Effective this Thursday, February 1, resident patients will no longer have to pay inpatient facility charges for a stay at the LBJ Hospital.
A memo from CEO, Dr Akapusi Ledua dated January 12 to staff said, “Effective February 1, 2024 the hospital will no longer apply these charges for residents. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring our healthcare services remain accessible to all members of our community.”
The basic in patient fee is $50 per day for medical, surgical, OB/GYNn Wards and Labor Room, $30 per day for nursery and Pediatric Ward, $100/day for ICU, $100 for a Caesarean Section and $200 for a major surgery.
Non-residents pay a higher inpatient facility fee.
According to the CEO, beginning February 1, all inpatient services, including room and board, medical procedures, medication and consultations with healthcare professionals will be provided without charge to resident patients.
He said, “To ensure the hospital’s ongoing financial health, we will seek support from various funding sources, including private insurance companies, government assistance programs and philanthropic contributions.”
Charges for Emergency Room and Outpatient Services not associated with inpatient care will continue.
KHJ News asked how LBJ hoped to recoup revenue that will be lost by not charging inpatient fees for resident patients.
Dr Ledua said, “LBJ has taken significant steps to improve the coding and billing system that for many years did not enable LBJ to bill and collect on a number of services including professional services.”
These efforts are being spearheaded by Ellie Kamar, Chief of Business Affairs and Auditing and Chief Financial Officer, Sefanaia Kaumaitotoya.
“We are confident that appropriate professional billing will provide significant additional, deserved, compliant revenue,” said Dr.Ledua.
