Incorporation is key to acquisition

Hardin Memorial Health’s decision to purchase Elizabethtown Diagnostic Imaging could be a win-win for everyone if the right steps are taken to correctly incorporate it into the hospital’s service selections.

The key is to maintain Elizabethtown Diagnostic Imaging’s successful history of quality service and short wait times.

Purchasing a business such as EDI means much more than buying a name or a building. The experience of the staff and the established client expectation of satisfaction also are valued assets.

Managing through a change can be a daunting one internally and externally as all adjust to policies, schedules or expectations. Getting through the transition may be the most difficult wrinkle.

Financial models are changing the way health care operates with mixes of private insurance and government health plans continually adjusting to the ebb and flow of the economy and evolving legislation. To stay competitive, HMH must be proactive and make moves such as this one to extend its service.

We expect a lot from our local hospital and its various businesses. As taxpayers, we expect it to be frugal in its expenses and make wise financial decisions as a savvy business. On the other hand as health-care consumers, we want quality low cost medical care readily available. It is a big task, yet a necessary one. We elect fiscal court members who also serve as the Hardin Memorial Hospital Board to act wisely on our behalf.

It seems HMH was successful over the fiscal year in finding the cost savings component and we appreciate the hospital finishing its fiscal year with a healthy $5.6 million in surplus. As our regional hospital, it is vital HMH remains steadfast to meet the health-care needs of a growing population and prepare financially to meet  future challenges.

Adding EDI to the health-care offerings of HMH could prove to be a wise step. Expanding the service option to encompass EDI as another resource to generate revenue and offer HMH patients more choices may be just what the doctor ordered to maintain the fiscal health of the hospital and health-care options in our region.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.