Hospital surgery center scrutinized for increased case load — board considers CON review

The Green Mountain Care Board is debating whether Morristown, Vt.-based Copley Hospital is in violation of its certificate of need, the VTDigger reports.

Here's what you should know:

1. The board issued a CON in February 2016 for the hospital to replace its surgery center and modify its outpatient surgery center. However, the board is debating whether the hospital is violating its CON after the center began taking in more revenue than what was anticipated.

2. The board scrutinized Copley's surgical program twice before. In 2016, the care board alleged the center was performing complex surgeries that should've been performed at a larger hospital because of an increase in expenses. Copley CEO Art Mathisen committed to lowering expenses. The aforementioned complaint about the center making too much money was made last week.

3. Board member Jessica Holmes commended Copley's surgical program but said she was disappointed that the hospital was taking in more money than what it provided the board during budget guidance.

4. Mr. Mathisen said the center's positive reputation is causing an influx of patients.

5. Mr. Mathisen anticipates that surgeries will flatten out in the future. The hospital does not plan to hire any additional surgeons.

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