ETMC Streamlines Operations

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center says it’s responding to the external economic climate by streamlining operations. According to a written statement, this means becoming more efficient by reducing non-critical staff positions and finding ways to make processes more cost-effective, as officials say the organization has throughout its 60-year history. ETMC has declined to disclose any exact numbers regarding reduction of positions. According to the statement, reasons for the current economic challenges include lessening reimbursement from third-party payors, and federal and state reimbursement cuts. Hospital officials say the uncertainty caused by healthcare reform legislation is also driving this situation to some degree, both locally and nationally.

Throughout the United States, ETMC officials add, other hospital systems are experiencing similar situations. The written statement says that as the market demands reductions in healthcare costs, ETMC is doing its part to adjust operations and trim costs, while continuing to fulfill its mission.