MERCER, LAWRENCE Hospitals raise net revenues

SHARON, Pa. -- Hospitals in Mercer and Lawrence County have substantially improved their net patient revenues over the last three years.
Information released by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council showed that all had a healthy revenue growth between 2000 and 2003.
However, one hospital, Ellwood City, actually took in less money in 2003 than it did in 2002.
Still, Ellwood City's revenue for 2003 was substantially higher than 2000.
A breakdown shows:
UEllwood City had net patient revenues of $23 million in 2000 and $26 million in 2003. The hospital operated on a -7.89 percent margin (total revenue compared with total expenses) for 2003.
UJameson Memorial Hospital, New Castle, had net patient revenues of $60 million in 2000 and $85 million in 2003. It operated at a -0.57 percent margin in 2003.
USharon Regional Health System had net patient revenues of $85 million in 2002 and $110 million in 2003. It operated at a 0.17 percent margin in 2003.
UUnited Community Hospital, Grove City, had net patient revenues of $27 million in 2000 and $33 million in 2003. It operated at a 5.23 percent margin in 2003.
UUPMC Horizon, Greenville and Farrell, had net patient revenues of $76 million in 2000 and $94 million in 2003. It operated at a margin of 6.72 percent in 2003.