Hospital's Future 'Extremely Bright,' says Administrator

When she arrived at Perry Community Hospital in December of 2019, new Administrator and Chief Operating Officer Liane Parker found a facility that she describes as “dark, sad, gloomy, and heavy.”

Now, a half year later—and after working to revive the troubled hospital, sustain it through its worst-ever financial period during the pandemic, and breath new spirit into a small, rural business on life-support—she see its future as “extremely bright.”

The Buffalo River Review this week posed a number of questions to Administrator Parker. Following are her responses:

Who is the present owner and where is the company based?

Jason Weil is owner and CEO. The company is Expertús Health LLC; it is a Tennessee based company. Jason owns Expertús Industries which is the parent company of Expertús Health, Expertús Software, Expertús Laboratories and Expertús Medical. The parent company is based out of Florida.

When did the current ownership begin?

March 5, 2020. We had a managerial contract that began the last week of December 2019. The full change of ownership was official March 5, 2020.

Are you making your home in Perry County?

Absolutely. I have only left Linden one time since December for two days for Christmas. To save this hospital, it is an onsite, 24/7 duty. My husband, son, two dogs, and my cat moved here with me. My daughter has remained in Ohio to finish her nursing degree at Kent State.

What were the most critical problems you had to face?

I will say everything has been critical we have tackled, however, the biggest is overcoming the reputation that the hospital carried and rebranding the hospital.

What major improvements have been implemented or are being implemented?

I always tell my staff that we do not need to make this hospital look like some grand hotel, what is important is the invisible architecture, our culture, our patient care that will save the hospital.

The first step was changing the sad and heavy atmosphere, rebuilding morale. We did not furlough during Covid, we used that time to paint, rebuild and update areas.

All staff have spent hours and hours cleaning out and updating every aspect of the hospital. We now are rolling out everything we have been planning.

New services include cardiac, pulmonary, orthopedic, podiatry, dental, ENT, dermatology, optometry, woman’s health, chiropractic, and pediatrics. We want to offer a specialty service every day in outpatient clinic.

On top of that we have innovative devices for remote monitoring such as the coala cardiac and lung monitor. We are launching Sure Touch early breast cancer detection that beat mammography in a George Washington University study. Mammogram had a miss rate of 29% and Sure Touch mere 6%.

We have reopened GerriPsych. Perry was known statewide for the Gerripsych unit.

We are opening medical detox and now in the process of credentialing for substance abuse rehab. We have partners that will even give scholarships for those in need for substance abuse rehabilitation.

Additionally, we will soon have an onsite retail pharmacy that will be delivering. We have so many exciting things happening.

The dental partnership with Helping Hands of Tennessee is massive. They are income-based and receive grants to help care for those that cannot afford dental care, up to and including dentures.

How has the pandemic affected operations?

We had the worst months of revenue in the history of Perry Community Hospital in March through May. We did not let that deter us. We instead used that time to dig in and fix up our beloved hospital.

Number of employees?

When I started her there were 72 full-time employees. W have grown tremendously; today we have 115.

Do you have figures on the hospital’s impact on the local economy?

By estimation, we are in the top five for the county on employment. We have not been rebranding long enough yet to determine our full impact on the economy, however, we foresee growth. The hospital is a vital aspect for the economy to draw in new businesses and build out the economic structure of the county.

Is the present ownership responsible for the Blue Cross overbilling repayment/settlement?

Sadly, yes. When these overbilling situations occur, the overpayment recoupment sticks with the tax ID entity. That means we have to pay the recoupment. I will state that the staff here had zero knowledge of any of billing practices. The billing occurred off-site by prior ownership.

What causes you the most optimism?

The loyalty and drive of the staff here. The average tenure of this hospital is 35 to 40 years. The staff have the most heart and will do whatever it takes to save their hospital so it can be here years to come.

Additionally, the absolute support we have received from local government—County Mayor John Carroll, Lobelville Mayor Robby Moore, Linden Mayor Wess Ward, State Representative Kirk Haston, and Senator Joey Hensley. Without the support of those honorable men we would have very little optimism or encouragement.

What causes you the most concern?

The community not utilizing the hospital that is right here in town. The reputation of prior ownership had effectively destroyed the hospital. We have changed so many things and we honestly pray that everyone will come back.

Do you wish to comment on your staff and employees?

They are the most caring, dedicated, and hardworking group of individuals I have ever met. By their true grit and servitude nature has this hospital stayed viable.

I will say that you receive better care at a small community hospital having those in your community care for you rather than any large hospital system with those who do not have that connection with you.

How would you describe the future of Perry Community Hospital?

Extremely bright. Pragmatic and innovative. We will be heavily involved in our community and offering so many more services. There is more to come—stay tuned.