All patients referred to Seton Medical Center undergo utilization review to minimize hospital stays and maintain control over costs. Comprehensive per diem rates are negotiated as part of tertiary care contracts to account for patient transitions through each level of care, including intensive (ICU), telemetry (step down), stabilized (med/surg), observation, and eventual discharge.
The term of the Agreement with Seton was July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 with a maximum amount of $600,000. In preparation for an impending nursing strike in the months of May and June 2006, SMMC increased its outside referrals and follow-up care to area hospitals to ensure continuity of care for SMMC patients. A majority of the transfers for inpatient and emergency care were referred to Seton. These additional referrals depleted the maximum amount in the Agreement. The Agreement is being amended to increase the maximum amount by $150,000 to pay invoices for expenses incurred during those two months.
The contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement. Risk Management has approved the insurance coverage.
This amendment is only now being addressed due to staff vacancies in the two key contracting positions at the Medical Center.
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