Community Hospital of Long Beach Gets $2M Donation
Since reopening in June, Community of Hospital of Long Beach has seen its expenses rise, but a $2 million donation from the Pacific Hospital Charitable Foundation this week will help the facility cover some of its costs, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports. Last month, the facility received certification from the state to begin treating Medicare patients, but federal officials have yet to give final approval, which is expected in "several weeks." Meanwhile, the hospital has been forced to "absorb" nearly $1 million in expenses for treating Medicare patients. President and CEO Dr. Robert Pugach said that the foundation's donation will help cover those costs. "This really allows the hospital to weather the first six months," he said. Pugach added that facility continues to treat an increasing number of patients. Community treated nearly 850 patients in July, more than twice what hospital officials had expected (Gewirtz, Long Beach Press-Telegram, 8/7).
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