PRIORITY HEALTH AREAS AND COMMUNITY FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH NEEDS. FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES, COMMUNITY MEMBERS (LOW-INCOME, PEOPLE OF COLOR, AND OTHERS), AND OTHER COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS. TOPICS INCLUDED BUT WERE NOT LIMITED TO: ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS, HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE AND ACCESS, MENTAL HEALTH AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS WERE CONDUCTED FROM FEBRUARY 2022 THROUGH MAY 2022. FOCUS GROUPS AND KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS ENGAGED RESIDENTS PRIMARILY IN HAMPDEN COUNTY, BUT ALSO ACROSS THE REGION.THE CHNA ALSO USED QUALITATIVE DATA FROM OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICE AREAS AS APPROPRIATE. BAYSTATE HEALTH HELD 22 CHATS, A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT APPROACH DEVELOPED DURING THE 2019 CHNA ITERATION. DURING COMMUNITY CHATS, RAC MEMBERS BROUGHT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHNA AND GATHERED PRIORITIES IN REGULAR MEETINGS OF SERVICE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND HOSPITAL CLINICAL STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS. WHILE THESE OUTREACH EFFORTS WERE SPEARHEADED BY BAYSTATE HEALTH, THE ENGAGEMENT AND FINDINGS BENEFITTED ALL COALITION MEMBER HOSPITALS/INSURER. CHATS WERE HELD FROM JANUARY 2022 THROUGH APRIL 2022 AND ENGAGED APPROXIMATELY 300 INDIVIDUALS.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 6A: THE COALITION OF WESTERN MA HOSPITALS/INSURER (COALITION) IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EIGHT NON-PROFIT HOSPITALS/INSURER IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL, COOLEY DICKINSON HOSPITAL, MERCY MEDICAL CENTER (A MEMBER OF TRINITY HEALTH OF NEW ENGLAND), SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN SPRINGFIELD, AND HEALTH NEW ENGLAND, A LOCAL HEALTH INSURER WHOSE SERVICE AREA COVERS THE FOUR COUNTIES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. THE COALITION FORMED IN 2012 TO BRING HOSPITALS WITHIN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TOGETHER TO SHARE RESOURCES AND WORK IN PARTNERSHIP TO CONDUCT THEIR TRIENNIAL CHNAS AND ADDRESS REGIONAL NEEDS. AT THE END OF THE 2022 CHNA RESEARCH PROCESS, BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS JOINED THE COALITION.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 6B: THE COALITION OF WESTERN MA HOSPITALS/ INSURER ENGAGED THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE OF WESTERN MA (PHIWM), BASED IN SPRINGFIELD, MA, AS THE LEAD CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE CHNAS. PHIWM WAS SUPPORTED BY THREE OTHER CONSULTANT TEAMS: COMMUNITY HEALTH SOLUTIONS (CES), BASED IN NORTHAMPTON, MA; FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (FRCOG), BASED IN GREENFIELD, MA; AND PIONEER VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION (PVPC), BASED IN SPRINGFIELD, MA. THE COALITION INCLUDES HEALTH NEW ENGLAND, A LOCAL HEALTH INSURER WHOSE SERVICE AREA COVERS THE FOUR COUNTIES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7D: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY MADE ITS CHNA REPORT WIDELY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA AN EMAIL DISTRIBUTION, WITH LINKS TO THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE, TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND ORGANIZATIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CHNA REPORTS HAVE INFORMED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNTY WIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLANS IN FRANKLIN AND HAMPDEN COUNTIES. HOSPITAL AND CHNA CONSULTANT STAFF HAVE BEEN INVITED TO VARIOUS VENUES AND AUDIENCES TO PRESENT ON THE CHNA PROCESS AND KEY FINDINGS. ALL COALITION CHNAS WERE POSTED TO THE WEBSITE AND SHARED VIA THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS NEWSLETTER TO OVER 500 RECIPIENTS.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY ANTICIPATES HEALTH NEEDS AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES MAY CHANGE, THEREFORE, A FLEXIBLE APPROACH WAS ADOPTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY. FOR EXAMPLE, CERTAIN COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS MAY BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED AND REQUIRE CHANGES TO THE INITIATIVES IDENTIFIED BY THE HOSPITAL IN THE STRATEGY. OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS MAY ADDRESS CERTAIN NEEDS, INDICATING THAT THE HOSPITAL'S STRATEGIES SHOULD BE REFOCUSED ON ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS OR ASSUME A DIFFERENT FOCUS ON THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2022 CHNA.THE HOSPITAL FACILITY VIEWS A COMMUNITY BENEFITS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AS A "LIVING" DOCUMENT. BAYSTATE HOSPITALS HAVE ADOPTED THE TERM STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SIP), IN LIEU OF IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY. THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE HOSPITAL ARE REFERRED TO AS PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS IN THE SIP. DUE TO THE EVOLVING CLIMATE IN HEALTH CARE, THE HOSPITAL'S FINANCIAL HEALTH YEAR TO YEAR REMAINS UNKNOWN; THEREFORE HOSPITAL RESOURCES AND INPUTS MAY INCREASE, DECREASE, OR NEED TO BE MODIFIED. THE HOSPITAL'S SIP WORK PLAN PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE HOSPITAL TO BE STRATEGIC AND FOCUSED, YET FLEXIBLE IN ITS COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS. THE HOSPITAL FACILITY, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COUNCIL REVIEWS THE WORK PLANS QUARTERLY AND THE HOSPITAL UPDATES THE WORK PLANS ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE ANNUALLY.NO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OR HOSPITAL FACILITY CAN ADDRESS ALL THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEED PRESENT IN ITS COMMUNITY. THE HOSPITAL FACILITY IS COMMITTED TO ADHERING TO ITS MISSION AND REMAINING FINANCIALLY HEALTHY SO THAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO ENHANCE ITS CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND PATIENT EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS ADDRESS SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA. THE HOSPITAL FACILITY'S IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY DOES NOT EXPLICITLY ADDRESS ALL SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2022 CHNA DUE TO:1. LIMITED RESOURCES (TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE),2. THE HOSPITAL IS A STAKEHOLDER AND/OR PARTNER IN ADDRESSING THE NEED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH OTHER HOSPITAL CLINICAL AND SERVICE LINES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS,3. OTHER HOSPITALS OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA ARE ADDRESSING THE NEED,4. THE NEED FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL'S MISSION OR LIMITED RESOURCE CAPACITY.SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS, REFERRED TO BY THE HOSPITAL AS PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS, BEING ADDRESSED BY THE HOSPITAL INCLUDE, MENTAL HEALTH WITH A SUB-FOCUS ON YOUTH, SUBSTANCE USE, ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS, ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF PROVIDERS. SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS NOT TO BE ADDRESSED INCLUDE, FINANCIAL HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME, VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA, ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES/CLIMATE CRISIS, CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS AND OTHER HEALTH OUTCOMES.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 13B: ALL PATIENTS WITH ACCOUNT BALANCES (OTHER THAN BALANCES RESULTING FROM CO-PAYMENTS OR DEDUCTIBLES ON INSURED SERVICES) ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PROMPT PAY DISCOUNT OF 20% OF THE BALANCE FOR CLAIMS PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF SERVICE OR WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE INITIAL BILL. PATIENTS MUST REQUEST THE DISCOUNT. THE DISCOUNT CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH THE HOSPITAL SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL OFFERS A CO-PAYMENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR THE PATIENTS RECEIVING SERVICES IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL. THIS DISCOUNT PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO ALL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENTS WITH CO-PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS UNDER PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE (UNLESS PROHIBITED BY LAW OR A BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL'S CONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE INSURER OR GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY). THESE PATIENTS MAY REDUCE THE OTHERWISE APPLICABLE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SERVICE CO-PAYMENT BY 10% IF THE PATIENT ELECTS TO PAY THE CO-PAYMENT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PATIENT'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 15E: BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL (BNH) PROVIDES PATIENTS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF STATE PROGRAMS, HEALTH SAFETY NET, OR THE HOSPITAL SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHICH MAY COVER ALL OR SOME OF THEIR UNPAID BNH BILLS AS WELL AS ABOUT BNH DISCOUNT PROGRAMS. FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO REQUEST SUCH ASSISTANCE, THE HOSPITAL ASSISTS PATIENTS BY SCREENING THEM FOR ELIGIBILITY IN AVAILABLE STATE PROGRAMS AND ASSISTING THEM IN APPLYING FOR SUCH PROGRAMS. WHEN APPLICABLE, BNH MAY ALSO ASSIST PATIENTS IN APPLYING FOR COVERAGE OF SERVICES AS A MEDICAL HARDSHIP BASED ON THE PATIENT'S DOCUMENTED INCOME AND ALLOWABLE MEDICAL EXPENSES. BNH HAS CONTRACTED WITH THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND THE COMMONWEALTH HEALTH INSURANCE CONNECTOR AUTHORITY TO SERVE AS A CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELOR ORGANIZATION. AS A CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELOR (CAC), APPROPRIATE STAFF WILL INFORM A PATIENT OF THE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF A CAC, SEEK THAT THE PATIENT SIGN A CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELOR DESIGNATION FORM, AND ASSIST THE PATIENT IN FINDING APPLICABLE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16J: PAPER COPIES OF OUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (FAP) AND THE FAP APPLICATION, AND A FAP PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY AS WELL AS THE BILLING AND COLLECTIONS POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, AND RUSSIAN, AND FREE OF CHARGE IN THE HOSPITAL AND BY MAIL, AS WELL AS THE HOSPITAL FACILITIES WEBSITE HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/PATIENTS/BILLING-AND-FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE. A PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE FAP IS OFFERED TO ALL PATIENTS AT ALL REGISTRATION SITES INCLUDING OUR FULL SERVICE HEALTH CENTERS IN THE COMMUNITY - BAYSTATE BRIGHTWOOD HEALTH CENTER AND BAYSTATE MASON SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER. IN ADDITION, COPIES OF THE FULL FAP, FAP APPLICATION AND BILLING AND COLLECTIONS POLICY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL REGISTRATION SITES. COPIES OF OUR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AND DOWNLOAD ON OUR WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/ABOUT-US/COMMUNITY-PROGRAMS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENT. HARD COPIES OF OUR CHNA ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FREE OF CHARGE. WE HAVE ALSO SHARED OUR CHNA WITH ALL THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO WERE INVOLVED WITH CHNA AS WELL AS EACH HOSPITALS COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COUNCIL (CBAC). THE HOSPITAL IS COMMITTED TO ONGOING EFFORTS TO WIDELY PUBLICIZE OUR FAP AND CHNA TO THE COMMUNITY, SPECIFICALLY, TO LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS. ADDITIONAL EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE PROMOTION VIA OUR HOSPITALS VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND PROVIDING PRINTED MATERIALS TO KEY SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES AND EDUCATING THEIR STAFF THAT WORK WITH LOW INCOME POPULATIONS IN THE HOSPITALS SERVICE AREA.
BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CORPORATION PART V, SECTION B, LINE 20E: WE RELY ON MEDICAID FOR PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS. WE WOULD PERFORM THESE ACTIONS IF NEEDED BUT DID NOT HAVE ANY PATIENT DURING THE TAX YEAR WHERE AN ECA WAS INITIATED.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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?1
Name and address Type of Facility (describe)
1 1 - BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL SPORTS & REHAB
76 MAIN STREET
WESTFIELD,MA01085
PHYSICAL REHABILITATION OUTPATIENT CLINIC
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY FILES AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT ELECTRONICALLY WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S VIA THEIR WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.MASS.GOV/NONPROFIT-HOSPITAL-AND-HMO-COMMUNITY-BENEFITS. THE HOSPITAL FACILITY'S ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT IS ALSO PUBLISHED ON THE BAYSTATE HEALTH WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/ABOUT-US/COMMUNITY-PROGRAMS/COMMUNITY-BENEFITS/COMMUNITY-HEALTH-NEEDS-ASSESSMENT. THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT PROVIDES THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS HEALTH NEEDS.
PART I, LINE 7: LINE 7A (CHARITY CARE) - COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE WAS CALCULATED BY APPLYING THE RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST TO CHARGES, CALCULATED ON WORKSHEET 2, AGAINST TOTAL CHARITY CARE GROSS PATIENT CHARGES FROM THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.LINE 7B (UNREIMBURSED MEDICAID) - COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE WAS DERIVED BY APPLYING THE RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST TO CHARGES, CALCULATED ON WORKSHEET 2, AGAINST INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT GROSS CHARGES FOR MEDICAID AND MEDICAID MANAGED CARE PLANS.LINE 7C (OTHER MEANS-TESTED PROGRAMS) - COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE WAS DERIVED BY APPLYING THE RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST TO CHARGES, CALCULATED ON WORKSHEET 2, AGAINST INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT GROSS CHARGES FOR OTHER MEANS-TESTED GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.LINE 7E (COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES & BENEFIT OPERATIONS) - COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES CALCULATIONS ARE DERIVED FROM DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACTIVITIES THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH THE HOSPITAL'S 2021 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS AND EXTEND BEYOND PATIENT CARE, BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE HOSPITAL. COMMUNITY BENEFIT OPERATIONS CALCULATIONS ARE DERIVED FROM COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ASSIGNED STAFF AND COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS AND/OR ASSETS ASSESSMENT, AS WELL AS OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITY BENEFIT STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS.LINE 7G (SUBSIDIZED PROGRAMS) - COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE WAS DERIVED USING THE ORGANIZATION'S COST ACCOUNTING SYSTEM. THE EXPENSE RELATES TO INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND TO SPECIFIC OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS. THERE ARE NO COSTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PHYSICIAN CLINICS REPORTED AS SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES IN PART I, LINE 7G.PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN (F):IN FISCAL YEAR 2020, THE ORGANIZATION ADOPTED THE PROVISIONS OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATE 2014-09, REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (TOPIC 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). THE UPDATE RESULTED IN CHANGES IN THE PRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURE OF REVENUE PRIMARILY RELATED TO UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED PATIENTS. UNDER ASU 2014-09 THE ESTIMATED UNCOLLECTIBLE AMOUNTS DUE FROM THESE PATIENTS ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS THAT ARE A DIRECT REDUCTION TO NET OPERATING REVENUES. IN 2022, THESE IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS, TOTALLED $3,422,945 AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN TOTAL EXPENSES REPORTED IN PART IX, LINE 25, COLUMN (A) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGES IN PART 1, LINE 7, COLUMN (F).
PART II, COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY IS COMMITTED TO CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT MANY STATE AND FEDERALLY MANDATED COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS ETHNIC, RACIAL, AND ECONOMIC HEALTH DISPARITIES AND INEQUITIES. THE HOSPITAL EMBRACES THE TRADITIONAL DEFINITION OF "HEALTH" TO INCLUDE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, QUALITY EDUCATION, SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS, FOOD SECURITY, SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE, AND THE ARTS/CULTURE ALL ELEMENTS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES MANY VALUABLE SERVICES, RESOURCES, PROGRAMS, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT - BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE HOSPITAL AND INTO THE COMMUNITIES AND HOMES OF THE PEOPLE IT SERVES; INCLUDING GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIP OF LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF BAYSTATE HEALTH LEADERSHIP WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY BOARDS THAT ALIGN WITH ITS MISSION. THE HOSPITAL FACILITY PAID DUES TO THE GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TOTALING $2,000. THE HOSPITAL PARTICIPATES IN THE CHAMBER AS IT IS ONE OF THE LARGEST LOCAL EMPLOYERS IN THE SERVICE AREA. THE CHAMBER AND ITS MEMBERS COORDINATE ACTIVITIES TOWARD A COMMON PURPOSE OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR THE REGION.
PART III, LINE 2: THE COST OF BAD DEBTS REPORTED WAS CALCULATED BY APPLYING A RATIO OF COST TO CHARGES (BASED ON THE ORGANIZATION'S COST ACCOUNTING SYSTEM INCLUDING ALL HOSPITAL INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS) AGAINST TOTAL IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS AS REFLECTED IN THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
PART III, LINE 3: THE PORTION OF BAD DEBT THAT REASONABLY COULD BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE HOSPITAL'S CHARITY CARE PROGRAM WAS CALCULATED BY APPLYING THE PERCENTAGE OF BAD DEBTS BY ZIP CODE (FOR WHICH THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR EACH ZIP CODE IS LESS THAN 150% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL) TO THE TOTAL COST OF BAD DEBT REPORTED IN PART III LINE 2. SINCE THIS PORTION OF BAD DEBT IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS RESIDING IN AN AREA WHERE THE AVERAGE INCOME IS LESS THAN 150% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THESE PATIENTS WOULD HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE ORGANIZATION'S CHARITY CARE PROGRAM HAD THEY APPLIED. FOR THIS REASON, WE BELIEVE THE AMOUNT, TOTALLING $16,624, SHOULD BE TREATED AS COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE IN PART I.
PART III, LINE 4: AS NOTED ABOVE, THE ORGANIZATION ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATE 2014-09 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2018, WHICH CHANGED THE WAY ENTITIES REPORT AND DISCLOSE CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION INCLUDING IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSION (FORMERLY THE PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS). SEE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FOOTNOTE #2 (SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES) ON PAGE 15 UNDER THE CAPTION "NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE AND PAGE 17 UNDER THE CAPTION "RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS" FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S REPORTING OF ITS IMPLICIT PRICE CONCESSIONS (FORMERLY PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS). IF A PATIENT IS DETERMINED ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENT IS MADE TO THE PATIENT ACCOUNT BASED ON THEIR INCOME LEVEL.ONCE THE NECESSARY APPROVALS ARE OBTAINED,IT THEN FLOWS TO THE GENERAL LEDGER. PATIENTS APPLYING FOR A PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNT WILL HAVE THIS ALLOWANCE ENTERED AFTER AGREED UPON PAYMENT IS RECEIVED.
PART III, LINE 8: LINE 6 - INCLUDED ALL MEDICARE ALLOWABLE COSTS AS CALCULATED IN WORKSHEETS D-1 PART II (INPATIENT) AND D PART V (OUTPATIENT) OF THE HOSPITAL'S 2022 MEDICARE COST REPORT, NET OF MEDICARE COSTS REPORTED IN PART I, LINE 7.G, BASED ON MEDICARE COSTING PRINCIPLES. THERE IS NO SHORTFALL REPORTED ON LINE 7.
PART III, LINE 9B: FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE KNOWN TO QUALIFY FOR CHARITY CARE OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: THE PATIENT MAY HAVE REQUESTED ASSISTANCE UP FRONT AT TIME OF SERVICE WITH A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR OR THE PATIENT COULD HAVE ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE AFTER RECEIVING THEIR BILL BY CONTACTING OUR PATIENT BILLING SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES. THE FINANCIAL COUNSELOR WILL ASSIST THE PATIENT IN APPLYING FOR THE APPROPRIATE TYPE OF ASSISTANCE BASED ON THEIR INCOME AND CIRCUMSTANCES. ONCE APPROVED FOR A STATE MEDICAID OR OTHER PROGRAM, ALL BILLING AND COLLECTION ACTIVITY WILL STOP (EXCEPT FOR REQUIRED CO-PAYMENTS OR DEDUCTIBLES). FOR ALL OTHER PATIENTS, OUR STATEMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. NOTICES CONCERNING AVAILABILITY FOR ASSISTANCE ARE ALSO POSTED AT PATIENT CARE SITES.
PART VI, LINE 2: THE BAYSTATE BOARD GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CONVENES SEMI-ANNUALLY AND IS CHARGED WITH ADVOCATING FOR COMMUNITY BENEFITS AT THE BOARD LEVEL AND THROUGHOUT THE HEALTH SYSTEM AND BROADER COMMUNITY; ALIGNING THE SYSTEM'S FOUR (4) HOSPITAL-SPECIFIC COMMUNITY BENEFITS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES WITH THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S STRATEGIC PLAN; REVIEW OF CHNA DATA; APPROVAL OF A COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION STATEMENT AND HEALTH PRIORITIES; REVIEW IMPACTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS ACTIVITIES AND INVESTMENTS; AND ENSURE BAYSTATE HEALTH'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY THE MA ATTORNEY GENERAL AND IRS. ANNUALLY, THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROVIDES UPDATES TO THE BAYSTATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, BAYSTATE PRESIDENT'S CABINET, AND OTHER BAYSTATE LEADERSHIP TEAMS, AS REQUESTED. THE HOSPITAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COUNCIL (CBAC) CONTINUES TO BRING A COMMUNITY LENS AND FILTER FOR THE HOSPITAL'S HEALTH PRIORITIES. THE CBAC PROVIDES A COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE ON HOW TO INCREASE WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH FOR AN ENTIRE POPULATION; GUIDANCE IN MATCHING HOSPITAL RESOURCES TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES, THUS MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE WITH THE GOAL TO IMPROVE HEALTH STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE; AND POLICY ADVOCACY TO ASSURE AND RESTORE HEALTH EQUITY BY TARGETING RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS. PARTICIPANTS ON THE HOSPITAL CBAC REPRESENT CONSTITUENCIES AND COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL. CBAC MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT DATA AND USE THIS ANALYSIS AS A FOUNDATION FOR PROVIDING THE HOSPITAL WITH INPUT ON ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLANNING PROCESS.BAYSTATE HEALTH PATIENT & FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL (PFAC) MEMBERS PROVIDED VALUABLE INPUT IN ENHANCING CARE AT BAYSTATE HEALTH BASED ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. INFORMATION FROM PFAC PROVIDES HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP WITH AN ENHANCED UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO IMPROVE QUALITY, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, SERVICE EXCELLENCE, COMMUNICATIONS, PATIENT SAFETY, FACILITY DESIGN, PATIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION, PATIENT AND FAMILY SATISFACTION, AND LOYALTY. PFAC IS MADE UP OF A DIVERSE GROUP OF PATIENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT THE COLLECTIVE VOICE OF THE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES AT BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL, THE D'AMOUR CENTER FOR CANCER CARE, AND THE BEHEALTHY ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) IN BAYSTATE MANAGED HEALTH CENTERS.
PART VI, LINE 3: THE HOSPITAL IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT PATIENTS IN ITS COMMUNITY HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES WITH FAIRNESS AND RESPECT WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PATIENTS' ABILITY TO PAY. THE HOSPITAL RECOGNIZES THE COST OF NECESSARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES CAN IMPOSE A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL BURDEN ON PATIENTS WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED, AND ACTS AFFIRMATIVELY TO LESSEN THAT BURDEN BY OFFERING ELIGIBLE PATIENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR FREE OR REDUCED COST SERVICES. THE HOSPITAL NOT ONLY OFFERS FREE AND REDUCED COST CARE AS REQUIRED BY LAW, BUT HAS ALSO VOLUNTARILY ESTABLISHED DISCOUNT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FREE AND REDUCED COST CARE TO MORE PATIENTS RESIDING WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL.THE HOSPITAL RECOGNIZES THE BILLING AND COLLECTION PROCESS CAN BE BEWILDERING AND BURDENSOME FOR PATIENTS AND HAS IMPLEMENTED PROCEDURES TO MAKE THE PROCESS UNDERSTANDABLE FOR PATIENTS; TO INFORM PATIENTS ABOUT DISCOUNT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS; AND TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO AGGRESSIVE COLLECTION ACTIVITIES. CONSISTENT WITH ITS PATIENT COMMITMENT, THE HOSPITAL IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND A BILLING AND COLLECTION POLICY THAT REFLECTS ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS AND PATIENT BILLING AND COLLECTION PROCEDURES AND COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.THE HOSPITAL HAS FINANCIAL COUNSELORS AVAILABLE TO HELP PATIENTS APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THAT MAY COVER UNPAID HOSPITAL BILLS, INCLUDING A VARIETY OF FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS AS WELL AS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE HOSPITAL. HOSPITAL FINANCIAL COUNSELORS HAVE ALL BEEN TRAINED AND CERTIFIED BY THE STATE AS CERTIFIED ACCOUNT COUNSELORS TO ASSIST PATIENTS IN APPLYING FOR AVAILABLE FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS. THE HOSPITAL IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT PATIENTS OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY ARE AWARE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. FOR UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED PATIENTS, THE HOSPITAL WILL ASSIST IN APPLYING FOR AVAILABLE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. THE HOSPITAL NOTIFIES PATIENTS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE IN BOTH THE INITIAL BILL SENT TO PATIENTS, AS WELL AS IN GENERAL NOTICES POSTED THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL.WHEN APPLICABLE, THE HOSPITAL ALSO ASSISTS PATIENTS IN APPLYING FOR COVERAGE OF SERVICES AS A MEDICAL HARDSHIP BASED ON THE PATIENT'S DOCUMENTED INCOME AND ALLOWABLE MEDICAL EXPENSES. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES, UPON REQUEST, SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELIGIBILITY PROCESS TO BE A LOW INCOME PATIENT UNDER EITHER THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH SAFETY NET PROGRAM OR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE LOW INCOME THROUGH BAYSTATE'S OWN INTERNAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THE HOSPITAL ALSO NOTIFIES PATIENTS ABOUT AVAILABLE PAYMENT PLANS BASED ON THEIR FAMILY SIZE AND INCOME. BAYSTATE HEALTH'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND BILLING AND COLLECTION POLICY ARE POSTED ON THE BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG WEBSITE AT HTTPS://WWW.BAYSTATEHEALTH.ORG/PATIENTS/BILLING-AND-FINANCIAL-ASSISTANCE. THE GOAL OF POSTING THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND THE BILLING AND COLLECTION POLICY IS TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY ARE AWARE OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. SIGNS ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AT THE HOSPITAL ARE TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH AND RUSSIAN AS THESE LANGUAGES ARE PRIMARILY SPOKEN BY MORE THAN 1,000 OR 1% OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA. SIGNS ARE LARGE AND CLEARLY VISIBLE. HOSPITAL SIGNS ARE 8.5 X 11 INCHES AND THE HEADER PRINT FONT IS 24 POINTS. NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE POSTED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: INPATIENT, CLINIC, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ADMISSIONS AND/OR REGISTRATION AREAS, CENTRAL ADMISSION/REGISTRATION AREA, PATIENT FINANCIAL COUNSELOR AREAS, AND BUSINESS OFFICE AREAS THAT ARE OPEN TO PATIENTS.
PART VI, LINE 4: THE FOLLOWING "COMMUNITY INFORMATION" DESCRIPTION IS EXTRACTED FROM THE HOSPITAL'S 2022 CHNA. BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL (BAYSTATE NOBLE) LOCATED IN WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, IS AN 85- BED ACUTE CARE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HELPING PEOPLE IN THE GREATER WESTFIELD COMMUNITY. BAYSTATE NOBLE IS A MEMBER OF BAYSTATE HEALTH, A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL, INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION SERVING MORE THAN 800,000 PEOPLE THROUGHOUT WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. BAYSTATE HEALTH, WITH A WORKFORCE OF 13,000 EMPLOYEES, IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE REGION AND INCLUDES BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE MEDICAL PRACTICES, BAYSTATE HOME HEALTH, AND BAYSTATE HEALTH FOUNDATION. BAYSTATE NOBLE HAS MORE THAN 450 EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING 210 NURSES AND 250 AFFILIATED PHYSICIANS ON ACTIVE AND COURTESY STAFF. BAYSTATE NOBLE OFFERS DIRECT ACCESS TO WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS, AND SPECIALISTS, WORKING TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH CARE, CLOSE TO HOME. BAYSTATE NOBLE SEES 28,000 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS ANNUALLY AND ADMITS 2,600 PATIENTS. SKILLED AND COMPASSIONATE NURSES AND MEDICAL SUPPORT STAFF OFFER AN IDEAL COMBINATION OF "HIGH TECH AND "HIGH TOUCH," COMPLEMENTING AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF DOCTORS. SERVICES INCLUDE OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, EMERGENCY, LABORATORY, GASTROENTEROLOGY, SURGERY, CARDIOPULMONARY SERVICES AND REHABILITATION, CANCER CARE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, UROLOGY, NEUROLOGY, INPATIENT REHABILITATION, AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING, INCLUDING 3D MAMMOGRAPHY.THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE NOBLE INCLUDES ELEVEN COMMUNITIES, TEN OF WHICH ARE IN THE WESTERN PART OF HAMPDEN COUNTY, WITH MOST OF THIS POPULATION LIVING IN THE CITIES OF WEST SPRINGFIELD AND WESTFIELD. THERE IS A MIX OF RURAL AND URBAN POPULATIONS, AND THE COMMUNITIES SERVED INCLUDES PART OF THE HILLTOWNS RURAL CLUSTER. THE U.S. CENSUS DEFINES URBAN AREAS AS CONSISTING OF CENSUS TRACTS AND/OR BLOCKS WHICH MEET THE MINIMUM POPULATION DENSITY REQUIREMENT (2,50049,999 FOR URBAN CLUSTERS AND OVER 50,000 FOR URBANIZED AREAS) OR ARE ADJACENT AND MEET ADDITIONAL CRITERIA. EIGHTY-TWO PERCENT OF THE POPULATION LIVES IN URBAN AREAS , AND THE MEDIAN AGE OF RESIDENTS IN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE NOBLE IS APPROXIMATELY 42 YEARS. ACCORDING TO CENSUS ESTIMATES, THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE NOBLE HAS THE SAME RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY SINCE THE LAST CHNA. THE REGION IS 86% WHITE, 8% LATINO/A/E, 2% BLACK, AND 5% SOME OTHER RACE. MORE THAN 200 RESIDENTS IN THE BAYSTATE NOBLE COMMUNITIES IDENTIFY AS AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE ALONE. THE PROPORTION OF FOREIGN BORN RESIDENTS IN THE AREA IS CLOSE TO 10%, HALF THE STATEWIDE PROPORTION, AND 85% OF FOREIGN-BORN RESIDENTS WERE BORN IN EUROPE OR ASIA. THE BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL CAMPUS POPULATION HAS A MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME OF $85,255, ABOUT 15% LOWER THAN THAT OF THE STATE ($103,126), AND 8% OF RESIDENTS LIVE IN POVERTY. THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS IN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, WITH 57% ON PRIVATE INSURANCE, MORE THAN 35% ON PUBLIC INSURANCE, AND 3% WITHOUT ANY HEALTH INSURANCE. THERE IS NO OTHER MAJOR HOSPITAL IN THE GREATER WESTFIELD SERVICE AREA OUTSIDE OF BAYSTATE NOBLE AND BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER IN SPRINGFIELD. IN ADDITION, PARTS OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE NOBLE ARE DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES. WEST SPRINGFIELD, WESTFIELD, HUNTINGTON, SOUTHWICK, AND AGAWAM HAVE BLOCK GROUPS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE DESIGNATIONS. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES ARE THOSE IDENTIFIED AS HAVING UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS THAT OFTEN EXPERIENCE DISPROPORTIONATE EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS.
PART VI, LINE 5: THE HOSPITAL FACILITY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPOND TO HEALTH CARE NEEDS UNSUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS. IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS RESPONSIBILITY, THE HOSPITAL QUALIFIES FOR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS UNDER 501(C)(3). HOWEVER, PROVIDING HOSPITAL CARE ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH TO QUALIFY FOR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS. HOSPITALS ALSO MUST OPERATE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND PROVIDE PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE HOSPITAL FACILITY, A MEMBER HOSPITAL OF BAYSTATE HEALTH, IS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES EVERY DAY, WITH QUALITY AND COMPASSION. THE HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION IS TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES, PROMOTE COMMUNITY WELLNESS, AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO CARE FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. THE HOSPITAL IS COMMITTED TO MEETING THE IDENTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS OF CONSTITUENCIES AND COMMUNITIES SERVED THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF BAYSTATE HEALTH'S MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, AFFILIATED PROVIDERS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS.THE HOSPITAL FACILITY MEETS ALL OF THE FACTORS REQUIRED OF MEDICAL FACILITIES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN TAX EXEMPTION, AS FIRST DESCRIBED IN REVENUE RULING 69-545. IN SUPPORT OF PATIENT CARE AND THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE HOSPITAL, MEDICAL STAFF MEMBERSHIP AND PRIVILEGES ARE EXTENDED TO ALL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS AND PRACTITIONERS IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS WHO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDENTIALING AND CLINICAL PRIVILEGES, WHETHER EMPLOYED BY A RELATED BAYSTATE HEALTH OR COMMUNITY-BASED ENTITY. THE HOSPITAL'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IS OPEN TO ALL IN NEED OF CARE AND SERVICES; NO ONE REQUIRING EMERGENCY CARE IS DENIED TREATMENT. IN ADDITION, SURPLUS FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS ARE GENERALLY APPLIED, AS PERMITTED, TO THE FOLLOWING: IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENT CARE, EXPANSION AND RENOVATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, PURCHASE AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT, DEBT SERVICE, EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH TRAINING OF PHYSICIANS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND OTHER CLINICAL STAFF, AND THE SUPPORT OF SCIENTIFIC, TRANSLATIONAL, AND CLINICAL RESEARCH.BAYSTATE HEALTH'S VOLUNTEER BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS AFFILIATES, IS COMPRISED OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF BAYSTATE HEALTH AND UP TO TWENTY-TWO (22) OTHER ELECTED TRUSTEES WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BROAD RANGE OF INTERESTS WHICH EXIST IN THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES. THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OVERSEES THE NOMINATION OF TRUSTEES AND SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE VARIOUS BOARD COMMITTEES. IN CONSIDERING NOMINATIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRUSTEES, DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS, OR OFFICERS, THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE SELECTS NOMINEES WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE VARIOUS AND DIVERSE CONSTITUENCIES SERVED BY BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES. IN PARTICULAR THE COMMITTEE NOMINATES PERSONS WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY CONSUMER INTERESTS OF THE VARIOUS NEIGHBORHOODS AND LOCALITIES WHICH ARE SERVED BY BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES IN THE CARRYING OUT OF AND PURSUANT TO THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES.PLEASE REFER TO THE SECTION ABOVE IN LINE 2 FOR ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF THE HOSPITAL'S RESPONSIVENESS TO THE COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: INCLUDING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES' GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY BENEFITS ADVISORY COUNCIL, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
PART VI, LINE 6: BAYSTATE HEALTH IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM SERVING OVER 800,000 PEOPLE THROUGHOUT WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND SAFETY, BAYSTATE HEALTH HAS MORE THAN 13,000 EMPLOYEES AND SERVES A DIVERSE POPULATION OF PATIENTS AT ITS TEACHING HOSPITAL, BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER IN SPRINGFIELD, AS WELL AS AT BAYSTATE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ITS THREE COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, SEVERAL URBAN HEALTH CENTERS, HOME CARE AND HOSPICE SERVICES, AND A NETWORK OF OVER 80 MEDICAL PRACTICES. THE FOUR HOSPITALS INCLUDE BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER, BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL, AND BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL; THE OTHER 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE BAYSTATE MEDICAL PRACTICES, VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION AND HOSPICE OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND, BAYSTATE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, AND BAYSTATE HEALTH FOUNDATION. BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER (BAYSTATE MEDICAL) IS A 780-BED INDEPENDENT ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER AND HOME TO THE UMASS CHAN MEDICAL SCHOOL BAYSTATE. BAYSTATE MEDICAL HAS ONE OF NEW ENGLAND'S BUSIEST EMERGENCY ROOMS AND IS THE REGION'S ONLY LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER. BAYSTATE MEDICAL HAS LONG PROVIDED THE REGION WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CARE FOR CONDITIONS SUCH AS CANCER, ACUTE AND CHRONIC CARDIOVASCULAR ILLNESS, AND A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER MAJOR DISEASES. THE HOSPITAL ALSO OFFERS PRE- AND POST-NATAL CARE FOR MOTHERS GIVING BIRTH AT ITS WESSON WOMEN & INFANTS' UNIT, WHICH IS HOME TO THE REGION'S ONLY LEVEL III NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU). IN ADDITION, THE MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS THE BAYSTATE HEART & VASCULAR PROGRAM AND THE BAYSTATE REGIONAL CANCER PROGRAM, AMONG OTHER ADVANCED SPECIALTY MEDICAL, DIAGNOSTIC, AND SURGICAL SERVICEBAYSTATE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, PART OF BAYSTATE MEDICAL, IS THE ONLY ACCREDITED FULL-SERVICE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND PEDIATRIC-SPECIFIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. IT PROVIDES PRIMARY AND ADVANCED MEDICAL CARE TO BABIES, CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND THEIR FAMILIES.BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER (BAYSTATE FRANKLIN) IS AN 89-BED FACILITY LOCATED IN GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, THAT PROVIDES HIGH-QUALITY INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF RURAL FRANKLIN COUNTY AND NORTH QUABBIN. INPATIENT SERVICES INCLUDE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INTENSIVE CARE, MEDICAL-SURGICAL CARE, AND OBSTETRICS/ MIDWIFERY. OUTPATIENT SERVICES INCLUDE 3D MAMMOGRAPHY, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, CANCER CARE AND INFUSION, CARDIAC REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS, EMERGENCY CARE, HEART AND VASCULAR PRACTICE AND CLINICAL SERVICES, INTENSIVE CARE, LABORATORY SERVICES, ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ENDOSCOPY AND MINOR PROCEDURES, PULMONARY REHABILITATION, RADIOLOGY, SLEEP MEDICINE, WOUND CARE, AND HYPERBARIC MEDICINE. ADDITIONALLY, THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF FRANKLIN COUNTY (CHCFC), A DENTAL CLINIC IS LOCATED ONSITE, ADJACENT TO THE BAYSTATE FRANKLIN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL (BAYSTATE NOBLE) IS A 85-BED ACUTE CARE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HELPING PEOPLE IN THE GREATER WESTFIELD COMMUNITY, OFFERING DIRECT ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS TECHNOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS, AND SPECIALISTS. THE HOSPITAL WORKS TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO EXCEPTIONAL HEALTHCARE, CLOSE TO HOME. SKILLED AND COMPASSIONATE NURSES AND MEDICAL SUPPORT STAFF OFFER AN IDEAL COMBINATION OF "HIGH TECH AND "HIGH TOUCH", COMPLEMENTING AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF DOCTORS. SERVICES INCLUDE OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, EMERGENCY, LABORATORY, GASTROENTEROLOGY, SURGERY, CARDIOPULMONARY SERVICES AND REHABILITATION, CANCER CARE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, UROLOGY, NEUROLOGY, INPATIENT REHABILITATION, AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING, INCLUDING 3D MAMMOGRAPHY.BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL (BAYSTATE WING) IS A 68-BED FACILITY LOCATED IN PALMER, MASSACHUSETTS HELPING PEOPLE IN A SERVICE AREA THAT INCLUDES THREE COUNTIES HAMPDEN, HAMPSHIRE, AND WORCESTER. THE HOSPITAL SERVICES APPROXIMATELY 120,000 RESIDENTS IN SEVENTEEN TOWNS, WITH OVER HALF OF THIS POPULATION LIVING IN BELCHERTOWN, LUDLOW, PALMER, WILBRAHAM, AND WARE. WE OFFER A BROAD RANGE OF MEDICAL, SURGICAL, AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES. OUR EXPANDED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (ED) PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN AROUND THE CLOCK. THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT INCLUDES A SIX BED CRITICAL CARE UNIT AND IS A PRIMARY STROKE CENTER DESIGNATED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MDPH). OUR HOSPITAL OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE, PERSONALIZED, AND HIGH-QUALITY INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES THROUGH THE GRISWOLD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER AND THE CENTER FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY.BAYSTATE MEDICAL PRACTICES (BMP) IS A MULTI-SPECIALTY GROUP OF OVER 1,147 PHYSICIANS AND ADVANCED PRACTICE CLINICIANS IN PRIMARY CARE, SPECIALTY, AND SURGICAL DISCIPLINES WITH MORE THAN 100 PRACTICES ACROSS 85 LOCATIONS. BMP OFFERS PATIENT-CENTERED CARE, INCLUDING: FAMILY PRACTICE, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND PEDIATRIC PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, URGENT CARE CLINICS, SUBURBAN AND RURAL PRACTICES. MANY SITES ARE DESIGNATED PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES, SIGNIFYING OUR EMPHASIS ON COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS, COLLABORATION AMONG PROVIDERS, AND CONTINUITY OF CARE. BMP'S POLICY IS TO PROVIDE CARE TO ANY PATIENT IN NEED OF MEDICAL CARE, REGARDLESS OF THE PATIENT'S ABILITY TO PAY FOR SUCH CARE. DEPENDENT UPON THE PATIENT'S FINANCIAL CAPABILITY TO PAY AND CONSISTENT WITH BAYSTATE HEALTH AND BMP POLICIES, BMP MAY PROVIDE SUCH CARE FREE OF CHARGE OR AT AMOUNTS BELOW ITS NORMAL CHARGES. IN TAX YEAR 2021 BMP PROVIDED $1,213,702 IN CHARITY CARE. IN ADDITION TO THE CHARITY CARE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS, BMP'S PHYSICIANS PARTICIPATE IN MANY AND VARIED ONGOING COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES IN THE AREAS OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, SAFETY, AND HEALTH. BMP HAS ALSO TAKEN A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH OF DISADVANTAGED CITIZENS IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES INCLUDING SPECIFIC FOCUS ON HIV/AIDS AND BY PROVIDING PHYSICIAN STAFFING FOR THREE COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CENTERS THROUGH BAYSTATE MEDICAL. VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION AND HOSPICE OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND PROVIDES THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES, PRIMARILY IN THEIR HOMES. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE HOME HEALTH, HOSPICE, AND PALLIATIVE CARE AGENCY WITH A STAFF OF OVER 250 MANAGING MORE THAN130,000VISITS ANNUALLY. EACH PATIENT AND FAMILY IS CARED FOR BY CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED NURSES, THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, HOSPICE AIDES, SPIRITUAL AND BEREAVEMENT COUNSELORS, AND VOLUNTEERS IN COLLABORATION WITH THEIR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND/OR OTHER PROVIDERS. THE HOME HEALTH TEAM WORKS TOGETHER TO ENSURE A SAFE AND SWIFT RECOVERY FROM ILLNESS, ACCIDENT, OR SURGERY IN THE COMFORT OF PATIENTS' HOME. HOME HEALTH HAS BEEN WORKING ON A ROBUST TELEMONITORING PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH CHF AND COPD TO RECOGNIZE CHANGES AND AVOID HOSPITALIZATIONS. THE HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM OFFERS MEDICAL, SPIRITUAL AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES THROUGH ITS EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF CAREGIVERS TO SUPPORT PATIENTS FACING A SERIOUS OR LIFE LIMITING ILLNESS. THIS CARE TEAM WORKS TOGETHER, WITH BOTH THE PATIENT AND FAMILY, TO BRING UNDERSTANDING, COMFORT, DIGNITY, AND A SENSE OF PEACE, AS EACH PATIENT JOURNEY TOWARDS THE FINAL STAGE OF LIFE. HOSPICE HAS WORKED WITH BMC TO CREATE AN INPATIENT HOSPICE PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS AT END OF LIFE WITH SYMPTOMS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO MANAGE OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL ALLOWING HOSPICE LEVEL OF CARE IN AN ACUTE SETTING. BAYSTATE REFERENCE LABORATORIES (BRL) IS BAYSTATE HEALTH'S CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICE, PROVIDING STATE-OF-THE-ART, CONVENIENT PATHOLOGY TESTING SERVICES TO PHYSICIANS, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER HEALTH CARE SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE REGION. BRL IS THE REGION'S LARGEST ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER-BASED REFERENCE LABORATORY AND IS STAFFED BY MORE THAN 20 BOARD-CERTIFIED PATHOLOGISTS AND OVER 650 TECHNOLOGISTS AND LAB SUPPORT PERSONNEL.BASED IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, HEALTH NEW ENGLAND IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH PLAN SERVING MEMBERS IN MASSACHUSETTS AND CONNECTICUT. A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF BAYSTATE HEALTH, HEALTH NEW ENGLAND OFFERS A RANGE OF HEALTH CARE PLANS INCLUDING COMMERCIAL, MEDICAID, AND MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE. FOR OVER 30 YEARS, HEALTH NEW ENGLAND HAS BEEN MEETING THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF OUR MEMBERS, AND CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST TRUSTED AND VALUED HEALTH PLAN IN OUR COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION TO THE BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE AFFILIATED ENTITIES ABOVE, THE INFORMATION BELOW SPEAKS TO ACTIVITIES OF BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES REGARDING PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH.IN ADDITION TO ITS 13,000 EMPLOYEES, BAYSTATE HEALTH HAS MEDICAL STAFF, NURSES, RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS, MEDICAL STUDENTS, NURSING STUDENTS, AND ALLIED HEALTH STUDENTS WHO GAIN COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EDUCATION DURING THE YEAR. A RECOGNIZED LEADER IN EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION, BAYSTATE HEALTH HAS BEEN TRAINING DOCTORS SINCE 1914. IN TAX YEAR 2021, OVER 360 RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS IN 11 RESIDENCY AND 20+ FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS TRAINED AT BAYSTATE HEALTH. IN ADDITION, BAYSTATE HEALTH PROVIDED TRAINING TO OVER 150 MEDICAL STUDENTS COMPLETING CLERKSHIPS AND ELECTIVES IN VARIOUS SPECIALTIES. 103 MEDICAL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE POPULATION-BASED URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH (PURCH) TRACK AT UMASS CHAN MEDICAL SCHOOL BAYSTATE. THERE WERE OVER 740 NURSING STUDENTS AND OVER 300 ALLIED HEALTH STUDENTS FROM LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAT COMPLETED CLINICAL TRAINING AS PART OF THEIR ASSOCIATE, BACCALAUREATE, MASTER'S AND POST-DOCTORAL WORK. BAYSTATE HEALTH IS A NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROVIDER OF CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. CONTINUING EDUCATION IS PROVIDED THROUGH REGIONAL CONFERENCES, GRAND ROUNDS, AND INTERNET COURSES. DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC BAYSTATE HEALTH HAS CONTINUED TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL NURSING PROGRAM CLINICAL PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE OUTSTANDING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES FOR NEW NURSES. THESE TRYING TIMES HAVE SERVED AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD OUR COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS. IN TAX YEAR 2021, A 254 NURSES GRADUATED FROM THE BAYSTATE HEALTH NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS A 10-MONTH LONG PROGRAM FOR REGISTERED NURSES WITH LESS THAN 10 MONTHS EXPERIENCE, OFFERING PRACTICE-BASED EXPERIENCE, IN-DEPTH LEARNING, AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. BAYSTATE HEALTH'S NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED REACCREDITATION IN JULY 2021 AS A PRACTICE TRANSITION PROGRAM BY THE AMERICAN NURSES CREDENTIALING CENTER'S (ANCC) COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION WITH A PLAN TO REACCREDIT IN 2025. BAYSTATE HEALTH CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A SUBSET OF NURSES WITH FORGIVABLE NURSING LOANS TOWARDS EARNING THEIR ADN, BSN, MASTERS, DNP, OR PHD IN NURSING. THE PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2002 AND TO DATE HAS SUPPORTED MORE THAN 600 RNS AND STUDENT NURSES PROVIDING MORE THAN $2,451,250 IN FORGIVABLE LOANS.THE BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER'S MIDWIFERY EDUCATION PROGRAM GRADUATED FOUR STUDENTS IN 2022. ALTHOUGH THE PANDEMIC CONTINUED TO REQUIRE SOME ADDED FLEXIBILITY, CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES CONTINUED WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. THREE STUDENTS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THEIR CERTIFICATION BOARD EXAM AND ARE EMPLOYED AS CERTIFIED NURSE-MIDWIVES IN BEVERLY, MA; HARTFORD, CT, AND WORCESTER, MA. OUR FOURTH GRADUATE COMPLETED THE PROGRAM FOLLOWING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE AND WILL BE TAKING THE BOARD EXAM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER MIDWIFERY EDUCATION PROGRAM CONTINUES TO SUPPORT AREA WORKFORCE, WITH PROGRAM ALUMNI COMPRISING 30% OF CNMS EMPLOYED IN PRACTICES IN SPRINGFIELD AND SURROUNDING AREAS.IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL, BAYSTATE HEALTH IS NOW THE REGIONAL CAMPUS FOR AN INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM TRACK CALLED PURCH (POPULATION-BASED URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH). THE PURCH TRACK FOCUSES ON ADDRESSING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH FOR OUR PATIENTS. THE PURCH TRACK IS DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS TO CARE FOR BAYSTATE HEALTH'S DIVERSE PATIENT POPULATIONS BY PROVIDING CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES IN A VARIETY OF CLINICAL SETTINGS, LED BY FACULTY WHO HAVE EXPERTISE IN POPULATION HEALTH AND CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH. THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO STUDENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS SEEKING AN AFFORDABLE MEDICAL EDUCATION; TO RESPOND TO THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMONWEALTH BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF MASSACHUSETTS PHYSICIANS TRAINED IN URBAN AND RURAL PRIMARY CARE; AND TO APPLY PROVEN ACADEMIC RESEARCH METHODS TO IMPROVE POPULATION HEALTH, REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES, AND MAKE HEALTH CARE BETTER INTEGRATED, MORE EFFICIENT, AND MORE EFFECTIVE. OVER THE PAST TAX YEAR, THERE WERE NINE SITES THAT HOSTED POPULATION HEALTH CLERKSHIPS (PHCS), FOUR RURAL AND FIVE URBAN. THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATED AS HOST SITES: MLK | MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. FAMILY SERVICES, SQUARE ONE, TAPESTRY HEALTH, ARMBROOK VILLAGE, REGREEN SPRINGFIELD, QUABOAG VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (QVCDC), QUABOAG HILLS SUBSTANCE ABUSE ALLIANCE, BEHEALTHY PARTNERSHIP (MEDICAID ACO) POPULATION, BAYSTATE HEALTH WELLNESS ON WHEELS (WOW) BUS, AND BAYSTATE HEALTH/ROCA.BAYSTATE SPRINGFIELD EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP (BSEP) REMAINED PRIMARILY ONLINE DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IN THE HOSPITAL. BSEP ENGAGED 171 (UNIQUE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS SMALLER) HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ALL SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOLS AND SEVERAL CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. NUMBERS CONTINUED TO BE IMPACTED BY THE ONLINE FORMAT AND DECREASED ENGAGEMENT WHILE SCHOOLS HAD RETURNED IN PERSON. STAFF COORDINATED SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER FOR 17 STUDENTS. BSEP TRAINED SIX (6) STUDENTS AS CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS, FOUR (4) IN PHLEBOTOMY TWO (2) OPERATING ROOM ASSISTANTS, AND FIVE (5) SUMMER SCHOLARS. IN ADDITION, 11 STUDENTS WERE PLACED IN WORK EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AS PART OF THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) PROGRAM AND OTHER FUNDED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES. BAYSTATE HAS ALREADY JUMPED TO THE TOP OF THE MINIMUM WAGE SCALE WHICH WILL IMPACT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT CAN HAVE A WORK EXPERIENCE UNDER THE GRANT. LASTLY, 26 FORMER BSEP PARTICIPANTS WERE AWARDED $26,400 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO SUPPORT THEIR PURSUIT OF UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE EDUCATION. TOTAL BAYSTATE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO DATE NOW EXCEEDS $800,000.VOLUNTEERS ENHANCE THE WORK OF OUR EMPLOYEES AND INTERACTIONS WITH OUR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES EVERY DAY. IN 2022,VOLUNTEER SERVICES SLOWLY BROUGHT OUR VOLUNTEERS BACK TO HELP SUPPORT PATIENT, FAMILIES IN STAFF IN DESIGNATED AREAS. IN REPORTING FOR TAX YEAR 2021, 135 VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTED BMC, FOR A TOTAL OF 6,818 HOURS.IN 2022, NEARLY 240,000 SPOKEN AND SIGNED LANGUAGE INTERPRETER SESSIONS HELPED PATIENTS AND FAMILIES BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR CARE RESULTING IN BETTER ACCESS TO AND EQUITY IN THEIR HEALTHCARE. BAYSTATE PROVIDES IN-PERSON INTERPRETERS AS WELL AS TELEPHONIC AND VIDEO INTERPRETERS OFF-SITE. OUR NATIONALLY CERTIFIED TRANSLATORS TRANSLATED MORE THAN 6,300 PAGES OF PATIENT-RELATED INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS, HELPING TO ENSURE THAT OUR PATIENTS WERE WELL-INFORMED ABOUT THEIR HEALTH CONDITION(S) AND HOW TO CARE FOR THOSE CONDITIONS IN SIMPLE TERMS AND IN A LANGUAGE THEY PREFER.BAYSTATE HEALTH'S MEDICAID ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO), THE BEHEALTHY PARTNERSHIP (BHP) WHICH INCLUDES CARING HEALTH CENTER, HEALTH NEW ENGLAND, AND THE FOUR BAYSTATE HEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SERVES APPROXIMATELY 50,000 PEOPLE AND SAW AN INCREASE DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TAX YEAR 2019 WHICH CONTINUES AT A STABLE NUMBER. IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, BHP FOCUSED ON CONTINUING TO BUILD OUT ITS CLINICAL INNOVATION STRATEGIES, INTEROPERABILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, AS WELL AS MEET ITS QUALITY STANDARDS. IN ADDITION, HEALTH EQUITY WORK WAS PRIORITIZED IN THE CLINICAL AND DATA ARENAS. THE ACO CONTINUED ITS WORK ON A COVID-19 MITIGATION WORKGROUP, WHICH INVOLVED PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY ENTITIES SUCH AS THE SPRINGFIELD HOUSING AUTHORITY. THE ACO ALSO DEEPENED COMMUNITY LINKAGE EFFORTS TO BETTER SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE SERVICES PROGRAM. COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS ARE INTRICATELY LINKED TO FUTURE STRATEGIES OF TELEHEALTH, FLEXIBLE SERVICES PROGRAMMING, AND BALANCING MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORTS FOR BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES AND REDUCTION OF TOTAL COST OF CARE.
BAYSTATE HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE THROUGHOUT WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS WITH THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO STAY INFORMED AND HEALTHY BY PROVIDING BOTH BASIC AND EXTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES, INCLUDING "BAYSTATE'S BABIES", A PERINATAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM. ALSO OFFERED ARE BREASTFEEDING CLASSES, PRENATAL/POSTNATAL CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES, AND INFANT SAFETY CLASSES. SOME CLASSES ARE FREE WHILE OTHERS ARE OFFERED AT A REASONABLE FEE. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY DUE TO INABILITY TO PAY. IN 2023, FACE-TO-FACE PROGRAMS WILL RESUME. ONLINE PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES THAT ARE SELF-LEARNING MODULES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ALONG WITH SYNCHRONOUS CLASSES ON A VIRTUAL ZOOM PLATFORM WITH A LIVE PARENT EDUCATOR. BAYSTATE HEALTH CONTINUES TO OFFER FREE GROUPS VIA ZOOM INCLUDING THE BREASTFEEDING QUESTION AND ANSWER HOUR AND THE CHILDBIRTH QUESTION AND ANSWER HOUR. THE MOTHER TO MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP HAS RESUMED AS FACE-TO-FACE. CONTINUATION OF SOME VIRTUAL CLASSES AND GROUPS ARE OFFERED FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO WOULD PREFER NOT TO BE IN A FACE-TO-FACE SETTING DUE TO ONGOING COVID-19.THE MOMS DO CARE EMPOWER PROGRAM AT BAYSTATE FRANKLIN, DESIGNED TO HELP PREGNANT WOMEN WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER (OUD) HAVE HEALTHY BABIES AND PURSUE HEALTHIER FUTURES, RECEIVED FOUR MORE YEARS OF FUNDING OF STATE OPIOID RESPONSE FUNDING THROUGH 2026 FROM THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA) THE PROGRAM PROVIDES A MEDICAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOME TO PREGNANT, POSTPARTUM, AND PARENTING WOMEN. THE DPH HAS EXTENDED FUNDING AND EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO INCLUDE OPIOIDS, STIMULANTS AND ALCOHOL. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PEER SUPPORT THROUGH RECOVERY COACHES AND DOULAS WHO PARTNER WITH WOMEN IN PREGNANCY AND UP TO 1 YEAR POSTPARTUM. CARE COORDINATION AND SERVICE NAVIGATION ARE ALSO PROVIDED THROUGH OBSTETRIC AND MIDWIFERY PROVIDERS AS WELL AS A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR. THE EMPOWER PROGRAM CURRENTLY SERVES APPROXIMATELY 30 WOMEN AND FAMILIES IN FRANKLIN COUNTY EACH YEAR.BAYSTATE MEDICAL IMPLEMENTED AN ENHANCED WAY TO CARE FOR NEWBORNS PHYSIOLOGICALLY DEPENDENT ON OPIOIDS AND THEIR MOTHERS CALLED THE ROOMING-IN PROGRAM. PREVIOUSLY, BABIES IMPACTED BY MATERNAL OUD WERE ADMITTED TO THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IF THEY REQUIRED PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME. PARENTS UNDERSTOOD LITTLE ABOUT THE PROCESS AND LENGTH OF STAY AVERAGED SEVERAL WEEKS. WITH THE ROOMING-IN PROGRAM, ELIGIBLE BABIES REMAIN WITH THEIR MOTHERS IN A PRIVATE ROOM THROUGHOUT TREATMENT, ENCOURAGING BREASTFEEDING AND BONDING. MOTHERS RECEIVE PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EDUCATION TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS AND HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR BABIES, LEAVING THEM EMPOWERED WHILE SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASING LENGTH OF STAY FOR THESE BABIES.THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT RECOGNIZED BAYSTATE MEDICAL AND BAYSTATE HEALTH'S THREE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AS THE FIRST AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS IN THE NATION. THE NATIONAL AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM MOVEMENT FOCUSES ON IMPROVING CARE BY ATTENDING TO WHAT MATTERS MOST TO PATIENTS: MEDICATIONS, MENTAL ACTIVITY, AND MOBILITY. THE HONOR RECOGNIZED THE EFFORTS OF THE ACUTE CARE FOR ELDERS PROGRAM TEAM AND THE INTERPROFESSIONAL "GERI-PAL" TEAM WHO RECOGNIZE THE UNIQUE PROBLEMS OF OLDER ADULTS, FOCUS ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PATIENTS, AND EMPHASIZE KEEPING THOSE IN THEIR CARE AS INDEPENDENT AND ACTIVE AS POSSIBLE. THEY ASSIST WITH CARE PLANS, CHOOSING TREATMENT OPTIONS, RECOGNIZING DRUG SIDE EFFECTS, AND MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS.BAYSTATE HEALTH HAS PROVIDED A SAFE WAY TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS AND SHARPS THROUGH THE INSTALLATION OF COLLECTION RECEPTACLES AT EACH OF ITS FOUR HOSPITALS AND SEVERAL OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. COMMUNITY MEMBERS NOW HAVE A RESOURCE FOR SAFELY AND CONFIDENTIALLY THROWING AWAY HOUSEHOLD SHARPS (NEEDLES AND OTHER SYRINGE RELATED DEVICES) AND UNUSED PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. IN FISCAL YEAR 2022, BAYSTATE HEALTH COLLECTED APPROXIMATELY 3286 POUNDS OF SHARPS AND 1409 POUNDS OF MEDICATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITIES. BAYSTATE HEALTH OFFERS FREE PROGRAMS TO WOMEN AND SENIORS 55+. BAYSTATE HEALTH SENIOR CLASS IS A FREE LOYALTY PROGRAM DEDICATED TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEN AND WOMEN AGES 55 AND OVER. THE 21,000+ SENIOR CLASS MEMBERS RECEIVE A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER AND BI-MONTHLY ENEWS WITH VALUABLE HEALTH INFORMATION, BENEFITS, AND INVITATIONS TO SPECIAL EVENTS, INCLUDING VIRTUAL EVENTS DESIGNED WITH THEIR INTERESTS IN MIND. THE FREE BAYSTATE HEALTH EVERY WOMAN LOYALTY PROGRAM OFFERS ITS 15,000+ MEMBERS THE LATEST WOMEN'S HEALTH INFORMATION THROUGH SEMINARS WITH PHYSICIANS, NURSES, AND OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN A COMFORTABLE AND LIVELY SETTING AS WELL AS VIRTUAL EVENTS. MEMBERS RECEIVE A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER AND MONTHLY ENEWS. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES, AND IN TURN, PROVIDE WOMEN WITH THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS REGARDING THEIR HEALTH.
IN TAX YEAR 2021, 18 EMPLOYEES WERE AWARDED FORGIVABLE LOANS TO PURCHASE THEIR FIRST HOME THROUGH THE MARK R. TOLOSKY BAYSTATE NEIGHBORS PROGRAM. THIS BAYSTATE HEALTH BENEFIT PROVIDES FORGIVABLE LOANS TO EMPLOYEES PURCHASING THEIR FIRST HOME IN THE COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING BAYSTATE HEALTH HOSPITALS. TO DATE, THE PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN FORGIVABLE HOME LOANS.SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1994, RAYS OF HOPE HAS BEEN HELPING WOMEN AND MEN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER BY WALKING ALONGSIDE THEM ON THEIR CANCER JOURNEY. THROUGH THE BAYSTATE HEALTH BREAST NETWORK, RAYS OF HOPE CARES FOR THE WHOLE PERSON FROM DIAGNOSIS AND BEYOND BY SUPPORTING RESEARCH AT THE RAYS OF HOPE CENTER FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH, PROVIDING FUNDING FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT, BREAST HEALTH PROGRAMS, AND OUTREACH AND EDUCATION THROUGHOUT BAYSTATE HEALTH AS WELL AS PROVIDING GRANTS FOR COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AND CANCER PROGRAMS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THROUGHOUT WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. COVID-19 LEAD TO A DECREASE IN FUNDS RAISED AND THE SHUTTERING OF THE MANY COMMUNITY PROGRAMS WE NORMALLY PROVIDE GRANTS TO. SINCE 1994, RAYS OF HOPE HAS RAISED OVER $16.6 MILLION TO DATE. ALL FUNDS RAISED REMAIN IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS.THE UNITED WAY DEVELOPS AND SUPPORTS PROGRAMS THAT DIRECTLY IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES, A MISSION PROUDLY SHARED BY BAYSTATE HEALTH. BAYSTATE HEALTH IS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THE UNITED WAY, AND A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE ORGANIZATION WITH WORKFORCE CAMPAIGNS AND THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEE DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS. BAYSTATE HEALTH'S CONTRIBUTIONS HELP THE UNITED WAY SERVE OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, AND OTHERS WHO SEEK HELP IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND AT DIFFERENT TIMES IN THEIR LIVES. THREE COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS ARE HELD ANNUALLY: SPRINGFIELD, WESTFIELD, AND PALMER WORKPLACE TO SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY OF PIONEER VALLEY, GREENFIELD WORKPLACE TO SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, AND WARE WORKPLACE TO SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY. EMPLOYEES CAN DIRECT THEIR DONATIONS TO ONE OR ALL OF THE UNITED WAY'S ACTION AREAS: EDUCATION, INCOME, AND HEALTH, OR DESIGNATE TO A QUALIFIED AGENCY WITH A MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION. AS PART OF AN ANNUAL TRADITION, IN TAX YEAR 2021 BAYSTATE HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS GENEROUSLY DONATED HUNDREDS OF TOYS AND OTHER GREATLY NEEDED ITEMS DURING THIS YEAR'S HOLIDAY TOY DRIVES. BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER COLLECTED OVER 1,000 TOYS; EMPLOYEE DONATIONS WERE COMPLEMENTED WITH DONATIONS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT AMR AMBULANCE. THIS YEAR'S DONATIONS BENEFITED LOCAL CHILDREN SERVED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. FAMILY SERVICES IN MASON SQUARE, NEW NORTH CITIZENS' COUNCIL IN THE NORTH END, AND OUR NEIGHBOR, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF SPRINGFIELD (RMH). BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER'S ANNUAL TOY/GIFT DRIVE COLLECTED DONATIONS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION PIONEER VALLEY'S FAMILY CENTER. BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL TEAM MEMBERS SHOWED THEIR HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY DONATING AN OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF TOYS AND GIFTS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK LOCATED IN WESTFIELD. BAYSTATE WING HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL TOY AND GIFT DRIVE SUPPORTING MORE THAN 80 FAMILIES FROM WARE, PALMER, BELCHERTOWN, THE BROOKFIELDS, BRIMFIELD, WARREN AND OTHER SURROUNDING AREAS SERVED BY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK.THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BAYSTATE HEALTH EMPLOYEES GENEROUSLY DONATED NEW TOYS AND GIFT CARDS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR FOUR HOSPITAL SERVICE AREAS. BMC TEAM MEMBERS DONATED HUNDREDS OF TOYS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN IN THE SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, BH EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DONATED TO THE BAYSTATE HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW TOYS FOR OUR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS SERVED INPATIENT AT BAYSTATE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND AT OUR THREE COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CENTERS. BAYSTATE HEALTH'S COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAM PROVIDED HOLIDAY BASIC NEEDS GRANTS TO NEW NORTH CITIZENS' COUNCIL AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FAMILY SERVICES, BOTH BASED IN SPRINGFIELD. BAYSTATE HEALTH EASTERN REGION TEAM MEMBERS DONATED TOYS/GIFTS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN FROM WARE, PALMER, BELCHERTOWN, THE BROOKFIELDS, BRIMFIELD, AND WARREN SERVED BY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK (BHN). FRANKLIN COUNTY CHILDREN SERVED BY COMMUNITY ACTION OF PIONEER VALLEY'S FAMILY CENTER WERE THE RECIPIENTS OF SEVERAL DOZEN TOYS AND GIFTS DONATED BY BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER TEAM MEMBERS. BAYSTATE NOBLE HOSPITAL TEAM MEMBER DONATIONS BENEFITED GREATER WESTFIELD CHILDREN SERVED BY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK (BHN).
PART VI, LINE 7, LIST OF STATES RECEIVING COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT: MA
Schedule H (Form 990) 2021
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