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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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Health System
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DATE:
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March 13, 2009
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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May 19, 2009
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Jean S. Fraser, Chief, Health System
Susan Ehrlich, MD, MPP, Interim Chief Executive Officer,
San Mateo Medical Center
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SUBJECT:
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Agreement with Histo-Tec Laboratory
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution:
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1.
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Waiving the Request for Proposals (RFP) process; and
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2.
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Authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Agreement with Histo-Tec Laboratory to provide anatomic pathology slide preparation and all histology services for surgical and biopsy procedures performed at San Mateo Medical Center and affiliated clinics for the term January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, in an amount not to exceed $432,000; and
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3.
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Authorizing the Chief of the Health System or designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County's maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.
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Goal 5: Provide residents access to healthcare and preventive care.
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The Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by providing pathology slide preparation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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Performance Measure:
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Measure
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FY 2008-09
Projected
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FY 2009-10
Projected
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Blocks and slides are returned to the lab for analysis within 48 hours from time of pick up.
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100%
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100%
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BACKGROUND:
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Patient tissue specimens removed during surgery must be examined microscopically to complete a diagnosis. There are several specialized steps in preparing the tissues: processing, embedding (preparation of the block), sectioning and staining.
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A Request for Proposals (RFP) was recently issued for the provision of these services. Of those agencies responding, only two (Peninsula Pathologist Medical Group and Cureline-Biopathology) were capable of providing all of the required services within the time restraints required. However, negotiations were not successful.
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DISCUSSION:
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The Laboratory Director at San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) began an independent search and identified Histo-Tec Laboratory (Histo-Tec) as a viable provider of the histology services required although they declined to participate in the RFP. Since January 1, 2009, Histo-Tec has met SMMC’s needs at an acceptable cost while ensuring uninterrupted service. The required histology services include anatomic pathology slide preparation and all related services for surgical and biopsy procedures performed at SMMC and affiliated clinics.
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The Health System is currently exploring partnerships with hospitals and providers in San Mateo County, to provide services on behalf of and at SMMC through its Community Health Network for the Underserved. This may include histology services. This agreement will be terminated should the Health System find a better solution prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement.
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A waiver of the RFP process was approved by the County Manager on March 24, 2009.
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County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Agreement.
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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.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The term of the Agreement is January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The maximum amount of the Agreement is $432,000. Funds are included in the SMMC FY 2008-09 Adopted Budget and in the SMMC FY 2009-10 Recommended Budget. Expenses at SMMC are covered by fees for services or third-party payors whenever possible. The portion of expenses for services provided to the medically indigent or to those covered by programs that do not meet the full costs of care are covered by the County’s General Fund contribution to SMMC.
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