Courtesy Photo:  Josie M. Andazola, Phlebotomist (standing) and Bobby Romero, Imaging Scheduler (sitting) are in the blood draw pod discussing the new hours for the GRMC Outpatient Services area.

Hospitals across the country are facing significant cuts in reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid. Gila Regional has put in place teams to look at ways of providing sustainable processes that improve outcomes and increase patient satisfaction during this time.

The team reviewing outpatient services -- laboratory, imaging/radiology, and cardiopulmonary – reviewed the data for patient flow and the Caregiver work demand.  The data clearly demonstrated that unscheduled/walk-in patient volumes were strongest from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and thus determined when GRMC staffing was justified.

Effective Monday, March 18, the change takes place. The hours of operation for Gila Regional Medical Center's outpatient services will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week in the laboratory, cardiopulmonary, and imaging departments for unscheduled/walk-in testing.
The hours of operation for scheduled outpatient procedures, like MRI or mammograms, will not experience any changes.

Gila Regional believes this change will create a more efficient use of Caregivers and a better patient experience for those we serve.

For more information, contact Laura Howell, GRMC Communications Coordinator at 575-538-4657