4A (Expenses $ 119646515 including grants of $ 0) (Revenue $ 151087850)
HEALTH CARE SERVICES: TO ESTABLISH, EQUIP, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE NONPROFIT USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL, AS PART OF THE INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. CONTINUED IN SCHEDULE O.

4C (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0) (Revenue $ 0)
.

USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL
PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5 TWELVE INTERVIEWS WERE COMPLETED in June 2021. COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFIED BY THE HOSPITAL WERE CONTACTED AND ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT. INTERVIEWEES INCLUDED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE LEADERS AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OF MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED, LOW-INCOME, AND MINORITY POPULATIONS, LOCAL HEALTH OR OTHER DEPARTMENTS OR AGENCIES THAT HAVE CURRENT DATA OR OTHER INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. INPUT WAS OBTAINED FROM THE LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. THE IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS WERE INVITED BY EMAIL TO PARTICIPATE IN A PHONE INTERVIEW. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE INTERVIEWS WERE MADE ON DATES AND TIMES CONVENIENT TO THE STAKEHOLDERS. AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH INTERVIEW, THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS EXPLAINED, THE STAKEHOLDERS WERE ASSURED THEIR RESPONSES WOULD REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL, AND CONSENT TO PROCEED WAS GIVEN. THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS WITH PROMINENT ROLES IN THE COMMUNITY WERE INTERVIEWED: BRIDGET M. BERG, USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL LAURA DUNCAN, ASCENSIA LIFTING PEOPLE OUT OF HOMELESSNES BRETT FELDMAN, KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE VINCE IUCULANO, YMCA OF THE FOOTHILLS LISA KESSEDJIAN, USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL MARY LYNEE KNIGHTEN, ST. DOMINIC CATHOLIC CHURCH NATHAN LEHMAN, LA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH JOHN MAGHAGUIAN, CITY OF GLENDALE ADRIA NAVARRO, USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL PEDRO RAMIREZ, COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS JACKSON SELBY, USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL DAVID TESHMAN, USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAl PARTICIPANTS WERE ASKED TO SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON THE ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS RELATIVE TO THE IDENTIFIED HEALTH NEEDS (I.E., WHAT MAKES EACH HEALTH NEED A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE IN THE COMMUNITY? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES PEOPLE FACE IN ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS?), ALONG WITH IDENTIFYING KNOWN RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THESE HEALTH NEEDS, SUCH AS SERVICES, PROGRAMS AND/OR COMMUNITY EFFORTS.

PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11
THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED FROM THE 2022 CHNA WERE PRIORITIZED BY COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH A STRUCTURED PROCESS USING DEFINED CRITERIA. THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ADOPTED BY USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL ACTIVELY ADDRESSES HEALTH NEEDS THAT WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA AS PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS. USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL PLANS TO MEET THE IDENTIFIED PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS THROUGH A COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES WITH SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. FOR EACH HEALTH NEED THE HOSPITAL PLANS TO ADDRESS, THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY DESCRIBES: ACTIONS THE HOSPITAL INTENDS TO TAKE, INCLUDING PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES IT PLANS TO COMMIT, PLANNED COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THESE ACTIONS. THE NEEDS THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED BY USC-VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL THROUGH ITS COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES ARE: - ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE - CHRONIC DISEASES - MENTAL HEALTH - PREVENTIVE PRACTICES - SENIOR HEALTH SELECTED ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE USC-VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY ARE DETAILED BELOW. ACCESS TO CARE USC-VHH PLANS TO ADDRESS ACCESS TO CARE BY TAKING THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: - PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH BOTH FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, CONSISTENT WITH THE HOSPITAL'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. - PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES. - SUPPORT PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS BY OFFERING USC SPECIALTY CARE EXPERTISE FROM THE PHYSICIANS AT KECK MEDICINE OF USC. - PROVIDE MEDICATIONS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND AT-HOME INFUSIONS FOR INDIGENT PERSONS. - OFFER FREE AND LOW-COST HEALTH CARE SERVICES (E.G., TB TESTS, FLU SHOTS, COVID-19 TESTING, MAMMOGRAMS) TO REDUCE DISEASE AND DISABILITY. CHRONIC DISEASES USC-VHH Will ADDRESS CHRONIC DISEASE BY TAKING THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: - PROVIDE CHRONIC DISEASE EDUCATION, SCREENING AND TREATMENT. - OFFER HEALTH INFORMATION AND REFERRALS TO NEEDED SERVICES AT COMMUNITY HEALTH EVENTS. - PROVIDE PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE MEDIA AND COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS EVENTS TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS AND PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES. - INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF AND ACCESS TO RESOURCES THAT ADDRESS SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC DISEASES. - COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION AND OPEN AN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY CATHETERIZATION LABORATORY TO TREAT HEART DISEASE. MENTAL HEALTH USC-VHH Plans To Address Mental Health By Taking The Following Actions: - PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPS THAT OFFER INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. - OFFER STEPPING STONES, AN INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT GEROPSYCHIATRIC PROGRAM AT USC-VHH, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO HELP RELIEVE EMOTIONAL AND PERSONAL DISTRESS FOR INDIVIDUALS AGE 50 AND OLDER. - DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS AMONG USC MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS, ADDICTION COUNSELORS AND COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS TO INCREASE SCREENING AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. - COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY GROUPS TO PROVIDE EDUCATION TO IDENTIFY AND RESPOND TO SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS. PREVENTIVE PRACTICES USC-VHH PLANS TO ADDRESS PREVENTIVE PRACTICES BY TAKING THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: - DEVELOP FREE AND LOW-COST EDUCATIONAL HEALTH-CARE PROGRAMS THAT FOCUS ON HEALTH PREVENTION, PRENATAL CARE, PARENTING AND INFANT CARE. - PROVIDE SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT NO CHARGE. - EDUCATE PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS ABOUT PREVENTIVE PRACTICE OFFERINGS. - PROVIDE LOW COST AND NO COST IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINES (INCLUDING FLU AND COVID-19). SENIOR HEALTH USC-VHH PLANS TO ADDRESS SENIOR HEALTH BY TAKING THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: - OFFER COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOCUSED ON ISSUES PERTINENT TO SENIORS. - PROVIDE FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR SENIORS. - OFFER CLASSES FOR SENIORS THAT PROMOTE HEALTH. - SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER FOR AGING, WHICH HELPS OLDER ADULTS IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO RESOURCES, COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS THAT SPECIALIZE IN NAVIGATING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF AGING. OTHER HEALTH NEEDS WERE IDENTIFIED BUT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY. THESE INCLUDE: DENTAL HEALTH, ECONOMIC INSECURITY, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS, AND SUBSTANCE USE AND MISUSE. WHILE THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF OPERATIONS, THE HOSPITAL HAS CHOSEN NOT TO FOCUS THIS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ON THESE OTHER NEEDS AS IT BELIEVES THAT IT CAN HAVE A GREATER IMPACT ON THE PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS THAT WERE SELECTED. THESE OTHER HEALTH NEEDS ARE LESS ALIGNED WITH THE HOSPITAL'S STRATEGIC INITIATIVES.

PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16(A)-(C):
HTTPS://USCVHH.ORG/PATIENTS-AND-VISITORS/FINANCIAL-INFORMATION

PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16(J):
PLEASE REFER TO PATIENT EDUCATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE IN PART VI.

PART V, SECTION B, LINE 20(E):
THE HOSPITAL NOTIFIED INDIVIDUALS OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE INDIVIDUALS REGARDING THE INDIVIDUALS' BILLS.

PART I, LINE 3C:
"THE DISCOUNT AMOUNT IS BASED ON FAMILY INCOME COMPARED TO THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL (""FPL"") FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. PATIENTS WITH FAMILY INCOME UNDER 200% FPL WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE CARE FOR THE DATES OF SERVICES FOR WHICH AN APPLICATION IS COMPLETED. UNINSURED OR UNDER-INSURED PATIENTS WITH FAMILY INCOME BETWEEN 201% AND 400% FPL WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR CARE AT A SLIDING SCALE DISCOUNT. UNINSURED PATIENTS WHOSE FAMILY INCOME EXCEEDS 400% OF THE FPL WILL RECEIVE THE COMPACT DISCOUNTED RATE. IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE FAMILY INCOME IS ABOVE 400% OF THE FPL, THE HOSPITAL MAY STILL CONSIDER THE PATIENT ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BE PROVIDED: INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY NET WORTH, INCLUDING ASSETS, BOTH LIQUID AND NON-LIQUID, LIABILITIES AND CLAIMS AGAINST ASSETS; EMPLOYMENT STATUS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF WHETHER THE LIKELIHOOD OF FUTURE EARNINGS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE COST OF PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME; UNUSUAL EXPENSES OR LIABILITIES; AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS REQUIRED FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES."

PART I, LINE 7:
THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN PART I, LINE 7 FOLLOW THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS BY ADDRESSING ALL PATIENT SEGMENTS.

PART II, LINE 2:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT USC-VHH REPRESENTATIVES PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL AREA ECONOMIC COUNCILS AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, ADDRESSING ISSUES THAT IMPACTED COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND SAFETY. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT USC-VHH ENCOURAGED CAREERS IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS. 44 STUDENTS FROM LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN A HEALTHCARE DAY OF DISCOVERY, A PROGRAM TO INTRODUCE HEALTH CARE CAREERS TO STUDENTS.

PART III, LINE 2:
THE DETERMINATION OF CHARITY CARE GENERALLY SHOULD BE MADE AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION, OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. HOWEVER, EVENTS AFTER DISCHARGE MAY CHANGE THE ABILITY OF THE PATIENT TO PAY. DESIGNATION AS CHARITY CARE WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED AFTER ALL PAYMENT SOURCES HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. HOSPITAL CHARGES FOR PATIENT ACCOUNTS IDENTIFIED AS CHARITY CARE AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION OR SERVICE ARE NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE FACILITY AS NET REVENUES OR NET RECEIVABLES. IF PATIENT ACCOUNTS ARE IDENTIFIED AS CHARITY CARE SUBSEQUENT TO THE FACILITY RECOGNIZING THE CHARGES AS REVENUE, AN ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED TO CLASSIFY APPROPRIATELY THE REVENUE AND ANY BAD DEBT EXPENSE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED.

PART III, LINE 4:
NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IS REPORTED AT ESTIMATED NET REALIZABLE AMOUNTS FROM PATIENTS, THIRD PARTY PAYORS, GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND OTHERS IN THE PERIOD IN WHICH SERVICES ARE PROVIDED. THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES ARE RENDERED TO PATIENTS WITH COMMERCIAL OR MANAGED CARE INSURANCE, OR UNDER THE FEDERAL MEDICARE AND CALIFORNIA STATE MEDI-CAL PROGRAMS. REIMBURSEMENT FROM THESE VARIOUS PAYORS IS BASED ON A COMBINATION OF PROSPECTIVELY DETERMINED RATES, DISCOUNTS FROM CHARGES AND HISTORICAL COSTS. AMOUNTS RECEIVED UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM ARE SUBJECT TO RETROACTIVE SETTLEMENTS BASED ON REVIEW AND FINAL DETERMINATION BY PROGRAM INTERMEDIARIES OR THEIR AGENTS. PROVISIONS FOR CONTRACTUAL ADJUSTMENTS AND RETROACTIVE SETTLEMENTS RELATED TO THOSE PAYORS ARE ACCRUED ON AN ESTIMATED BASIS IN THE PERIOD THE RELATED SERVICES ARE RENDERED AND ADJUSTED IN FUTURE PERIODS AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECOMES KNOWN OR AS FINAL SETTLEMENTS ARE DETERMINED. THE ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS ARE BASED UPON MANAGEMENT'S ASSESSMENT OF HISTORICAL AND EXPECTED NET COLLECTIONS CONSIDERING HISTORICAL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR MANAGEMENT ASSESSES THE ADEQUACY OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS BASED UPON HISTORICAL WRITE-OFF EXPERIENCE. THE RESULTS OF THIS REVIEW ARE THEN USED TO MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THE ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS.

PART III, LINE 8:
THE MEDICARE SHORTFALL OF $18,533,793 REPORTED IN PART III, LINE 7 SHOULD BE TREATED AS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT BECAUSE THE RATES PAID BY MEDICARE DO NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE COST OF CARE PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL. ACCORDINGLY, THE HOSPITAL MUST SUBSIDIZE THE COST OF CARE PROVIDED TO MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES WITH OTHER REVENUES. THE COSTING METHODOLOGY USED TO CALCULATE MEDICARE ALLOWANCE COSTS OF CARE REPORTED ON PART III, LINE 6 WAS USING A COST-TO-CHARGE RATIO.

PART III, LINE 9B:
AS PART OF THEIR MISSION, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES SERVICES AND A BROAD ARRAY OF BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY. THE PATIENT ACCEPTANCE POLICY IS BASED ON THEIR MISSION STATEMENTS AND THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES. ACCORDINGLY, THE HOSPITAL ACCEPTS PATIENTS IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF CARE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. THE HOSPITAL DOES NOT PURSUE COLLECTION OF AMOUNTS DETERMINED TO QUALIFY AS CHARITY CARE BASED ON ESTABLISHED POLICIES OF THE HOSPITAL. THESE POLICIES DEFINE CHARITY SERVICES AS THOSE SERVICES FOR WHICH NO PAYMENT IS DUE FOR ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PATIENT'S BILL. SEE ALSO SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 4.

PART VI, LINE 2:
NEEDS ASSESSMENT: IN ADDITION TO THE TRIENNIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT, HEALTH NEEDS ARE MONITORED BY: THE BOARD MEMBERS (WHO ARE COMMUNITY RESIDENTS) SHARE COMMUNITY HEALTH CONCERNS WHEN APPROPRIATE; COMMUNITY COMMENTS ON THE TRIENNIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ARE COLLECTED ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE AND ARE MONITORED BY THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND OUTREACH DEPARTMENT; AND USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL HAS SYSTEMS TO ENGAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PROVIDE ON COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE NEEDS. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OCCURS AND FEEDBACK IS OBTAINED THROUGH SERVICE ON COMMITTEES, INPUT ON NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, TOWN HALL/LISTENING SESSIONS OR INPUT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS.

PART VI, LINE 5:
"EACH FACILITY IDENTIFIED IN PART V OF SCHEDULE H MAINTAINS AN OPEN MEDICAL STAFF EXCEPT IN THOSE INSTANCES WHEN A CLINICAL DEPARTMENT IS ""CLOSED"" IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW FOR HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES. AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, ANY SURPLUS OF FUNDS IS INVESTED BACK INTO PROVIDING HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEW PATIENT CARE LOCATIONS AND EQUIPMENT, EXPANDED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, AND THE TRAINING OF NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING NUTRITION STUDENTS, HEALTH ADMINISTRATION STUDENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPISTS. THE HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSITIES TO PROVIDE CLINICAL TRAINING TO NURSING STUDENTS."

PART VI, LINE 7:
STATE FILING OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT: A COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT IS FILED IN CALIFORNIA.

PART VI, LINE 3:
PATIENT EDUCATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE: THE HOSPITAL SHALL POST NOTICES INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THESE NOTICES WILL BE POSTED IN HIGH VOLUME INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT AREAS OF THE HOSPITAL. NOTICES SHALL ALSO BE POSTED IN THE ADMITTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS. THE HOSPITAL SHALL PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH A WRITTEN DOCUMENT THAT CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT AVAILABILITY OF THE DISCOUNT PAYMENT AND CHARITY CARE POLICIES, INCLUDING INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY, AS WELL AS CONTACT INFORMATION FOR A HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE OR OFFICE FROM WHICH THE PERSON MAY OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THESE POLICIES. THE NOTICE SHALL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE OUTPATIENT CARE AND WHO MAY BE BILLED FOR THE CARE, BUT WHO WERE NOT ADMITTED. THE NOTICE SHALL BE PROVIDED IN ENGLISH, AND IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH. THE LANGUAGES TO BE PROVIDED SHALL BE DETERMINED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THAT REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12693.30 OF THE INSURANCE CODE (THRESHOLD LANGUAGES ARE SPANISH AND THOSE LANGUAGES SPOKEN BY 5% OF PATIENTS). DATA MAILERS SENT TO PATIENTS AS PART OF THE ROUTINE BILLING PROCESS WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PATIENT REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE SHALL ALSO BE IN THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN BY THE PATIENT, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 12693.30 OF THE INSURANCE CODE AND APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAW. AT USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL, THE FAIR PRICING POLICY IS DESCRIBED TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES UPON REGISTRATION. THE POLICY IS POSTED AND FORMS ARE MAILED TO PATIENTS AT TIME OF INITIAL BILLING. THE HOSPITAL ALSO ASSISTS PATIENTS WITH UNDERSTANDING AND LINKING THEM TO MEDI-CAL.

PART VI, LINE 4:
COMMUNITY INFORMATION: USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL IS LOCATED AT 1812 VERDUGO BOULEVARD, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, 91208. THE HOSPITAL SERVES THE COMMUNITIES OF ALTADENA, EAGLE ROCK, GLENDALE, HIGHLAND PARK, LA CAADA, FLINTRIDGE, LA CRESCENTA, MONTROSE, PASADENA, SUNLAND, SYLMAR, TUJUNGA, GLASSELL PARK, LOS ANGELES, AND SUN VALLEY. CRESCENTA, MONTROSE, PASADENA, SUNLAND, SYLMAR, TUJUNGA, GLASSELL PARK, LOS ANGELES, AND SUN VALLEY. THE POPULATION OF THE USC-VHH SERVICE AREA IS 665,906. CHILDREN AND YOUTH MAKE UP 20.1% OF SERVICE AREA POPULATION, 64.5% ARE ADULTS, AND 15.4% ARE SENIORS, AGES 65 YEARS AND OLDER. THE SERVICE AREA HAS A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF SENIORS THAN FOUND IN THE COUNTY (13.2%). ALMOST HALF OF THE POPULATION (41.7%) IS HISPANIC/LATINO. WHITES ARE THE SECOND LARGEST RACE/ETHNIC GROUP IN THE SERVICE AREA (38.2%). ASIANS MAKE UP 13% OF THE POPULATION IN THE SERVICE AREA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE 4.1% OF THE POPULATION. AMONG AREA RESIDENTS, 12.5% ARE AT OR BELOW 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL (FPL) AND 30.4% ARE AT 200% OF FPL OR BELOW (LOW-INCOME). AMONG SENIORS IN THE SERVICE AREA, 13.4% LIVE IN POVERTY. IN THE SERVICE AREA, 17.7% OF ADULTS LACK A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, 20% ARE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES, AND 44.9% OF THE POPULATION HAS GRADUATED COLLEGE.

PART VI, LINE 6:
"AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL (THE ORGANIZATION) WAS ORGANIZED TO ESTABLISH, EQUIP, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE NONPROFIT USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL, AS PART OF THE INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; TO COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ORGANIZATION WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES OF USC HEALTH SYSTEMS IN A MANNER THAT ENHANCES THE ACCESSIBILITY, QUALITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES RELATED TO THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION, PROVIDES ASSOCIATED SERVICES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, OUTPATIENT CARE AND EMERGENCY CARE, TO ALL PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO SEX, RACE, AGE, RELIGION, CREED, COLOR OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, AND SUPPORTS THE EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH MISSIONS OF VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL; TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES DESIGNED AND CARRIED ON TO PROVIDE AND IMPROVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH OF PATIENTS SERVED BY VERDUGO MEDICINE; AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PURPOSE, MISSION AND ACTIVITIES OF USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL, TO PROVIDE OTHER FORMS OF AID AND ASSISTANCE TO, FOR THE BENEFIT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NONPROFIT COMPONENTS OF VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL. AS PART OF A UNIVERSITY-BASED MEDICAL CENTER, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES EASY ACCESS FOR ITS PATIENTS TO THE BEST MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF PERSONALIZED, QUALITY INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES TO MEET THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH CARE NEEDS. ITS INPATIENT CARE INCLUDES GEROPSYCHIATRIC CARE, INTENSIVE CARE, MEDICAL/SURGICAL, ORTHOPAEDICS, OBSTETRICS, TRANSITIONAL CARE, AND TELEMETRY. ITS OUTPATIENT SERVICES INCLUDE CARDIAC REHABILITATION, DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, EMERGENCY AND LIFE-THREATENING NEEDS OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY. FAST-TRACK SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR MINOR CASES. THE USC VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT SERVES THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED OF SUPPORT IN THE AREAS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND SPEECH THERAPY. THE HOSPITAL WILL SPEND 100% OF ITS TIME OPERATING THESE HOSPITAL FACILITIES AND FUNDS ITS ACTIVITIES THROUGH PATIENT REVENUE FROM SERVICES RENDERED TO PATIENTS AND FURNISHING OF THE HOSPITAL'S FACILITIES IN ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE HOSPITAL'S EXEMPT PURPOSES. THE HOSPITAL IS ALSO ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION, SPONSORING NUMEROUS OUTREACH PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. IN PARTICULAR, THE HOSPITAL SPONSORS A VARIETY OF CLASSES, SEMINARS, LECTURES, AND SCREENINGS EACH YEAR DEVOTED TO INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HEALTHCARE. KECK MEDICAL CENTER OF USC (THE ORGANIZATION) WAS ORGANIZED TO ESTABLISH, EQUIP, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE ONE OR MORE NONPROFIT HOSPITALS, INCLUDING KECK HOSPITAL OF USC AND USC NORRIS CANCER HOSPITAL, AS PART OF THE INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, KECK MEDICINE OF USC (""KECK MEDICINE""); TO COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ORGANIZATION WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES OF KECK MEDICINE IN A MANNER THAT ENHANCES THE ACCESSIBILITY, QUALITY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES RELATED TO THE COMMUNITIES SERVED BY THE ORGANIZATION, PROVIDES ASSOCIATED SERVICES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, OUTPATIENT CARE, TO ALL PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO SEX, RACE, AGE, RELIGION, CREED, COLOR OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, AND SUPPORTS THE EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH MISSIONS OF THE KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES DESIGNED AND CARRIED ON TO PROVIDE AND IMPROVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH OF PATIENTS SERVED BY KECK MEDICINE; AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PURPOSE, MISSION AND ACTIVITIES OF KECK MEDICINE, TO PROVIDE OTHER FORMS OF AID AND ASSISTANCE TO, FOR THE BENEFIT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE NONPROFIT COMPONENTS OF KECK MEDICINE. KECK IS A TERTIARY, QUATERNARY CARE HOSPITAL THAT PROVIDES CARE TO THE MOST ACUTELY ILL PATIENTS. ITS SPECIALTIES INCLUDE HEAD AND NECK ONCOLOGY, INPATIENT REHABILITATION, AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SERVICES, AMONG OTHERS. ITS INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PHYSICIANS CARE FOR PATIENTS, AND TEACH AND CONDUCT RESEARCH AT THE KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF USC, THE REGION'S FIRST MEDICAL SCHOOL. KECK PROVIDES INNOVATIVE CARE FOR COMPLEX MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ISSUES. HIGHLY TRAINED SPECIALISTS IN EACH AREA PROVIDE EVERY PATIENT WITH AN INDIVIDUALIZED, YET EXTENSIVE CARE PLAN. HUNDREDS OF CLINICAL TRIALS ARE CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE AT KECK AND ITS AFFILIATED RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, GIVING PARTICIPANTS ACCESS TO NOVEL AND PROMISING THERAPIES THAT GENERALLY ARE NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE. NORRIS IS ONE OF THE EIGHT ORIGINAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS DESIGNATED BY THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE AND HAS A MISSION TO TRANSLATE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES INTO INNOVATIVE THERAPIES FOR ITS PATIENTS. NORRIS'S RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS HAVE LED THE WAY TO A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF CANCER AND NEW METHODS OF PREVENTION, DETECTION AND TREATMENT. NORRIS FOCUSES ON THIRTEEN KEY AREAS OF CANCER TREATMENT: BREAST CANCER, GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER, GENETIC COUNSELING, GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS, HEAD AND NECK CANCERS, HEMATOLOGY, LUNG CANCER, MELANOMA, NEURO-ONCOLOGY, RADIATION ONCOLOGY, SARCOMA, SKIN CANCER AND UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY. USING A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM APPROACH, THE MORE THAN 250 DEDICATED PHYSICIANS AND SCIENTISTS OF NORRIS TREAT AND PREVENT CANCER BY DEVELOPING NEW THERAPIES, ENHANCING EXISTING PROTOCOLS AND PROVIDING PERSONALIZED, PRECISION CARE THAT IS THE MOST ADVANCED AVAILABLE. AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A UNIVERSITY-BASED MEDICAL CENTER, NORRIS OFFERS ACCESS TO HUNDREDS OF INNOVATIVE CLINICAL TRIALS AND EXTENSIVE PATIENT EDUCATION, EMPOWERING PATIENTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THEIR HEALTH CARE."