Technology Built for Rural Hospitals Helps Nemaha County Hospital Remain Financially Strong and Independent

Critical access hospitals are central to the well-being of rural communities. They not only provide access to healthcare but also serve as economic and social cornerstones.

As healthcare markets become increasingly consolidated, Nemaha County Hospital (NCH), located in Auburn, Nebraska, remains strongly committed to its continued independence. “There are many larger organizations in the state that would be very happy to welcome us into their fold,” says Susi VonBergen, chief operating officer at NCH.

For VonBergen and Stacy Taylor, chief financial officer, staying independent ultimately comes down to financial stability. “I think our financial success has had a lot to do with our judicious use of resources — without limiting what we do and how it impacts patients,” Taylor says. “TruBridge has played an essential role in that since we started working with them in 2003.”

NCH serves a population of 7,000 with 16 acute beds and an emergency room that sees, on average, 100 patients per month. Ambulatory services, which make up most of the hospital’s business, total roughly 1,700 visits per month.

Although NCH is small, its leaders think big. They rely on rural healthcare-specific technology to support modern workflows. “We enjoy the challenge of taking on new initiatives and working to implement them successfully,” says VonBergen.

One significant move for NCH was transitioning from VPN to web client, which is easier to use and more secure. They also recently adopted Multiview, a TruBridge strategic partner, to support precise financial reporting — a must when margins are razor thin.

Another change that has delivered multiple benefits was contracting with TruBridge to provide IT support. “In the past, Susi and I were responsible for developing systems for both clinical and financial workflows,” Taylor says. “Now, we can pick up the phone and ask an expert for help with any issue, which is both more efficient and more effective.”

For rural hospitals like NCH, supporting clinical staff is foundational to continuity of care. When clinicians are stretched, the entire system feels the impact.

NCH prioritizes onboarding staff quickly at the start of employment and during the implementation of new applications. To ensure staff are trained to use the EHR correctly and to its full potential, NCH relies on TruBridge for comprehensive training. “Everyone learns differently,” Taylor says. “TruBridge offers videos, instruction guides, and live webinars. I feel like they do a great job meeting everyone’s needs.”

Focused healthcare IT support is equally important because it makes it easier for staff to do their jobs. “People who come to NCH with prior EHR experience — or who are simply tech-savvy — catch on very quickly and are impressed with what our EHR can do,” VonBergen says.

As a TruBridge client for more than two decades, NCH has experienced many changes in healthcare technology. For Taylor, the success of the partnership reflects a shared commitment on both sides.

“TruBridge has always understood the needs of critical access hospitals and has been consistent in how they support us through change,” she says. “They work with us to identify ways we can improve our processes, and we provide feedback on what works and what doesn’t.”

That collaborative spirit led TruBridge to invite NCH to participate in its Client Advisory Council (CAC). Being part of the CAC gives NCH direct input into the next generation of products that will support their needs and help them maintain independence.

Looking ahead, NCH leadership is eager to adopt new AI-enabled tools. “Our patients are asking for them, so we need solutions that are reliable, secure, and affordable,” VonBergen says. “We know TruBridge will deliver.”