Valley’s hospital systems navigate a tricky course

YOUNGSTOWN — Keeping a hospital system financially afloat in the Mahoning Valley is akin to rowing upstream on the Mahoning River in a leaky boat during the rainy season.

In addition to paddling and bailing like crazy to combat the known problems, the captain has to hope there are no unanticipated hazards lurking under the water, and pray that the wake of some larger, better powered watercraft coming by doesn’t swamp him, causing his passengers and crew to jump ship.

Officials at Forum Health and Humility of Mary Health Partners, and other community leaders, may not describe the situation facing their hospital systems in those exact terms. But, they agree these are turbulent, dicey times in the health care delivery business, particularly in the Mahoning Valley, given its struggling economy.

They report the cost of facilities and technology is rising dramatically, and reimbursement levels for services are being reduced, particularly in the government-payer Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com