COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health System

 

DATE:

April 28, 2011

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 24, 2011

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Jean S. Fraser, Chief, Health System
Susan Ehrlich, MD, MPP, Chief Executive Officer
San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Odyssey HealthCare Operating A, LP doing business as Odyssey Hospice

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the:

A)

President of the Board to execute an Agreement with Odyssey HealthCare Operating A, LP doing business as Odyssey Hospice to provide inpatient hospice care services for patients referred to San Mateo Medical Center for the term May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2013, for an approximate amount of $1,500,000 in revenue with no Net County Cost; and

 

B)

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.

 

BACKGROUND:

Odyssey HealthCare Operating A, LP doing business as Odyssey Hospice (Odyssey) is engaged in the provision of interdisciplinary services for the palliation and management of terminally-ill patients. Services are provided primarily in a home environment, often providing relief for the family members or other persons caring for the individual. However, from time to time hospice patients require facility-based services for residential purposes and/or inpatient care for pain control, symptom management or respite care. Each hospice requires a participating Medicare and/or Medi-Cal licensed facility provider that meets all applicable state and federal requirements and has established policies consistent with those of the hospice provider.

 
 
 

DISCUSSION:

San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) has been providing inpatient hospice care services to Odyssey since 2004. The Agreement will be for zero dollars, with no Net County Cost. This Agreement will allow SMMC to receive payment for the services provided to Odyssey’s patients. The Agreement has been delayed by complex negotiations between the County and Odyssey.

 

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreement and Resolution as to form. The Contractor’s insurance has been reviewed and approved by Risk Management.

 

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.

 

This Agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by providing hospice patients facility-based services for residential purposes and/or inpatient care for pain control, symptom management or respite care when needed. Appropriate use of hospice services will allow SMMC to reach its goal of delivering the highest level of care for all patients. It is anticipated that SMMC’s level of patient care will be validated by patient satisfaction surveys, achieving our goal of 82 mean points out of a possible 100 mean points.

 

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2009-10
Actual

FY 2010-11
Projected

SMMC’s level of patient care will be validated by patient satisfaction surveys, achieving our goal of 82 mean points out of a possible 100 mean points

82 mean points

88 mean points

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the Agreement is May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2013. The amount of potential revenue SMMC will receive from providing these services is approximately $1,500,000 for the three year term, with no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement.

 

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.