Local

LMC looks to new scanner to boost its bottom line

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer

Jan. 25, 2002 - Lincoln Medical Center is updating its CT scanner, enabling patients to receive care without traveling to Charlotte or Gastonia.

Board members voted unanimously during a Wednesday board meeting to either purchase or lease a G.E. Lightspeed CT Scanner.

The current computerized topography scanner is eight-years-old, Teresa Watson, vice-president of administration, told board members.

“It’s time we update our CT equipment,” she said.

The new scanner will cost $942,000, though the hospital may opt for a lease. Officials say the cost will be similar. An additional $78,000 will be required for renovations of the room the scanner will be housed in.

If the radiology department does three additional scans per day, the device will more than pay for itself in the first year, Watson said. In five years, the device will net approximately $850,000, Watson said.

Hospital officials say LMC is losing revenue to hospitals in Gastonia and Charlotte because the current CT scanner cannot keep up with the demand.

Doctors also say there is a need for the device.

“I think medically it makes sense,” said Dr. Larry Weems, chief of the medical staff.

The new machine, which will be installed in eight to 12 weeks, is quicker, emits less radiation and produces better diagnostic images, Watson said. The machine can accurately diagnose people up to 450 pounds. The current machine can only be used for people up to 300 pounds.

“I think it will benefit everybody and give better quality patient care,” said John Shelton, director of imaging.

Board members also voted unanimously to add four beds to the telemetry unit. Patients who need cardiac monitoring are served in that unit.

During the last quarter, 26 patients were transferred to other hospitals because the existing eight beds were full. Officials say that cost LMC $700,000.

The hospital hopes to have the new beds, which cost $65,000, on line by April 2.

Weems said physicians support adding the beds.

“There is extremely broad support through the medical, surgical and emergency staff,” he said.

Now when the telemetry unit is full, cardiac patients must bypass LMC and are transported by ambulance out of the county.

The critical care unit is adding two beds in February, bringing the total to 10 beds.

Board member Danny Richard said the expenditures resulted from “penned up demand.” Last year the hospital experienced a financial crisis making it difficult to add or replace equipment. Finances have improved since then.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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