Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Spencer Hospital audit shows progress amid ongoing challenges

Local facility totals net income of 4.8 percent during last fiscal year

Spencer Hospital’s annual audit report reveals significant improvements over the past year despite persistent challenges with supply chain costs, workforce shortages and patient revenue.

The hospital concluded the fiscal year with a negative operating margin of 0.9 percent, as detailed in the annual audit report presented at the October board meeting. However, when factoring in investment gains and other non-operating revenues, including capital contributions, the net income was a positive 4.8 percent.

Despite ongoing challenges, the hospital has made significant progress in enhancing its services and operational efficiency. The financial audit, conducted by Winther Stave & Co, LLP, highlighted several key areas of improvement in the financial condition of the hospital: Improved cost management, reduced accounts receivable days, strong performance of the investment portfolio and continued investment in infrastructure.

Sam Johnson, of Winther, Stave and Co. LLP, informed hospital trustees that the institution remains financially stable thanks to years of prudent fiscal management. “Managing costs and cash flow has been a top priority for management and these efforts are reflected in the audit,” he said.

Spencer Hospital president Brenda Tiefenthaler said the facility’s outlook was bright. “While the financial results reflect the economic pressures facing healthcare institutions nationwide, we take pride in the substantial improvements we’ve achieved,” she said in a news release. “Our commitment to delivering high-quality care is unwavering, and we believe our ongoing efforts will strengthen our financial position in the future.”

Tiefenthaler underscored the hospital’s commitment to reinvesting in healthcare services, particularly through the new emergency department.

“This investment, along with our dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare, truly sets us apart,” she said. “It’s this quality of care that has earned us recognitions like the 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and a spot among the Top 20 mid-sized rural hospitals in the country. We are committed to continuing to provide outstanding healthcare services to our community.”

Below is a condensed statement of revenues and expenditures for Spencer Hospital for the year ended June 30, 2024:

Operating revenues – $120,495,000

Operating expenses – $121,621,00

Operating income (loss) – $1,126,000

Non-operating income (expenses) – $6,191,000

Income before contributions – $5,065,000

Capital Contributions – $698,000

Change in net position – $5,763,000

Net position - beginning of year – $107,313,000

NET POSITION - END OF YEAR – $113,076,000

A copy of the audit report is available for review in the office of auditor of state and the hospital administration office.