Council defers change in billing system at local hospital

By Tarana Burke
Diversity Institute Fellow

07.23.04

Printer-friendly page

Metro Council voted Tuesday night to defer a resolution that would privatize the billing system of Nashville General Hospital.

McKesson Corp., a healthcare information technology company with offices in Alpharetta, Ga., has proposed streamlining the information systems for Nashville General.

Council members cited various objections to the switch, including concerns about the current information technology employees.

If McKesson gets the contract, the company would retain the eight current employees in the division and hire an additional 12 for the department. The employees who originally worked for the hospital would become McKesson employees.

Several council members asked how the switch would affect the employees' compensation and time vested in the Metro system if they became private employees.

Vice Mayor Howard Gentry said those employees who had put in enough years to earn retirement would still be eligible to draw a pension from the hospital.

Councilman Greg Adkins wanted to know how much the contract would cost the hospital and save Metro over the proposed five-year term.

According to information provided by the council, the contract would cost $11.4 million and save approximately $6 million.

The council's vote to defer the resolution meant the hospital board could not immediately accept McKesson's proposal. The council will consider the proposal again in August.

"I wish we could have addressed the council," said Gene Greer, director of information services for Nashville General.

Greer said the hospital is trying to move from a paper-based, non-networked system to a digital system that would touch every aspect of care giving.

"We are trying to enhance the environment to enhance patient safety," Greer said.

Related

Articles by Summer 2004 Diversity Institute Fellows
Collection of Articles by Summer 2004 Diversity Institute Fellows  07.23.04