The Cuero Regional Hospital held a regular meeting on February 27th, where several important topics were discussed. Notably, Martin Leske III was appointed to the CRH Board of Directors to fill a seat vacated by Secretary Charles Papacek, who retired on December 31, 2024. Additionally, the meeting addressed the policy regarding locked front doors and reviewed the Annual Audit Report by Forvis, LLC.
Martin Leske III is one of three candidates running for two available director positions in the upcoming General Election scheduled for May 3rd. The other candidates are Pedro Gonzales, P.E., and Faye Sheppard. (Candidate introductions and Q&A’s will appear in future editions.)
Nancy Blackwell, a concerned citizen and a hospital volunteer for thirty years, raised concerns about the locked front doors and the lack of assistance for patients who were unaware of the new policy or confused about the hospital's layout. The Front Physical Therapy entrance and the Front Medical Plaza entrance of the hospital were permanently closed on January 6th for security reasons, following recommendations from a safety audit aimed at limiting the number of entry points. The hospital announced the new policy in the December 25th issue of The Cuero Record and Yorktown News-View.
Blackwell emphasized the need for better directions and assistance for patients within the hospital.
“I believe we should have people available to help in situations like this. The hospital hallways can be confusing, and patients would appreciate some guidance,” Blackwell said. The board received her observations for consideration.
Deborah Whitley, a representative from Forvis Mazars, LLC presented an Annual Audit Report. Before the presentation, she shared details about a recent trip to Washington, DC, involving 25 Texans, including CRH CEO Lynn Falcone.
“Her story resonated with numerous congressmen. And I want you to know you were very well represented with her (Falcone) telling a story about what she sees here for you in Cuero, Texas,” she said, highlighting the rising costs of gas, utilities, and groceries. This increase in expenses has also impacted healthcare facilities.
Another concerning trend is the growing prevalence of Medicare Advantage plans, with more patients opting for them, leading to significant changes that could affect the survival of rural hospitals.
“In the rural markets, they (Medicare Advantage plans) take longer to pay. They pay less than what traditional Medicare does. And coverage or the preauthorization becomes a factor,” Whitley said.
The impact of Medicare Advantage plans on rural hospitals will be addressed in a future article, entitled “Medicare Advantage is Not an Advantage.”
Chief of Staff Dr. Sheryl Harvey MD announced the appointments of Felipe Gomez- Escandon, MD, OB; Jason Goodwin, MD, Otolaryngology (ENT); Imre Kocsis, DO, Family Practice; and Billie Marek, MD, Oncology.
Additionally, the following medical staff members have been reappointed: Nelly Estrada, MD, Radiology -Telemedicine; Dante Garza, MD, Hospitalist; Sheryl Harvey, MD, Family Practice/Obstetrics; David Hu, MD, Radiology-Telemedicine; Angela Lapus, MD, Pathology; Rachel Mansker, PA, Orthopedic; Monica Martinez, MS, Radiology-Telemedicine; David Patterson, MD, Radiology - Te l emed i c i n e ; Brook Weaver, MD, Obstetrics; Gerhard Wittich, MD, Radiology Onsite.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 27 in the Education Classroom at Cuero Regional Hospital.
