4A (Expenses $ 378949800 including grants of $ 0) (Revenue $ 565468262)
ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.) IS A 647-BED HOSPITAL CAMPUS PROVIDING SERVICES WITHOUT REGARD TO PATIENT RACE, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ECONOMIC STATUS, OR ABILITY TO PAY. DURING FISCAL YEAR 2018, ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA INC.) TREATED 30,404 ADULTS AND CHILDREN FOR A TOTAL OF 153,291 PATIENT DAYS OF SERVICE. THE HOSPITAL ALSO PROVIDED SERVICES FOR 283,331 OUTPATIENT VISITS, WHICH INCLUDED 7,525 OUTPATIENT SURGERIES AND 103,553 EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS. SEE SCHEDULE H FOR A NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND DESCRIPTIONS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 3E
FACILITY GROUP A ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, LINE 1 ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, LINE 2 ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER, LINE 3 TO BETTER TARGET COMMUNITY RESOURCES ON THE SERVICE AREA'S MOST PRESSING HEALTH NEEDS, THE HOSPITAL PARTICIPATED IN A GROUP DISCUSSION WITH ORGANIZATIONAL DECISION MAKERS TO PRIORITIZE THE SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS WHILE CONSIDERING SEVERAL CRITERIA: ALIGNMENT WITH ASCENSION HEALTH STRATEGIES OF HEALTHCARE THAT LEAVES NO ONE BEHIND; CARE FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE; OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERSHIP; AVAILABILITY OF EXISTING PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES; ADDRESSING DISPARITIES OF SUBGROUPS; AVAILABILITY OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES; AND COMMUNITY INPUT. THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS ARE A PRIORITIZED DESCRIPTION OF THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AS IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE CHNA. SEE SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 7 FOR THE LINK TO THE CHNA AND SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 FOR HOW THOSE NEEDS ARE BEING ADDRESSED.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 5 Facility A, 1
Facility A, 1 - A1 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, A2 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, A3 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. A RANDOM SAMPLE OF 6,808 SEDGWICK, BUTLER, HARVEY, RENO, KINGMAN AND SUMNER COUNTY HOUSEHOLDS WAS SELECTED. PRE-SURVEY POSTCARDS WERE MAILED VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL ON DECEMBER 24, 2015, INFORMING POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS ABOUT THE CHNA, ASKING THEM TO WATCH FOR AND COMPLETE THEIR SURVEYS AND GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST THE SURVEY IN SPANISH OR VIETNAMESE, IF PREFERRED. THEN ON DECEMBER 31, 2015, SURVEYS, COVER LETTERS AND POSTAGE-PAID RETURN ENVELOPES WERE MAILED OUT VIA FIRST CLASS. FOLLOW-UP REMINDER POSTCARDS WERE MAILED OUT ON JANUARY 12, 2016 WITH SURVEYS BEING ACCEPTED FOR ANALYSIS THROUGH FEBRUARY 19, 2016. IN ADDITION, IN AN EFFORT TO DRAW UPON THE RECOGNITION AND REPUTATION OF INDIVIDUALS IN SEDGWICK, BUTLER, HARVEY, RENO, KINGMAN AND SUMNER COUNTIES, COMMUNITY LEADERS WERE IDENTIFIED BY NONPROFIT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES BY ASKING EACH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO IDENTIFY UP TO TEN COMMUNITY LEADERS THEY BELIEVED SHOULD BE SURVEYED TO GAUGE THE COMMUNITY'S PULSE AS IT PERTAINS TO THE AREA'S HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS. ALL COMMUNITY LEADERS IDENTIFIED BY AT LEAST TWO AGENCY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WERE INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY RESEARCH. THEY INCLUDED NONPROFIT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS, AS WELL AS PRESIDENTS/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE AREA'S LARGEST EMPLOYERS, LOCAL ELECTED AND APPOINTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS AND BOARD PRESIDENTS WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE. SURVEYS WERE MAILED OUT TO 670 COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THE RESPONSE RATE WAS 18.7 PERCENT. TO GET A FEELING OF REAL COMMUNITY NEEDS THAT ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, USING THE UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS 2-1-1 DATABASE, UNITED WAY OF RENO COUNTY CONTACT LIST AND THE MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE COALITION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS FOR WICHITA-SEDGWICK COUNTY, 262 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF PROGRAMS DEALING WITH POOR AND/OR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WERE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY EFFORT. THE RESPONSE RATE FROM THIS TARGET GROUP WAS 46.6 PERCENT. SPECIFIC PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH LEADING THE CHNA EFFORT INCLUDED: SONJA ARMBRUSTER, FORMER COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT DIVISION DIRECTOR FOR THE SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT; RENEE M. HANRAHAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FROM ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HEALTH AND GLORIA SUMMER, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH FOR UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS. SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (SCHD) SERVED ON THE CHNA PLANNING COMMITTEE AND ASSISTED IN DEVELOPING THE SURVEY WHICH WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY AND NEIGHBORING COUNTIES. THEIR PARTICIPATION WAS THROUGH PLANNING MEETINGS AND HOSTING OF THE MAPP PROCESS IN WHICH ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA TOOK AN ACTIVE PART. UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS (UWP) PROVIDED THE RESEARCH COMPONENT OF THE FY 2016 CHNA AND TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGNING, COORDINATING AND MAILING OUT THE SURVEYS AND REMINDER CARDS AS WELL AS THE DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS. LIKE PREVIOUS CHNA'S, THE FY 2016 CHNA INCLUDED THREE SURVEYS. (1) A COMMUNITY RESPONDENT (OR HOUSEHOLD) SURVEY THAT WAS MAILED TO A RANDOM SAMPLE OF 6,808 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SEDGWICK COUNTY AND NEIGHBORING COUNTIES WHICH IS THE UWP'S SERVICE AREA. THIS SURVEY WAS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND VIETNAMESE. (2) A COMMUNITY LEADER SURVEY THAT WAS MAILED OUT TO 670 LEADERS IDENTIFIED THROUGH A REPUTATIONAL SURVEY METHOD OF THE AREA NOT-FOR-PROFITS, OR THEY WERE SELECTED BECAUSE OF THEIR STATUS OF BEING AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. (3) AN AGENCY EXECUTIVE SURVEY WHICH WAS DISTRIBUTED TO 234 AREA NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED BY USING THE UWP'S 2-1-1 DATABASE. IN ADDITION, DATA COLLECTED FOR THE UWP'S ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN WAS USED WHICH PRIMARILY RELIES ON UP-TO-DATE SECONDARY DATA GATHERED FROM CENSUS, COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, AND OTHERS ENGAGED IN MONITORING THE SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION. AGENCIES PARTICIPATING IN THE SURVEY ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA APPENDIX. UWP SERVED AS THE LEAD AGENCY FOR THE FY 2016 CHNA AND WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYZING THE DATA. ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI ASSISTED IN THE SURVEY DEVELOPMENT AND PICKING UP THE POSTAGE AND SURVEY PRINTING COSTS.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 6a Facility A, 1
Facility A, 1 - A1 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, A2 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, A3 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. THE FY 2016 CHNA WAS CONDUCTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITAL ST. TERESA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITAL ST. TERESA, INC) (AVCH-ST) AND ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, INC.) (AVCRH). AVCH-ST IS LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF WICHITA, SEDGWICK COUNTY ON A 120-ACRE CAMPUS, THE 144,000 SQUARE-FOOT HOSPITAL FEATURES: - 68 PRIVATE PATIENT SUITES - 24/7 EMERGENCY ROOM - 6 STATE OF THE ART OPERATING ROOMS - DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND LABORATORY SERVICES - INPATIENT PHARMACY - CRITICAL CARE UNIT - ORTHOPEDICS AND INPATIENT REHAB - CARDIOVASCULAR CARE. AVCRH SERVES PATIENTS IN REGAINING THEIR FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE FOLLOWING A MAJOR ILLNESS, TRAUMA OR SURGERY. THE SPECIALIZED FACILITY OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT THERAPY FOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING TODDLERS, AND ADULTS, AND PROVIDES REHABILITATION TREATMENT FOR STROKE, SPINAL CORD INJURIES, LIMB LOSS, ORTHOPEDIC ISSUES AND BRAIN INJURIES.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 6b Facility A, 1
Facility A, 1 - A1 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, A2 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, A3 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. THE FY 2016 CHNA WAS CONDUCTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS (UWP) AND SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (SCHD). THE THREE FOCUS AREAS OF THE UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS (UWP) IS EDUCATION, INCOME AND HEALTH. THEY HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS SINCE 1985 AND ARE SEEN AS THE LEADER IN ASSESSMENTS IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS AREA. IT SEEMED LIKE A NATURAL CHOICE TO JOIN FORCES WITH THEM AND THE SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN CONDUCTING OUR CHNA. UWP IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE PRIMARY ROLES INCLUDE COMMUNITY PLANNING, SOCIAL SERVICE COORDINATION AND AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY-WIDE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IN ORDER TO ALLOCATE DONATIONS TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS THROUGH AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS. THEIR MISSION IS TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS. SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (SCHD) PROVIDES SERVICES TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH, FOCUSING THEIR RESOURCES IN FOUR DIVISIONS: CHILDREN AND FAMILY HEALTH, HEALTH PROTECTION, PREVENTIVE HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH PERFORMANCE. UNDER CHILDREN AND FAMILY HEALTH THEY PROVIDE THE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC) FOOD PROGRAM; PREGNANCY TESTS, EXAMS, CONTRACEPTIVES AND FAMILY PLANNING RESOURCES; SCHOOL HEALTH; PROJECT IMPRINT (WORKING TO REDUCE INFANT MORTALITY) AND HEALTHY BABIES PROGRAM (FOR EXPECTING MOTHERS).THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CHNA WAS THROUGH PLANNING MEETINGS AND HOSTING OF THE OUTREACH PROCESSES.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 11 Facility A, 1
Facility A, 1 - A1 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, A2 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, A3 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE MOST RECENT CHNA AND BEING ADDRESSED BY ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.(F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.) (AVCH-W) INCLUDE: HEALTH INSURANCE - AVCH-W PROVIDES TREATMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WHO COME IN NEEDING ASSISTANCE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. HOWEVER, ONCE IN THE DOOR, A CASE MANAGER WILL WORK WITH EACH PATIENT TO SEE IF THEY QUALIFY FOR TRADITIONAL CHARITY CARE AND/OR A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM. IF THEY DO, THE PATIENT IS SIGNED UP IMMEDIATELY AND STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO FIND A MEDICAL HOME IF THEY DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE ONE. IN ADDITION, THE LEADERSHIP TEAM AT AVCH-W AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CONTINUES TO BE A STRONG PROPONENT IN THE NEED TO EXPAND MEDICAID ACROSS KANSAS. AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE, IN OUR CATHOLIC TRADITION, SHOULD BE A RIGHT GIVEN TO ALL BUT ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE POOR AND VULNERABLE. AVCH-W CONTINUES TO OFFER CHARITY CARE TO THE POOR, TAKES CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE RECIPIENTS OF MEDICAID AND MEDICARE KNOWING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE PAYING THE FULL COST OF THAT CARE. BASIC MEDICAL CARE FOR LOW-INCOME - AVCH-W, LIKE ALL ASCENSION HOSPITALS, WORK WITH THE PATIENT AND/OR THEIR FAMILY TO MAKE SURE THEY RECEIVE TREATMENT WHEN PRESENTING AT THE HOSPITAL. PRIOR TO DISCHARGE, A CASE MANAGER IDENTIFIES BASIC MEDICAL CARE OPTIONS WITH THE PATIENT/CAREGIVER AND PROVIDES THEM WITH APPLICATION FORMS AND CONTACT NUMBERS. IN ADDITION, IF THE PATIENT NEEDS ASSISTANCE FILLING OUT THE FORMS OR IS WANTING MORE INFORMATION, OUR CASE MANAGERS WILLINGLY ASSIST THEM TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, INCLUDING PATIENT CALL BACK TO SEE IF RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED. AVCH-W FEELS STRONGLY THAT BASIC MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL PEOPLE IS A RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY COMMUNITY. PEOPLE WHO ARE ILL AND DENIED MEDICAL CARE NOT ONLY JEOPARDIZE THEIR OWN HEALTH BUT MAY IMPACT OTHERS WHO SHARE THEIR ENVIRONMENT. WAITING UNTIL ONE IS IN CRISIS TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE IS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS BUT MAY HAVE SERIOUS ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR FAMILIES, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND HOSPITALS. AVCH-W CASE MANAGERS WORK WITH PATIENTS TO FIND MEDICAL HOMES PRIOR TO DISCHARGE FROM OUR HOSPITAL. ASSISTANCE WITH PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LOW-INCOME - HOSPITALIZED INPATIENTS, AS WELL AS CLINIC OUTPATIENTS, MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN PROCURING THEIR REQUIRED MEDICATIONS. AVCH-W CURRENTLY OPERATES A 340B DRUG PRICING PROGRAM ON MEDICATION AND PAYS AN ANNUAL FEE TO BE A DISPENSARY OF HOPE PHARMACY AS WELL. IN ADDITION, AVCH-W CONTINUES TO LOOK FOR NEW WAYS TO PROCURE MEDICATION DISCOUNTS FOR ALL PATIENTS WHETHER THEY ARE BEING DISCHARGED FROM ONE OF OUR HOSPITALS OR ARE GETTING OUTPATIENT TREATMENT IN AN ASCENSION MEDICAL GROUP CLINIC. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION/EDUCATION - CHILDREN WHO ARE VICTIMIZED MAY REQUIRE IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT, BUT THEIR ORDEAL ALSO HAS AN IMPACT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, THE JUDICIAL AND CORRECTIONAL SYSTEMS WHEN THEIR ABUSE IS INVESTIGATED, PROSECUTED AND THE ACCUSED ARE SENTENCED FOR THEIR CRIME. MANY YOUNG PARENTS HAVE LIMITED FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE WITH DEALING WITH BABIES, AND AS A RESULT, MAY INADVERTENTLY HURT THEIR CHILD EVEN THOUGH THEY LOVE THAT CHILD. THAT IS WHY AVCH-W OFFERS TRADITIONAL PARENTING CLASSES IN ADDITION TO NON-TRADITIONAL TRAINING, LIKE BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS. IN ADDITION, AVCH-W PROVIDES SEVERAL DIFFERENT SAFETY CLASSES AND/OR SERVICES FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN (E.G. INFANT SEAT INSTALLATION AND GIVE-AWAYS FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, CHILD BICYCLE SAFETY CLASSES AND FREE HELMETS FOR LOW-INCOME CHILDREN, CPR FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN, ETC.) IMMUNIZATION OF ADULTS/CHILDREN - THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTED 510 DEATHS IN KANSAS DUE TO COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA OR PNEUMONIA IN 2014. STARTING IN 2015, AVCH-W REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYEES TO GET IMMUNIZED IN ORDER TO FURTHER PROTECT PATIENTS AND THEIR WORKFORCE AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. THOSE WHO CHOOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR PROTECTIVE FACE MASKS TO PREVENT SPREADING ANY POSSIBLE GERMS THEY MAY BE CARRYING AND/OR TO KEEP THEM FROM GETTING MORE EXPOSED TO THE DISEASE THROUGH THEIR WORK SCHEDULES.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 11 Facility A, 2
Facility A, 2 - A1 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS, A2 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. JOSEPH, A3 - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER. HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION/EDUCATION - HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS THE FASTEST-GROWING CRIMINAL INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD TODAY. TRAFFICKERS USE FORCE, FRAUD OR COERCION TO ENSLAVE THEIR VICTIMS INTO SITUATIONS INVOLVING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OR FORCED LABOR. AVCH-W HAS BECOME A NATIONAL MODEL FOR ASCENSION HEALTH IN DEALING WITH THIS VULNERABLE POPULATION. SINCE AVCH-W FIRST INITIATED THIS PROGRAM, OVER 70 VICTIMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND ASSISTED. THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROGRAM STAFF IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH LOCAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND AVCH-W'S FORENSIC NURSING PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THOSE IDENTIFIED AS VICTIMS IN OUR CLINICS OR EMERGENCY ROOMS. OTHER AGENCIES, IN SEDGWICK COUNTY, ARE ALSO FOCUSING ATTENTION AND RESOURCES ON THIS ISSUE IN HOPES OF EDUCATING MORE BUSINESSES ON HOW TO RECOGNIZE POSSIBLE VICTIMS. AVCH-W STAFF, WORKING WITH A NATIONAL LEADER ON THE SUBJECT, HAS DEVELOPED TOOLS WHICH ARE THEN DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE ASCENSION HEALTH MINISTRIES FOR NATIONAL AWARENESS OF VICTIMS. FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION - FAMILY VIOLENCE AFFECTS PEOPLE IN ALL STAGES OF LIFE REGARDLESS OF RACE, RELIGION, ECONOMIC STATUS OR AGE. WHEN AVCH-W TREATS THESE VICTIMS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, IT GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO SEPARATE THE VICTIMS FROM THEIR ABUSERS AND TO ENCOURAGE THE VICTIMS THAT HELP IS AVAILABLE. ED CLINICAL STAFF WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THEIR SOCIAL WORK AND SECURITY DEPARTMENTS TO KEEP VICTIMS SAFE AND OFFER THEM IMMEDIATE REFERRALS TO ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY WHOSE SOLE PURPOSE IS TO HELP THESE VICTIMS AND THEIR CHILDREN ESCAPE THIS ENVIRONMENT. FOOD ASSISTANCE - AVCH-W PROVIDES NUTRITION TO THOSE WHO ARE POOR AND VULNERABLE IN SEVERAL WAYS. ASSOCIATES PARTICIPATE IN FOOD DRIVES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PRIMARY CAREGIVERS, WHOSE FAMILY MEMBER IS AN INPATIENT AND ARE IDENTIFIED AS LOW-INCOME AND IN NEED OF PROPER NUTRITION, ARE GIVEN FREE MEAL TICKETS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THEIR STRENGTH WHILE ASSISTING WITH THE CARE OF THEIR LOVED ONE. CASE MANAGERS, WHO ARE AWARE OF THE PATIENT (AND MANY TIMES THEIR FAMILY) NEEDS, WILL ASSIST IN GETTING THE PATIENT SIGNED UP FOR MEDICAID AND/OR FOOD STAMPS IF THEY DETERMINE THE PATIENT MEETS THE CRITERIA. THE PATIENT IS ALSO GIVEN INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH FOOD NEEDS UNTIL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE. AVCH-W HOSPITAL ALSO REVIEWS THE MENU CHOICES AVAILABLE TO THEIR EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE PROPER NUTRITION IS A STANDARD THROUGHOUT THEIR MINISTRIES. SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION/EDUCATION - AVCH-W SUPPORTS THE WORK OF THE MANY AGENCIES IN THE COMMUNITY, FUNDED BY UNITED WAY, THAT ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM THROUGH THEIR ONE COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN, AND THEY CERTAINLY WORK CLOSELY WHEN VICTIMS ARE IDENTIFIED WHEN BROUGHT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. AVCH-W'S FORENSIC NURSING PROGRAM IS LOCATED ON THE ST. JOSEPH CAMPUS AND WORKS COLLABORATIVELY WITH ALL VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT BY PROVIDING IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE, FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS, ADVOCACY, PATIENT FOLLOW-UP AND ASSISTANCE WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES. THESE FORENSIC NURSES PROVIDE CARE TO APPROXIMATELY 350 PATIENTS A YEAR. COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - AVCH-W HAS A SPECIALLY EQUIPPED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UNIT DESIGNED TO PROTECT PATIENTS WHO ARE BROUGHT IN BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, FAMILIES OR FRIENDS WHO ARE HAVING A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS. ONCE THE PATIENT IS STABILIZED, AVCH-W STAFF WORK WITH COMCARE TO GET THE PERSON EVALUATED AND PROCESSED FOR FURTHER CARE. AVCH-W WILL ALSO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO AN APPROPRIATE PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY WHEN REQUIRED. IN ADDITION, AVCH-W STAFF PARTICIPATE ON NUMEROUS COMMUNITY BOARDS (E.G. GRACE MED HEALTH, GUADALUPE CLINIC, CATHOLIC CARE CENTER, HEARTSPRING, NEWMAN UNIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL, UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS AND OTHERS) TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE MEDICALLY VULNERABLE OR ARE INDIGENT CAN GET ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE WHEN NEEDED. NEEDS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY AVCH-W PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE WORKFORCE - AVCH-W DOES OFFER SOME VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH BUT HAS LIMITED RESOURCES TO WORK WITH YOUTH IN PREPARING THEM TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE. IT DOES SPONSOR THE ST. GIANNI ACADEMY WHICH IS A COMPETITIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR STUDENTS ATTENDING BISHOP CARROLL AND KAPAUN/MT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOLS WHO INTEND TO BE PRE-MED MAJORS IN COLLEGE. THESE STUDENTS DO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THEIR WORK IN THE ACADEMY AS THEY LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM AFTER COMPLETING COLLEGE. TUTORING FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH AT RISK OF FAILURE - A REPRESENTATIVE FROM AVCH-W DOES PARTICIPATE ON A COMMUNITY COMMITTEE THAT DEALS WITH THIS ISSUE BUT ISN'T DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN TUTORING CHILDREN. THERE ARE SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS IN TOWN WHO ARE FOCUSING ON THIS COMMUNITY PRIORITY.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 3c FACTORS IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
In addition to using FPG, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc. (F/K/A Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.) also uses an asset level test and medical indigency as factors in determining eligibility for free and discounted care.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 6a Community benefit report prepared by related organization
ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HEALTH,INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HEALTH, INC.) EIN: 48-1172107

Schedule H, Part I, Line 7g Subsidized Health Services
SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES - NET LOSSES BY THE ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.) FAMILY PRACTICE CLINICS, SPECIALTY CLINICS, FORENSIC NURSING PROGRAM, TRANSITIONAL CLINIC, COMMUNITY CARES CLINIC, HEART FAILURE CLINIC AND VIA CHRISTI INN.

Schedule H, Part I, Line 7 Costing Methodology used to calculate financial assistance
"THE COST OF PROVIDING CHARITY CARE, MEANS-TESTED GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS IS ESTIMATED USING INTERNAL COST DATA, AND IS CALCULATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (""CHA"") GUIDELINES. THE ORGANIZATION USES A COST ACCOUNTING SYSTEM THAT ADDRESSES ALL PATIENT SEGMENTS (FOR EXAMPLE, INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT, EMERGENCY ROOM, PRIVATE INSURANCE, MEDICAID, MEDICARE, UNINSURED, OR SELF PAY). THE BEST AVAILABLE DATA WAS USED TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE TABLE. FOR THE INFORMATION IN THE TABLE, A COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO WAS CALCULATED AND APPLIED."

Schedule H, Part II Community Building Activities
THE RESPIRATORY CARE DEPARTMENT COLLECTS VARIOUS RECYCLABLES IN AN EFFORT TO ENSURE GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH'S RESOURCES. ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS, INC.) (AVCH-W) INVITES STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A HEALTH CAREER TO OBSERVE THEIR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS PAIRED WITH A PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTING THEIR CAREER ASPIRATIONS. THIS GIVES STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH THEIR EXPECTATIONS WITH THE REALITY OF EACH HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SO THE STUDENT CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT WHICH CAREER TO FOLLOW AS THEY ENTER INTO COLLEGE LIFE. THIS REAL-LIFE OPPORTUNITY HAS HELPED TO RECRUIT NEW HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS GIVEN THEIR INITIAL EXPOSURE IN FRONT-LINE HOSPITAL WORK.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 2 Bad debt expense - methodology used to estimate amount
AFTER SATISFACTION OF AMOUNTS DUE FROM INSURANCE AND REASONABLE EFFORTS TO COLLECT FROM THE PATIENT HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED, THE CORPORATION FOLLOWS ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES FOR PLACING CERTAIN PAST-DUE PATIENT BALANCES WITHIN COLLECTION AGENCIES, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON COLLECTION EFFORTS AS DETERMINED BY ASCENSION HEALTH. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE WRITTEN OFF AFTER COLLECTION EFFORTS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CORPORATION'S POLICIES. AFTER APPLYING THE COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO, THE SHARE OF THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE IN FISCAL YEAR 2018 WAS $73,429,286 AT CHARGES, ($13,217,271 AT COST).

Schedule H, Part III, Line 3 Bad Debt Expense Methodology
ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.) HAS A VERY ROBUST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; THEREFORE, NO ESTIMATE IS MADE FOR BAD DEBT ATTRIBUTED TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 4 Bad debt expense - financial statement footnote
THE ORGANIZATION IS PART OF THE ASCENSION HEALTH ALLIANCE'S CONSOLIDATED AUDIT IN WHICH THE FOOTNOTE THAT DISCUSSES THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE IS LOCATED ON PAGE 21.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 8 Community benefit & methodology for determining medicare costs
A COST TO CHARGE RATIO IS APPLIED TO THE ORGANIZATION'S MEDICARE EXPENSE TO DETERMINE THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE COSTS REPORTED IN THE ORGANIZATION'S MEDICARE COST REPORT. ASCENSION HEALTH AND ITS RELATED HEALTH MINISTRIES FOLLOW THE CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CHA) GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING COMMUNITY BENEFIT. CHA COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORTING GUIDELINES SUGGEST THAT MEDICARE SHORTFALL IS NOT TREATED AS COMMUNITY BENEFIT.

Schedule H, Part III, Line 9b Collection practices for patients eligible for financial assistance
THE ORGANIZATION FOLLOWS THE ASCENSION GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTION PRACTICES RELATED TO PATIENTS QUALIFYING FOR CHARITY OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. A PATIENT CAN APPLY FOR CHARITY OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AT ANY TIME DURING THE COLLECTION CYCLE. ONCE QUALIFYING DOCUMENTATION IS RECEIVED THE PATIENT'S ACCOUNT IS ADJUSTED. PATIENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE QUALIFYING PATIENT IN THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS MAY ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR CHARITY OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ONCE A PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR CHARITY OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, ALL COLLECTION ACTIVITY IS SUSPENDED.

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16a FAP website
A - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS: Line 16a URL: https://www.viachristi.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-and-finance/financial-assistance;

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16b FAP Application website
A - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS: Line 16b URL: https://www.viachristi.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-and-finance/financial-assistance;

Schedule H, Part V, Section B, Line 16c FAP plain language summary website
A - ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.- ST. FRANCIS: Line 16c URL: https://www.viachristi.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-and-finance/financial-assistance;

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 2 Needs assessment
IN ADDITION TO THE CHNAS CONDUCTED EVERY 3 YEARS BY THE HOSPITAL, AVCH-W MAKES USE OF OTHER RESEARCH CONDUCTED IN THE COMMUNITY (E.G. SEDGWICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL PLAN, THE UNITED WAY'S ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN, UP-TO-DATE DOWNLOADS FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU, COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS & ROADMAPS, KS HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION'S KS HEALTH MATTERS WEBSITE, AS WELL AS KANSAS UNIVERSITY'S INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND SOCIAL RESEARCH). SPECIFIC RESEARCH MAY BE CONDUCTED WHEN APPLYING FOR GRANTS AND TARGETED RESEARCH FOCUSING ON PATIENTS WHO COME INTO OUR EMERGENCY ROOMS AND/OR OTHER DEPARTMENTS ARE USEFUL IN LOOKING AT POPULATION HEALTH TRENDS.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 3 Patient education of eligibility for assistance
AVCH-W FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE STAFF IS TRAINED ON HOW TO QUALIFY PATIENTS FOR MEDICAID, SCHIP AND OTHER SUCH INCOME-BASED PROGRAMS. DURING THE PATIENT'S REGISTRATION, ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGE PROCESSES, AVCH-W ATTEMPTS TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY OR DISCOUNTED CARE THROUGH THE CHARITY CARE POLICY. IN ADDITION, AVCH-W USES A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES (FPG) TO DETERMINE FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 4 Community information
THE PRIMARY COUNTY FOR ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. INCLUDES SEDGWICK COUNTY WHICH HAS A LAND AREA OF 998 SQUARE MILES WITH AN ESTIMATED 2017 POPULATION OF 513,687. SEDGWICK COUNTY'S RACIAL BREAKOUT INCLUDES 80.9% WHITE, 9.3% BLACK, 1.3% AMERICAN INDIAN, 4.6% ASIAN AND 14.6% PERSONS OF HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN. THE DIVERSITY OF THE POPULATION IN SEDGWICK COUNTY IS GREATER THAN FOR THE STATE OF KANSAS AS A WHOLE. IT WAS REPORTED BY 14.3% OF SEDGWICK COUNTY RESIDENTS THAT A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH IS SPOKEN AT HOME. WHEN IT COMES TO EDUCATION, 89.1% OF SEDGWICK COUNTY RESIDENTS COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL AND 30.7% HAD A BACHELOR'S DEGREES OR HIGHER. MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR SEDGWICK COUNTY RESIDENTS BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 2013-2017 WAS $52,841. THE MEDIAN VALUE OF OWNER- OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS, DURING THE SAME TIME PERIOD IN SEDGWICK COUNTY, WAS $130,900. SEDGWICK COUNTY REPORTS 14.2% OF ITS RESIDENTS ARE BELOW POVERTY LEVEL. THE STATEWIDE POVERTY LEVEL IS AROUND 12.3%.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 5 Promotion of community health
AVCH-W ENRICHES THE WICHITA AREA THROUGH A COMMUNITY BOARD, OPEN MEDICAL STAFF, AND TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION OF THE GOVERNING BODY - WHERE THE MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS ARE EXTERNAL MEMBERS COMPRISED OF PERSONS WHO RESIDE IN OR AROUND SEDGWICK COUNTY AND HAS OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION AS SET FORTH IN ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS, THESE TRUSTEES REPRESENT AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN AREAS OF HEALTHCARE, FINANCE, EDUCATION, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. THE BOARD ACTIVELY DEBATES AND SETS POLICY AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION FOR THE MINISTRY BUT DOES NOT GET INVOLVED IN ISSUES RELATED TO DAILY OPERATIONS. THE BOARD TAKES A BALANCED APPROACH WHEN ADDRESSING COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS/FINANCIAL CONCERNS. THE BOARD IS ALSO THE PRIMARY GROUP FOR DETERMINING THE USE OF SURPLUS FUNDS GENERATED BY THE ORGANIZATION, WHICH ARE REINVESTED IN THE MINISTRY IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE MINISTRY TO SUSTAIN ITS MISSION AND PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE. OPEN MEDICAL STAFF - THERE ARE AROUND 850 PHYSICIAN MEDICAL STAFF OF WHICH AROUND 150 OF THESE ARE ASCENSION MEDICAL GROUP CLINIC PHYSICIANS. PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND OTHER CLINICAL STAFF ARE PROVIDING MEDICAL HOME SERVICES TO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH MULTIPLE CHRONIC DISEASES. COMMUNITY BOARDS/COMMITTEES/COALITIONS - AVCH-W STAFF PARTICIPATES IN THE COMMUNITY ON BOARDS AND COMMITTEES OF OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, FOUNDATIONS, AREA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES, STATE-WIDE COALITIONS AND NATIONAL HEALTHCARE RELATED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. HAS REPRESENTATIVES WHO REGULARLY SERVE IN SOME CAPACITY TO FULFILL THE MISSIONS OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS LOCATED IN SEDGWICK COUNTY: SAFE KIDS WICHITA AREA COALITION, SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL TRAUMA COUNCIL, DROWNING PREVENTION COALITION, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, STEPSTONE AND DEAR NEIGHBOR BOARD, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING ADVISORY COUNCIL, CENTRAL PLAINS REGIONAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SPORTS MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, FAMILY LIFE/NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING COMMITTEE, GRACE MED CLINIC, GUADALUPE CLINIC, WICHITA CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION, UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS AND MORE. AVCH-W ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION OF OUTSIDE NON-PROFIT GROUPS TO USE THEIR MINISTRIES TO PROMOTE THEIR MISSIONS, SUCH AS NEWMAN UNIVERSITY AND WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY NURSING STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE'S MEDICAID ENROLLMENT PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS PSYCHIATRY CLERKSHIP, AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DONATION PROGRAM AND OTHERS. IN ADDITION, AVCH-W PROVIDES RENT SUBSIDIES FOR SEDGWICK COUNTY'S EMS VEHICLES, GRACEMED CLINIC (FQHC), RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE, ST. GIANNA'S ACADEMY AND OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS NEEDING SPACE TO HOLD THEIR MEETINGS, TRAININGS AND/OR ROUTINE WORK. AVCH-W STAFF PRESENT NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL TALKS DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR ON VARIOUS TOPICS DEALING WITH HEALTH RELATED ISSUES FOR NEWS MEDIA WANTING TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT SPECIFIC ILLNESSES, BREASTFEEDING CLINICS FOR NEW MOMS OR NEWBORNS WHO ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY IN GRASPING THE NURSING TECHNIQUE, CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH BURN VICTIMS, THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON HEALTH PREVENTION AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES, STUDENTS FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO COLLEGE AGE ON AVOIDING THE SPREADING OF THE COMMON COLD, CAR SEAT CHECK CLINICS, BICYCLE SAFETY, APPROPRIATE TOUCHING, BULLYING, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, AND WORKFORCE CAREERS. AVCH-W WAS PRESENTED WITH A COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD BY U.S. ATTORNEY BARRY GRISSOM FOR AVCH-W STAFF TRAINING TO HELP IDENTIFY AND HELP VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND FOR ITS GROUNDBREAKING WORK WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND PARTNERSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT. FOR REVIEW OF AVCH-W ON THIS TOPIC, GO TO HTTP: WWW.VIACHRISTI.ORG/ABOUT-VIA-CHRISTI/MISSION/HUMAN-TRAFFICKING-INITIATIVE. AS A RESULT OF THIS AWARD, THE AVCH HT PROGRAM IS NOW A PART OF EVERY ASCENSION HOSPITAL'S PROTOCOL.

Schedule H, Part VI, Line 6 Affiliated health care system
AS PART OF ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HEALTH, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HEALTH, INC.), ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC. (F/K/A VIA CHRISTI HOSPITALS WICHITA, INC.) IS A MEMBER OF ASCENSION HEALTH ALLIANCE. AVCH'S AFFILIATES ARE LARGE MULTI-FACETED, INTEGRATED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT MINISTRIES INCLUDING HOSPITAL AND NON-HOSPITAL MINISTRIES (PHYSICIAN GROUP PRACTICES, HOSPITAL ORGANIZATIONS, RESEARCH, HOME HEALTH, AND DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT). THESE MINISTRIES WORK TOGETHER TO CARE FOR PATIENTS, JOINED BY COMMON SYSTEMS AND A PHILOSOPHY OF SERVING AS A HEALING PRESENCE WITH SPECIAL CONCERN FOR OUR NEIGHBORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE. THIS COMMUNITY BENEFIT HAPPENS THROUGH ITS FOCUS ON PATIENT CARE, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. THE ORGANIZATIONS WORK TOGETHER TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES AT THE LOCAL REGIONAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL. ASCENSION HEALTH ALLIANCE, D/B/A ASCENSION (ASCENSION), IS A MISSOURI NONPROFIT CORPORATION FORMED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2011. ASCENSION IS THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER AND PARENT ORGANIZATION OF ASCENSION HEALTH, A CATHOLIC NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM CONSISTING PRIMARILY OF NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS THAT OWN AND OPERATE LOCAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, OR MINISTRY MARKETS, LOCATED IN 22 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ASCENSION IS SPONSORED BY ASCENSION SPONSOR, A PUBLIC JURIDIC PERSON. THE PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS/ENTITIES OF ASCENSION SPONSOR ARE THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, ST. LOUISE PROVINCE; THE CONGREGATION OF ST. JOSEPH; THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET; THE CONGREGATION OF ALEXIAN BROTHERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PROVINCE, INC. - AMERICAN PROVINCE; AND THE SISTERS OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - US/CARIBBEAN PROVINCE. MISSION: THE SYSTEM DIRECTS ITS GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES TOWARD STRONG, VIBRANT, CATHOLIC HEALTH MINISTRIES UNITED IN SERVICE AND HEALING, AND DEDICATES ITS RESOURCES TO SPIRITUALLY CENTERED CARE WHICH SUSTAINS AND IMPROVES THE HEALTH OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SYSTEM'S MISSION OF SERVICE TO THOSE PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS, EACH HEALTH MINISTRY ACCEPTS PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. THE SYSTEM USES FOUR CATEGORIES TO IDENTIFY THE RESOURCES UTILIZED FOR THE CARE OF PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS: -TRADITIONAL CHARITY CARE INCLUDES THE COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED TO PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD HEALTHCARE BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE RESOURCES AND/OR WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED. -UNPAID COST OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS, EXCLUDING MEDICARE, REPRESENTS THE UNPAID COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED TO PERSONS COVERED BY PUBLIC PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS. -COST OF OTHER PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS INCLUDES UNREIMBURSED COSTS OF PROGRAMS INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED TO SERVE THE PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING SUBSTANCE ABUSERS, THE HOMELESS, VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE, AND PERSONS WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME. -COMMUNITY BENEFIT CONSISTS OF THE UNREIMBURSED COSTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL COMMUNITY, NOT SOLELY FOR THE PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY, INCLUDING HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION, HEALTH CLINICS AND SCREENINGS, AND MEDICAL RESEARCH. DISCOUNTS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED PATIENTS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH THE MEANS TO PAY. DISCOUNTS PROVIDED TO THOSE PATIENTS WHO DID NOT QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF PROVIDING CARE OF PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS. THE COST OF PROVIDING CARE TO PERSONS LIVING IN POVERTY AND OTHER COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS IS ESTIMATED BY REDUCING CHARGES FORGONE BY A FACTOR DERIVED FROM THE RATIO OF EACH ENTITY'S TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES TO THE ENTITY'S BILLED CHARGES FOR PATIENT CARE. CERTAIN COSTS SUCH AS GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CERTAIN OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE EXCLUDED FROM TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR PURPOSES OF THIS COMPUTATION.