A dramatic change in the philosophy of hospital management is under way, Kent Howard told the Allen County Hospital Board of Directors last night. As a result of decisions made by the federal government and Blue Cross Blue Shield, hospitals and other care givers will be paid flat fees for specific services rendered rather than on the basis of charges made by caregivers. Howard, regional vice president of Research Management Group, explained the change reverses incentives. In the old system the more services were provided to a patient, the greater the hospitals income and profit would be. Now the incentive will be to hold down the number of X-rays, lab tests and drugs provided since the hospital will get a flat fee for a particular treatment, such as a broken leg, a case of pneumonia, etc. Howard said all hospitals will have to make an intense effort to change their way of thinking in order to prevent large losses.
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Five Allen County high school seniors, Susan Miller, David Larson, Stephanie White, Randy Summerville and David Campanini have been invited to Gov. John Carlins Cedar Crest mansion for the first Governors Scholar Award Program on May 5.
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Iolan Gary Hawk presented a print of his painting of Doc Adams of the Gunsmoke television series to President Ronald Reagan Tuesday in Washington. A picture of the event shows Hawks wife, Beverly, and their daughter Lori looking on. The presentation was made at the suggestion of the late Milburn Stone, who portrayed Doc. Mrs. Stone and Sen. Nancy Kassebaum helped make the arrangements.
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Back 35 years ago when Elmer Belknap was operating a dairy at the north end of Jefferson Street, son Jimmy helped out with the chores. Today James Belknap is president of Steffen Dairy Foods Co. in Wichita.
