Community Champions: How Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center Ensures Local Dialysis Care

The TruBridge Community Champion program is dedicated to celebrating and advocating for small and rural communities. Through this program, TruBridge recognizes the extraordinary efforts of its clients who go above and beyond to help their communities thrive. This article highlights the incredible story of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) and their swift, successful transition to in-house dialysis services, ensuring critical care for the remote community of Salida, Colorado.

In October 2023, HRRMC was faced with an unexpected and urgent challenge. The contracted dialysis service provider announced their abrupt departure from Salida, leaving patients in a lurch. Without local access, patients would be forced to undertake long, arduous journeys through the mountainous terrain surrounding Salida, which can be perilous due to frequently inclement weather and road conditions.

Recognizing the dire consequences of losing this essential service, HRRMC quickly decided to transition the dialysis unit into an internal, hospital-based service. The decision to offer both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in-house was not merely a logistical necessity but a commitment to the community’s well-being.

In rural areas like Salida, healthcare access is a constant challenge, with geographical isolation amplifying the impact of service disruptions. This bold move by HRRMC allowed patients to continue receiving dialysis care without the physical and emotional toll of traveling long distances.

The transition to in-house dialysis services at HRRMC was a complex and challenging process, but it was executed with precision and efficiency thanks to the leadership and coordination of key individuals. April Asbury, vice president of patient care services, and Rachael Cutler, dialysis clinical director, were at the forefront of this effort.

The process began with multiple HRRMC board meetings to review and approve the proposal to transition the dialysis service line in-house. The decision required careful consideration of financial implications, staffing needs, and regulatory compliance. Once board approval was secured, Asbury and Cutler led a coordinated effort to implement the transition within an ambitious 30-day timeline. This involved hiring a medical director; acquiring new dialysis equipment; and developing procedures for admissions, billing, supplies, pharmacy, and laboratory services.

The team’s ability to navigate the regulatory landscape was equally impressive. During the transition, HRRMC underwent a state licensure survey, which could have delayed the process. However, the team successfully met all regulatory requirements and achieved a seamless transition without interruptions in care.

“The leadership expertise of the HRRMC team was shining and aligned,” Asbury said. “What we were able to achieve as a team was outstanding.”

Implementing in-house dialysis services at HRRMC required meticulous planning and execution. One of the first steps was hiring a medical director, Dr. Jesse Flaxenburg, and a chronic kidney disease nephrologist, Dr. David Kanar, to oversee the program and provide the highest quality of care. With their expertise, the team developed new protocols and procedures to integrate dialysis services into the hospital’s operations.

The transition also involved significant investments in new equipment and technology. HRRMC leveraged TruBridge for documentation templates and charge capture for billing, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing operational efficiency. The clinical informatics team played a key role in building and optimizing electronic forms, flowsheets, and documentation, ensuring the new workflows were effective and compliant with regulatory standards.

The impact on the community has been profound. By maintaining local access to dialysis services, HRRMC has alleviated the burden on patients who would otherwise have to travel up to 60 miles to the nearest facility. Patients now have the assurance of receiving life-saving treatment close to home, improving their quality of life and overall health outcomes.

HRRMC’s story is a testament to the power of community dedication and swift, coordinated action. By transitioning dialysis services in-house, HRRMC not only met an urgent need but also reinforced its commitment to the health and well-being of Salida’s residents. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of the TruBridge Community Champion program, highlighting how healthcare providers can make a difference in rural communities.

Learn more about the Dialysis offering at Heart of the Rockies as well as how TruBridge helps hospitals impact rural communities.