Nashville General Racks Up $93 Million in Uncompensated Care

Nashville General Hospital will set a record this year for uncompensated care. Hospital officials say they’ll have to write off $93 million.

They’re also for preparing for big changes under the federal Affordable Care Act, which they discussed during Metro Budget hearings today.

Nashville General is the last resort for people without health coverage. Starting next year, all Americans will be required to have insurance. When that happens, Chief Financial Officer Bob Lonis says patients will have more options. “The key is I think anytime you get program where someone has a ticket, if you will, to go any hospital…the question is retention,” Lonis said.

Nashville General is looking for ways to keep patients while becoming financially stable.  Ideas include doing away with services that require an overnight stay or partnering with another healthcare institution. If Tennessee chooses to expand Medicaid coverage, Lonis said that could have a positive effect on the hospital’s bottom line. Expansion could bring in as much as $8 million in additional revenue.