Valley Health may feel squeeze (The Winchester Star)

Valley Health may feel squeeze

By Rebecca Layne
The Winchester Star
November 11, 2009

Winchester — Health-care reform was the major topic among many discussed by Valley Health officials during their semi-annual meeting Tuesday.

Company Chairman Dixon Whitworth told the crowded room that a change is needed to sustain the viability of the nation’s health care.

He also spoke of the effect on Valley Health of possible cuts of $11 million to $12 million in Medicare reimbursements.

“The magnitude of such costs will have significant impact on our jobs and health-care services,” said Whitworth.

http://winchesterstar.com/pages/view/squeeze.html

Folks, the Pub has shared a different side of Valley Health System that displays a much healthier financial position than the masses of the regional community is informed about.

Please keep in mind, from years 2001 through 2005, the Winchester Medical Center profits made epic leaps and bounds with an jaw dropping 383%.

Wonder if Mr. Whitworth is trying to say that Valley Health will have to raise the "charges" on their services to overcome this revenue shortfall?

Valley Health has made epic strides in Excess of Revenue (Profits) since 2001

A new direction? Winchester flunks Engineering 101 (TheWinchesterStar)

A new direction?
Winchester flunks Engineering 101

By Michael Shea

While I suspect that additional traffic in Winchester was in part due to the glorious last gasp of summer, the condition demonstrated that government — at every level — is subject to the law of unintended consequences. Namely, by making Braddock and Cameron two-way, what was once a one-minute trip from Piccadilly to Handley Boulevard, now takes no less than six minutes.

The timing of the lights is set to ensure each is red upon arrival. The lines of cars at each light were no less than 10 deep, and just turning off Braddock at Handley took two full cycles of the light at a minimum. None of this was because of any “confusion.” By cramming the same amount of cars from two lanes down to one, we get what any first-grader could have deduced: traffic jams.

Thanks, City Council — you’ve now guaranteed I will never go down to the historic district again. I gather I won’t be alone. More businesses will close, and the number of shuttered buildings will continue to increase.

Whatever you paid the traffic engineer to calculate that this madness would make traffic flow more freely, it was too much. Same number of cars plus fewer lanes never equal flowing traffic. Engineering 101. Time for a refund.

Instead, I suspect those council members voting for this will defend their decision, asking that we “give it time” to work, and that we, the driving public, who, while perfectly capable of navigating two-way streets in every other part of the city and county, must be seizing up with confusion the minute we turn onto Braddock. It’s the typical “we know best and you the public don’t” excuse we’re all getting tired of lately. Sorry, no sale.

Do everyone a favor — admit you goofed, pull up the striping, and restore the old signage. A costly lesson, but not nearly so costly as revenues lost to business transactions that will never take place because no one wants to fight the traffic downtown.

Remember the adage: “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Braddock wasn’t “broke,” but it sure is now!

Michael Shea is a resident of Stephenson.
Open Forum, Winchester Star, November 10, 2009

2007 Winchester Medical Center / Lewis-Gale Medical Center side-by-side comparison

To give the citizenry a better understanding of the differences between a "not-for-profit" and "for-profit" hospital, THE PIBBSTER's PUB wants to share with all a side-by-side comparison between Winchester Medical Center and Lewis-Gale Medical Center.

	Winchester	Lewis-Gale
	Medical Center	Medical Center
	Winchester, VA	Salem, VA
Licensed Beds:	411	521
Staffed Beds:	411	216
Licensed NISCU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed NISCU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed normal newborn bassinets:	12	5
Patient days:	110,155	69,613
Admissions:	25,318	13,405
FT equivalents - Payroll:	2,297	1,138
FT equivalents - Contract:	140	58
Gross Inpatient Revenue:	409,766,805	347,615,243
Gross Outpatient Revenue:	263,761,298	252,975,201
Gross Patient Revenue:	673,528,103	600,590,201
Contractual Allowance:	234,014,441	385,083,587
Charity Care:	25,752,576	7,961,893
Indigent Care Trust:	0	6,040
Net Patient Revenue:	413,761,086	207,544,964
Other Operating Revenue:	13,788,825	2,539,328
Current Assets:	207,181,874	36,828,681
Net Fixed Assets:	276,623,250	112,204,986
Other Assets:	220,606,786	93,385,839
Total Assets:	704,411,910	242,419,506
Current Liabilities:	43,025,848	25,498,841
Long Term Liabilities:	207,765,314	41,232,819
Total Liabilities:	250,792,162	66,731,660
Fund Balance:	453,619,748	175,687,846
Labor Expense:	180,988,686	76,762,259
Non-Labor Expense:	145,327,697	78,477,511
Capital Expense:	37,317,267	21,729,361
Taxes:	$162,362	$12,170,282
Bad-Debt Expense:	23,331,159	9,076,278
Total Operating Expense:	387,127,171	198,245,691
Operating Income:	40,422,740	11,838,601
Net Non-Operating gains:	26,195,223	157,705
Revenue & Gains
in excess of expenses (profits):	$66,617,963	$11,996,306
Tax Status:	Not-For-Profit	Proprietary

In addition to other services offered, these facilities reported the following services available during fiscal year their Utilization Spread Sheets

	Winchester	Lewis-Gale
	Medical Center	Medical Center
	Winchester, VA	Salem, VA
Cardiac Catheterization:	X	X
Chemotheraphy:	X	X
Chronis Renal Dialsis:	X	X
Cobalt & Linear Accelerator Radiology:	X	X
Hyperbaric Therapy:		X
Lithotripshy:	X	X
Neonatal Intensive Care:	X	X
Organized Hospice Program:		X
Pain Management Program:	X	X
Wound Clinic:	X	X

[Source: Virginia Health Information, From Numbers to Knowledge]



Pricing Transparency:

Lewis-Gale Medical Center's Commitment to Pricing Transparency
We know that especially today, when so many people are uninsured or underinsured, it is important for individuals to have healthcare pricing information. We are committed to making this information available to consumers so they can better anticipate and understand their financial responsibilities and make informed healthcare decisions.

Because we know that healthcare is complex and that a general listing of prices for our common procedures will not meet everyone’s needs, we have developed a toll free number where consumers can contact us directly for a prospective service quote. Our goal in making this information easy to access is to remain a leader in key healthcare initiatives aimed at better patient care.

Click here for ... Lewis-Gale Medical Center Pricing Estimates

Please note when Valley Health's website was searched for "pricing estimates", there was nothing to be found.

Charity Care / Community Benefit:

Uninsured & Low-Income Patients - Charity Care by Lewis-Gale Medical Center (for-profit)
Americans who do not have health insurance constitute a sizable and growing problem for our society - a problem that touches not just patients, hospitals and physicians, but also employers and the government. In 2007, HCA Virginia provided $242 million in free charitable care to low-income, uninsured patients who needed care but could not afford to pay for it. While this effort is not a solution to the larger issue of the uninsured, it provides a meaningful benefit to thousands of Virginians annually.

Download our charity care and financial discount policy.

If you have further questions about charity care after reviewing our policy, you may call us at 800-799-6478.

Examples of donations HCA Virginia made in the past three years of what they gave away:

•     $1.8 million to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
•     $1 million to Virginia Western Community College Nursing and Radiology/Technology Program
•     $1 million to John Tyler Community College Nursing School
•     $1 million to J. Sargeant Reynolds Nursing School
•     $500,000 to the VCU School of Nursing
•     $300,000 to the Alleghany Highland YMCA
•     $160,000 to the Science Museum of Virginia
•     $140,000 to Virginia Tech
•     $100,000 to the New River Community College RN Program
•     $100,000 to the Friends of Loudoun County Mental Health
•     $100,000 to Loudoun County Youth, Inc.
•     $70,000 to the Radford University Family Health Clinic
•     $63,000 to North Virginia Community College's NOVA HealthForce Coalition
•     $50,000 to The Capitol Square Civil Rights Memorial Foundation

Ballpark naming rights sold to Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Avalanche Ballpark re-named Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field @ Salem Baseball Stadium on April 5, 2006

Click here for "About Lewis-Gale Medical Center Videos"



To review the entire Valley Health System's benefit to the regional area, click here: "Valley Health System's Community Benefit"

Click here for "Featured Videos by Valley Health"



Population Comparisons:

25,449 - City of Salem
25,878 - City of Winchester


92,967 - City of Roanoke
73,898 - Frederick County


Other areas population figures:

295,700 - Roanoke Metro Area

102,044 - Berkeley County, WV
36,663 - Warren County
40,777 - Shenandoah County
24,164 - Page County ... new hospital planned for future???
16,325 - Morgan County, WV
17,020 - City of Martinsburg, WV
22,574 - Hampshire County, WV
Hampshire Memorial Breaks Ground on $35 million on a New Hospital



Please keep in mind that Valley Health is purchasing the majority of the Regional hospitals and the perception is that the standard protocol is a brand new facility of $30 million.



On the web:
HCA Virginia Health System: http://www.hcavirginia.com/  
Valley Health System: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/


Winchester Medical Center: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/WMC 
Lewis-Gale Medical Center: http://www.lewis-gale.com/

Bridgeforth infield : A-Turf or a regrade/sodded infield?

This pic below is what about $350-$400k (just an educated guess) will get you if an A-Turf infield is selected for Bridgeforth’s infield over the “regrade/new sod” which the perception for the cost for a renovated natural grass infield is less than $25k.

The answer to that question is as follows:

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael White [mailto:mwhite@ci.winchester.va.us]
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 9:30 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'
Subject: RE: Cost estimates for A-Turf infield @ Bridgeforth

Jeff,

To answer your questions…artificial turf vs. natural has been the discussion over the last couple of months when it comes to the infield at Bridgeforth.  We’ve seen prices range anywhere from $9 - $14 per square foot install costs for the turf.  That range includes all of your sub-construction, curb, drainage, infill, and turf.  The life span of that surface is roughly 10 years.  At the 10 year mark, you’re looking at 50 – 60% of that initial cost to pay for replacement infill and turf as all of your drainage and curbing remains intact.  The area we’ve been discussing converting to artificial turf is roughly 21,000 – 24,000 square feet or pretty close to your 150 x 150 estimate.  So, you’re basically looking at roughly $200,000 - $225,000 for construction and $100,000 - $120,000 after 10 years to replace it.  To install turf on an area that big would take anywhere between 3 – 5 weeks.  At the 10 year point or time of replacement, as it stands in 2009, almost 100% of that turf and infill would go to a landfill.  However, they’re working on having a viable recycling option.  Who knows what technology will be like in 10 years?  I would bet they have something figured out by then.

What is being discussed is laying a large square area of artificial turf that would go from the backstop and extend down each foul line 15 feet past where the infield skin stops.  You’re correct, the only dirt on the infield would be the mound and everything else would be covered with turf.  They use different color turf around the bases to give the appearance of cutouts.  The other option is covering the entire field with artificial turf.  That has it’s advantages too when you consider multi-use.  We could potentially play soccer, lacrosse, football, etc. in the outfield on artificial turf.  The infield only option is common at many colleges, high schools, parks, etc. mainly because of the cost.  To do the entire field would probably triple that figure easily.

As far as advantages go, you’re pretty much right on with what you listed.  But, it’s not realistic to expect to pay for the turf solely on your maintenance savings.  Some turf companies pitch that but I don’t think it’s 100% accurate.  We will no doubt see a reduction in our costs at Bridgeforth.  But, you still have to have someone groom the field and we’ll still have guys mowing the outfield area (if it stays natural grass).  But, the time savings in man hours for the players and coaches of our user groups would be significant allowing for more baseball play and less maintenance time.  It would also save our maintenance staff man hours at the field which can be dedicated elsewhere throughout the 255 acre park system.  The biggest benefit to having artificial turf is over the 10 year life cycle of the turf, you can play twice the amount of baseball than you can in the same 10 year period on a natural infield surface when you factor in maintenance hours saved and wet weather being a non-factor.  The Bridgeforth renovation committee is serious about pursuing artificial turf at the field and the only way we’re going to be able to realize it is to have the committee and the user groups fundraise the money to pay for it.  That’s the next step the committee will be taking and we’ll be discussing our plan of action very soon.  It’s not realistic to expect the committee to raise the funds and jump through all of the necessary procurement hoops and contracts to get the turf in place before the 2010 season.  That’s why we’re moving forward with the re-grade of the infield.  That buys the committee the necessary time to go out and fundraise to convert it to artificial turf.  At Bridgeforth Field, artificial turf is probably our best long term solution.

Hope this answers your questions.

Mike

WMC’s expansion plans to proceed (The Winchester Star)

By Rebecca Layne
The Winchester Star
November 5, 2009

WINCHESTER — A major segment of the expansion project at Winchester Medical Center will begin construction Nov. 20.

The city Industrial Development Authority (IDA) on Wednesday approved $175 million in bonds to finance the overall project.

It has been in the planning stages for three years, and some phases of the work have begun.

“Population is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade, and demand suggests there will be a need for expansion,” said Tom Urtz, director of marketing and public relations for Valley Health, the hospital’s parent organization.

The next phase will be the construction of a six-story North Tower, a one-story addition to the heart and vascular section, and a 29,000-square-foot clinical laboratory.

The tower will include an expanded emergency room and 135,000 square feet in shell space on the top two floors. Work on the tower will begin in January.

The expansion will enable the hospital to increase the number of beds from 411 to 445. Its staff will add 150-200 clinical jobs.

The overall project will add about 356,000 square feet to the WMC complex and will include the renovation of about 78,000 square feet in the emergency department, loading dock, and other areas.

The construction of a $10 million, five-level, 560-space parking garage began in April and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.

A $20 million outpatient diagnostic center was completed in the spring.

“In order to meet growing community need with the increase in population and demand, the number of beds and services need to increase,” said Craig Lewis, WMC’s chief financial officer. “We want to meet these needs for the next 30 to 40 years.”

The construction is expected to be finished in early 2012. The contractor for the project is Whiting-Turner.

The bonds will be tax-exempt with a variable interest rate at 4.5 percent and a fixed-interest rate at “mid-5 percent,” Lewis said. The bonds will be sold by the IDA to BB&T, TD Bank, US Bank, and Wachovia.

WMC is a tax-exempt, nonprofit regional referral hospital. It is a member of Valley Health, which operates five other hospitals: Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, Hampshire Memorial Hospital in Romney, W.Va., and War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

— Contact Rebecca Layne at
rlayne@winchesterstar.com

A Cork/Braddock Street blunder? Street not wide enough to accommodate 4 lanes

Let me explain what happened here, basically, it was said that the City's Engineer wanted a total of 4 lanes at this Cork/Braddock street intersection headed West going past George Washington's Hotel and Braddock Sports Shop.

Heading West, city officials wanted the following :

- right turn left to head north on Braddock
- straight lane to head west on Cork
- left turn lane to head south on Braddock

AND

- straight lane coming east from Cork heading toward Loudoun St / Cameron St that will eventually bring you to the Cork/Valley Ave intersection.

Problem was duly noted in the beginning by many concerned folks, there was not enough room for vehicles turning left coming South from Braddock onto Cork heading East.

How much was this little blunder? Again, I was told by a concerned biz owner, another issue that they tried to inform individuals about in the beginning as he also tried to inform the folks about the push buttons on the Braddock/Cork street intersection.

What had to be done to correct this mistake ...
- they tried to scratch the line out, but I don't believe that worked
- had to repave the section as one can see
- lights will have to be moved on the arm as you can see will not align properly with lanes
- who pays for this boo-boo?

To close, another issue that could of been avoided if city officials would of listen to at least this biz owner.

Bridgeforth Field "infield" getting a makeover also?

There is talk that WPRD is seriously looking at getting the infield at Bridgeforth Field relasered cut and new sod installed due to the safety issues with the non-levelness of the playing surface.  Today is November 1st, something will have to happen soon for the sod to take root before winter sets in.

Kudos to the WPRD folks, Mike White and Brad Veach for taking a more in-depth look at the seriousness of this concern at Bridgeforth Field.

THE PIBBSTER's PUB has not been informed IF Shenandoah University will be contributing to this project or not?  If they are, then an update will be made to this post.


Exciting time baseball fans!  I sure hope the wants of some do not get in the way of what is needed dearly to make Bridgeforth Field SAFE for of ALL of user groups of this facility.

Review Mr. Veach's comments below, who is WPRD Director and Mike White, who is the Operations Superintendent:

-----Original Message-----
From: Bradley Veach
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:45 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'

Subject: RE: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?

Jeff,

Good morning.

Yes, we are looking at several options (regrade and sod vs artificial turf) for the infield and depending upon the direction we decide to take, some of the user groups may need to financially support our unified effort. Those specific details have not been worked out because there is a significant difference in price between the two options. It is premature to speculate which option we will take until we look at all the pros and cons (which we are doing right now) and then we will determine what resources the user groups can bring to the table. The park budgeted money to make improvements and the work by the HHS students and the volunteers in a few weeks will allow us to stretch those tax dollars to do more than we originally anticipated. We are keeping an open mind on all the options. We'll make a decision after we evaluate all of this. After the City determines what option is in our best interest, which will likely happen within the next week, we will procure the construction services necessary to implement our final decision. Time is against us so we will need to move quickly before the ground freezes. I'll have more info within a week.

Brad


From: JEFF MILBURN
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:08 PM
To: 'Bradley Veach'

Subject: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?
Importance: High

Brad,

As a concerned tax paying citizen, I would like to know if there is anything going on with the infield at Bridgeforth?  If so, where is that money coming from for that project?

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,
JEFF

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael White 
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:43 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'
Cc: 'Bradley Veach'
Subject: RE: Suggestion at Bridgeforth field renovation work

Jeff, got your message yesterday.  I was out of the office with my son.  Thanks for the call.

Don’t know if you’ve touched base with Brad on the subject in my absence but we have been discussing the infield with all of the renovations for sometime.  Renovation work outside the field started first because no one needed the buildings.  There is a lot of research and pricing going into the infield process.  We are working with the Bridgeforth committee on the process and some of the user groups have expressed an interest in seeing if artificial turf is a viable option.  That option brings it’s own set of unique challenges as well as some advantages.  So, at this point, we haven’t determined the exact direction with regards to the infield as many variables will factor into the decision, the main one being funding.  At this point, I do feel confident in saying, one way or another we will have a new playing surface at the field for the upcoming season.

Regarding the company from Maryland, if we decide to re-grade the field, we have secured a company out of Remington, VA to do the work.  They have several ballfield maintenance contracts with other entities throughout Virginia and their bid price for their “plow, grind, and grade” service is $1.00 per sq/ft which includes resodding the field once they’re done.  It will only take them about 10 days to do the work and part of the service includes a deep cultivation where they go down as deep as 8” to help give the infield some vertical drainage as well as regrading it to give it the proper amount of sheet drainage.  Once it’s done, that should last anywhere between 6-8 years before it should be done again.  It’s an outstanding price that no one has even come close to beating.  So far, their references check out and we’re excited to move forward with them if that’s the direction the committee and the park decide to go.  Given the time of year, as you previously mentioned, the calendar is definitely against us right now so we are hopeful to have a decision within the next few days.

Thanks,

Michael White, CPRP
Operations Superintendent

[updated November 4, 2009 @9:15am]

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary
Council president says almost $20,000 raise was needed to stay competitive
By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com
October 22, 2009

WINCHESTER -- The City Council wants to revisit salaries for government workers and make them more competitive.

The council began this month with City Attorney Anthony "Tony" Williams by giving him a 20 percent raise.

The council unanimously passed a resolution Oct. 6 to increase Williams' pay to $124,000 following a closed session convened to discuss personnel matters. That's an increase from $104,728.

The change comes amid reduced revenues during an economic slowdown. Additionally, the city's current budget includes no salary increases for any employees as well as a freeze on hiring for some noncritical positions.

Council President Jeffrey Buettner on Wednesday defended the council's action as a way to keep Williams in his position rather than lose "a first-class city attorney."

"We felt we needed to address a deficiency in his salary even in a tight, tight time, when you've got somebody who's been with you for four years and he's still making one of the lowest salaries in the state, that needs to be addressed or he'd start looking elsewhere," Buettner said.

Councilman Evan Clark concurred.

"Mr. Williams wanted to stay, he had been with the city for some time and I think he's given the city excellent service," Clark said. "I think council feels that way, I think city staff feel that way. Hopefully the citizens of Winchester feel that way as well."

Williams had been offered a higher salary by another locality and could have left, Clark said.

"At this time, with all the things the city is trying to deal with, I think city council felt strongly that this was not the time to lose one of our key players," Clark said.

Winchester appeared to pay one of the lowest salaries for its attorney compared to other cities in Virginia, according to Buettner. The city risks paying more to hire a third party to perform Williams' duties or someone with his skills, Buettner said.

The council found the city's pay scale gave it flexibility to increase Williams' salary without changing his grade, according to Buettner.

"At the same time, we've gotta apply the same thing to the whole city and, while we're certainly not saying we're going to go out and give huge increases to anyone, we also need to be competitive," Buettner said.

Pay raises may be needed in spite of the economic downturn.

"We absolutely understand the economy and I think the actions we took last year -- with putting furlough days in, with the selection of hiring freezes, with no pay increase -- shows we understand the economy," Buettner said. "But at the same time, we've got to be adaptable enough to identify problem areas and address them."

The council asked interim City Manager Robert Noe Jr. to look into studying salaries and benefits for all employees and advertise for a consultant's services. The city has not committed funds to hiring a consultant, Buettner added.

A new study should look at competitive neighboring localities and the private sector, Buettner said. A similar study done three years ago found the city "fairly deficient" in its salaries, Buettner recalled.

"If we want to have a first-class city, which I think we all do, we have to have a first-class staff and to do that we've got to pay competitive salaries and benefits," Buettner said. "When we did the study [it] was at the height of the economic boom time so we don't feel it's really prudent to pull that out because the game has changed."

Clark disagreed.

"It's my opinion that it's ill-advised to spend money on having a consultant come in when we did so not long ago," he said, adding that many people in the work force don't expect raises during the bad economy and are happy just to keep their jobs.

Seriously, is not everyone getting drained of hearing that we need to be competitive with other nearby localities.  The taxes are getting high enough including Frederick County.

We do live in America, correct?  It’s the land of the free where we have choices to make each and every day. OK, a choice that the local citizens have to make, to work in the local area or to commute out of the area for a potential higher paying job. For those who make a decision to leave the local system, good luck and someone else will fill the vacated position and will be very much qualified to do so.

Lastly ... Nobody is indispensable.

[Posted October 22, 2009 @8:05pm]
  

Emergency, call the City Attorney?

I want to be certain I have this correct: The City Attorney is receiving an 18.1 percent raise. The firefighters and police officers in the City of Winchester have their salaries “frozen” for this year.

I’d like to ask the residents of Winchester a question: If your home is on fire at 3 a.m. and you have children trapped in a second-floor bedroom, are you going to call the City Attorney? Or, if you have a parent who collapses at Thanksgiving dinner with chest pains and becomes unconscious, do you think the City Attorney will respond to your 911 call? How about the sound of breaking glass in the middle of the night when someone breaks into your home — is the City Attorney going to face that criminal in a back alley to ensure your protection?

Council’s actions on this matter show a total lack of respect to all the other city employees who go to work every day, in service to the residents of Winchester. Many face life-and-death decisions in the performance of their duties. If a wage freeze must be endured during these difficult times, then such a wage freeze should be shouldered by all city employees, including the City Attorney.

As a resident of Frederick County, perhaps I should have no comment in this matter, but as a past firefighter, I find it appalling that those who risk their lives — firefighters and police officers — are ignored, and the guy who has the job of pulling your “fat from the fire” when you make your stupid decisions gets such a pay raise.

In the race to see which jurisdiction can come up with the dumbest way to waste money, Winchester or Frederick County, I believe you just took the lead with this one.

Doug Kiracofe
Frederick County
October 29, 2009
The Winchester Star, Letters to Editor

Mr. Kiracofe has valid points. I am a firm believer that we do not have to keep up with other localities as we live in America and we have choices to make, to work in Winchester or to commute outside the area. That decision is on you and only you, and not others to decide to pay an individual more money to retain them for their services.

If the City Attorney was offered another opportunity, then congratulations and the citizens appreciate your service and we will find another qualified Attorney to fill the position.

Bottom-line, IF you want to work in Winchester this is the pay-scale, if you like it, then apply, if not, then there are other opportunities elsewhere and good-luck.

Those firefighters that serve and protect the citizenry are the ones that deserve a much needed raise. These individuals have been slighted by their own.

[Updated October 29, 2009 @2:55am]

Hang in there, true Americans


After reading Doug Kiracofe’s letter (Your Views, Oct. 29), I am compelled to agree with him. It never fails to amaze me how little respect/reward those in the “trenches” receive while those in the so-called “upper echelon” receive it all.


I am a disabled American veteran who served honorably for more than 20 years, through Korea, the Cold War, and Vietnam. After retiring, I was employed as a police officer for the Department of Defense, being retired on a disability.


On a much larger scale, personnel receiving disability compensation from the Veterans Administration, Medicare (via age), and other federally funded programs generally receive a small raise — i.e., 2.1 percent or higher depending on the cost of living index.


For the year 2010, our congressional leaders in Washington decided that due to the economic situation these individuals would not receive any increase! But wait! They gave themselves a rather substantial increase in their salaries!


Rest assured, things are going to get worse with our country being transformed to a Marxist nation by those currently in power. Hang in there, true Americans!


F. L. Hileman
USAF, Retired
Frederick County
Letter to Editor, The Winchester Star

[Posted November 4, 2009  @6:30am]

Response to GameDay Reps and Supporters

To all,

I want to eliminate the rumors that are flying ramped that I am associated with YouCastr and UstreamTV which is 100% false.  For those individuals spreading such rumors, they are very much misinformed.

I posted on VAPREPS Football Region II message board and THE PIBBSTER's PUB of the information that I obtained from Mr. Edwards from FCPS on this FCPS / GameDay partnership agreement.

In response to Mr. Andy Hayes e-mail to me Wednesday, October 28 @ 8:50pm, I do not recall me ever discrediting this organization’s service that they provide. 

-----Original Message-----
From: GamedayMagazine@aol.com [mailto:GamedayMagazine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:50 PM
To: coachmilburn
Subject: Re: Last e-mail

Jeff,

   Why are you hating on us so much? What have we done to you? We've been covering high school sports in Winchester and the rest of Northern Virginia now for years. What have we done to upset you? I've read your posts on VPreps, and just don't understand the animosity. What's up?

Andy


In a message dated 10/21/2009 8:18:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
coachmilburn writes:
Can you resend that e-mail that you sent the other week as I did not read attachment.
I went to retrieve it out of my spam folder and it was gone, so the system must have deleted it  after a few days.

Thanks

I am not sure what to make of this “anonymous” comment that came into the THE PIBBSTER’s PUB on Wednesday October 28 @ 8:55pm.  The perception is that this individual has “inside” information on the agreement between the two parties of FCPS and GameDay.

-----Original Message-----
From: Anonymous [mailto:noreply-comment@blogger.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:55 PM
To: coachmilburn
Subject: [THE PIBBSTER's PUB] New comment on WHY are the FCPS Admin's allowing this to happen??....

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WHY are the FCPS Admin's allowing this to happen??...":

you aren't educated Pibbster....You simply don't know the details of the agreeement and the other ventures the two parties are working on. Misinforming people with incorrect info is going to make you look stupid....

Publish this comment.
Reject this comment.
Moderate comments for this blog.

Posted by Anonymous to THE PIBBSTER's PUB at October 28, 2009 8:55 PM

Also I have much concern about the two brand new users “assistantcoach3” and “540baller” on VAPREPS.com.  The perception is that they are associated with GameDay as they are new users with their very 1st posts in regards to the information that I shared about the partnership between FCPS and GameDay as it was to inform more schools and businesses.

Frederick County Public School administrators should not been in the business of trying to assist in subsidizing a private businesses operation but should be very concerned about what the administration/athletic directors can do to generate the most revenue possible for each high schools athletic department with the least amount of expenses incurred while doing so. 

With the epic budget constraints that FCPS are facing this year and for years to come, the venture with this private business is not in the best interest of the school athletic departments and even further, the local taxpayers because in the end, the taxpayers will be footing the bill.  With that said, it’s vital that FCPS explore any and all options to keep all of the sponsorship revenue within the local system vs. allowing it to float away over the mountain.

YouCastr and UstreamTV provide FREE opportunities for the high schools to pursue broadcasting both PBP and/or live VIDEO stream for their fans.  These opportunities give FCPS an opportunity to keep 100% of the sponsorship revenue vs. zero dollars with the current partnership.

These opportunities were shared with the three local AD’s at James Wood, Sherando and Millbrook back in August of 2008.  Sherando’s AD was quick to respond, no thanks, we’ll be using GameDay again this year.  There was no response from James Wood and Millbrook’s AD’s.

To close, if FCPS administrators are not the least bit interested in trying to harvest all the sponsorship revenue and are very much satisfied with just getting $2.50 per subscriber, per month, then the YouCastr and UstreamTV options are not for you.  If the FCPS admin’s are not interested in trying to get more children involved within their own high schools with opportunities to pursue a communications program at the college level, then these options are not for you.  Do the math, two-dollars and fifty cents per month, per subscriber is not going to add up to very much extra revenue vs. the opportunity of obtaining 100% of sponsorship revenue sold by each high school athletic department or system wide only if other options are pursued.

The perception is that FCPS admin’s were sold on a sales pitch and mostly likely influenced by someone as it’s evident that not enough in-depth research was conducted on these other options available to make a more informed decision.

To close, the local area of Winchester has a brand new TV3-Winchester station that is an ABC affiliate and the Sports guys of Mike and James do top-notch work! We also have the local newspapers of The Winchester Star and The Northern VA Daily  who continue to provide great stories about our local athletes and sports teams.  We even have am1550SportsTalk radio with Dan Gloster/Tim Mondell  and amWinc1400 that do a great job of providing the Game of the Week for the citizenry.

Basically, its getting crowded over here, so lets not push our own out of the press-box!

[Added @10:35am, I am sorry but I forgot to recognize our own local media outlets that do an outstanding job of providing coverage within our own local community]

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective on this matter with all.

Respectfully shared from a concerned citizen!

What hospital is suing the citizenry the most ?

To find out what hospital is taking the citizenry to court the most to garnish their wages and even worse case scenario, forcing some individuals into bankruptcy, just click on this link ... This Just In: Berkeley County / West Virginia Record

Click here to review ... "how not-for-profit hospitals are suppose to operate"

Does Valley Health's Wellness & Fitness Center have to carry a bond and/or be registered with VDAC?

THE PIBBSTER's PUB was notified by an unnamed source last Friday that Valley Health's Wellness & Fitness Center does not have bond on file nor is it registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The unnamed source stated that Sandy Harrington, an Investigator for VDACS with the Office of Consumer Affairs confirmed that Valley Health is not carrying a bond nor is registered with VDACS.

"These rates indicate they are accepting payment in advance for the contracts, so they would need to have a bond on file with our office." said Harrington


    Single member:
    $648 annual + $85 initial fee
      OR
    $54 per month + $85 initial fee

     Family couple:
    $1,008 + 145 initial fee
      OR
    $84 per month + 145 initial fee

The bond ensures members that if something were to happen to the business, there is a bond held to reimburse those customers who have paid in full and services were not rendered.

"There is an exemption under the Virginia Health Spa Act that states "the term "health spa" shall not include the following: (i) bona fide nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, the YMCA, YWCA, or similar organizations whose functions as health spas are only incidental to their overall functions and purposes..."

"If the fitness club is included as part of the nonprofit hospital then they most likely would be exempt under the Act.  If they have been set up as a separate entity under their own corporate structure, then they would most likely be required to register and file surety.  As I said, once I get the information regarding the corporate structure, I will be able to determine how the Act applies to them." said Harrington

[UPATED OCTOBER 29TH @9:15AM]

For further details, please contact:
Sandy Harrington, Investigator
VA Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Svcs
Office of Consumer Affairs
Oliver W. Hill Building
102 Governor Street, Rm LL50
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-225-4601
Fax: 804-225-2666

Financials for WVU-H and Valley Health System via their own websites

You be the judge, which health care system financials are very much transparent and which one is guarding them like it's Fort Knox?

Valley Health Systems


West Virginia University Hospitals

A question for Dr. Wade : The Winchester Star, Letters to Editor

A question for Dr. Wade

I read with great interest the letter submitted by Dr. Karen Wade (Your Views, Oct. 17). I’m sure that all of her patients were already aware that she feels the single biggest problem with our system is the epidemic of honest, overworked, underpaid, and under-worshipped physicians being driven mercilessly into bankruptcy by legions of greed-driven ingrates.

Who hasn’t seen the sad spectacle of a physician trying to selflessly improve the lives of his or her patients only to be financially ruined by these hyper-litigious rubes. If only once these same patients could see what it is like to lose everything they’ve worked for, if only they knew the horror of being sued! It is a shame that any physician should have to worry about being hauled into court for maiming or killing the occasional patient.

I’m sure the insurance industry deplores having to charge Dr. Wade and her colleagues such astronomical malpractice premiums, I know they are lying awake at night thinking of ways to absolve our physicians of these onerous fees.

I do have one question for Dr. Wade: Which line is longest: the physicians litigated into abject poverty and shame, the Canadian refugees clogging our hospital corridors around the clock seeking quality care, or the working under-or uninsured Americans sued into real bankruptcy and foreclosure by their own providers or hospitals?

If Dr. Wade defers, perhaps a representative from WMC will answer it.

Dwight Sowell
Stephens City
October 27, 2009

Do not be surprised Mr. Dwight Sowell if you do not receive an answer from anyone within the walls of the Valley Health System.

First step is . . . tort reform

I was very pleased to see The Washington Post article on the Mayo Clinic in the Oct. 5 Star. It was the perfect rebuttal to Carl Ekberg’s letter, “A Mayo clinic in Winchester?” published Sept. 28.

There are clearly many factors besides the salaried status of its physicians which contribute to the excellent reputation of the Mayo Clinic. In the United States at the present time, a large number of physicians are salaried employees. The fees for their services, however, are still paid by insurance companies, and their employers (hospitals, large practices, etc.) expect them to generate enough income to justify those salaries.

One cannot legitimately compare outcomes (life expectancy and infant mortality) in the United States to those of small countries with populations that are much less socially and ethnically diverse. Making every physician in the United States a salaried government employee would not solve the problems of the obesity epidemic, teen pregnancy, or drug abuse.

The first step in reducing the cost of medical care in this country should be tort reform. Imagine how much fees could be reduced if each physician did not have to generate an extra $50,000 to $100,000 or more in income each year just to cover the cost of malpractice insurance. There would also be a decrease in “unnecessary” tests and treatments ordered by physicians practicing “defensive medicine” out of fear of lawsuits.

We should also put the control of health-care spending back in the hands of patients. We should encourage the use of Health Savings Accounts to pay for routine care, and reserve insurance (at much lower premiums than currently charged) for major illness or hospitalization. People will be much more prudent in their health-care choices if they feel they are spending their own money rather than the insurance company’s.

DR. KAREN E. WADE
Winchester 
October 17, 2009

A Mayo Clinic in Winchester?

Karen Wade's letter, “In the interest of fairness” (Your Views, Sept. 16), concerning physicians’ incomes was cute, sarcastic, and totally uninformative.

So here’s bit of information to raise the level of the discussion: In the United States, where fee-for-service (“cowboy capitalism” in the words of David Ignatius) is the usual practice, people live less long and more babies die within the first year of life than in any other modern industrialized country in the world.

In countries where physicians are on salaries (generous salaries), people live longer and fewer babies die. Moreover, within the United States, the best health care is provided at institutions (like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic) where physicians are salaried.

Wouldn’t it be salutary if Valley Health Care created a clinic here in Winchester (modeled on Mayo and Cleveland) where physicians would be on salaries, generous salaries?

Carl J. Ekberg
Winchester
September 28, 2009

In the interest of fairness

As a practicing Ob/Gyn physician, I think that Jim Silvester’s suggestion (Open Forum, Sept. 5) to cap doctors’ incomes at $150,000 per year is great, provided that, in the interest of fairness and equality, we apply the same cap to all other professions, including attorneys, hospital administrators, legislators, insurance company (and other) CEOs, talk-show hosts, entertainers, athletes, etc.

Of course, this may somewhat limit the pool of wealthy people to tax, so we might have to tax the not-so-wealthy a bit more. And while we’re at it, could we please pass a law requiring all babies to be born between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday?

Dr. Karen E. Wade
Winchester
September 16, 2009

Health-care folly
Forget the hogwash, it’s time to provide health care to all
Jim Silvester
September 5, 2009

This author has traveled widely with academic colleagues in the United Kingdom and has friends and business associates who call their home Canada.

Upon query about their national health-care systems, not one raised a voice of significant dissatisfaction, and none would agree to substitute their health system for that offered here in America.

Why does the United States spend $2.6 trillion annually on health care, 16 percent of its GDP, and only rank 37th by the World Health Organization (WHO) in terms of quality of health care?

America spends more on health per person than any country by twofold, yet it is rated between Costa Rica and Slovenia in quality of care accordingly to the WHO.

Back in time, families were afforded medical insurance provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which was run as a nonprofit conglomerate managed by medical professionals. The other insurance players at the time followed the BC/BS model.

The price was uniform and reasonable, and there were no pre-existing condition exclusions and the local hospitals and some Good Samaritan doctors would take care of the poor.

In the 1980s, the medical and insurance industries, through intense lobbying efforts in Washington and the state capitols, pushed through “individualized underwriting” and “deregulation” of the industries.

“Pre-existing condition” exclusions were added to insurance contracts, and people were no longer premium-rated by demographic group but stood alone. Many lost insurance coverage and were denied access to health care, as is the case today.

Some insurers spend millions on analyzing how to reject claims or slow the payment process and deny claims because of small errors on initial applications after years of paying premiums.

Doctors and insurance agents disappeared from the middle-class neighborhoods and ended up in huge palatial estates that would make a southern plantation owner blush, or McMansions sitting on huge tracts where homing pigeons would be needed to communicate with the nearest neighbors if it weren’t for telephones.

And going to the hospital or doctor nowadays is a lesson in Economics 101. “Where’s the insurance card or checkbook” is the new greeting even before the temperature or pulse is taken.

Republican and conservative credentials of this author notwithstanding, when it comes to national health care and 54 million uninsured citizens, labels need to be dropped.

People often complain without offering solutions. As a trained economist and practicing entrepreneur, this author offers the following humble opinions as to a health care fix:

* Doctors’ income should be capped at $150,000 per year.
* Cap tort settlements to stop unfair jury awards and contain malpractice insurance costs.
* Forgive medical school tuition pro-rated based on length of service.
* All pre-existing conditions covered.
* All insurance is portable with job loss or change.
* All medical insurance business should be private but non-profit.
* All hospitals and clinics should be nonprofit, and accept payments as outlined by a non-governmental insurance exchange.
* All citizens are covered with government subsidies for the poor, unemployed, and underprivileged.

The day of rising insurance premiums, cherry-picking patients, running away from health claims, not covering the poor with adequate care, while the few who control the process become increasingly fat and wealthy must end.

Simply put, the American people are being ripped off.

Before the MDs jump off Old Rag Mountain or drink tainted Kool-Aid at the mere mention of those nasty words, “insurance reform,” please take note that their esteemed and practical input is needed on this important issue.

Stop the “take it slow” or “be patient” hogwash as this theme doesn’t hold water since the debate started in the Truman years, and almost 1 in 6 Americans are without health care and increasing.

And the scare tactics must stop. The Canadian and British health systems do not employ death panels or rationing of health care anymore than does the U.S. model. American health insurers routinely cut off benefits to terminal patients, kick them out of the hospital, and send them “home to die.” And waiting six to eight weeks to see a doctor for 10 minutes, as is common here, is just another form of “rationing,” but no one dare say it.

The political extremists must stop the folly, get down to business, and do what all other modern western countries do — provide adequate, affordable health care for all of its citizens.

Jim Silvester, a resident of Frederick County, is a professional business journalist.

Source : The Winchester Star