According to a new report from the Georgia Hospital Association, WellStar Health System generated more than $2 billion in revenue for the local and state economy over a one-year period. The report by the state’s largest hospital trade association also found that WellStar sustained 16,116 full-time jobs through direct employment and employment in supplementary businesses during the same time frame.
Beyond the economic benefit to the local economy, WellStar has a positive impact on the community. The System provided more than $200 million in unreimbursed care last year. That includes $138 million for patients who couldn’t pay their bills.
“Beyond being a major contributor to the local economy, WellStar Health System is providing total family world-class care close to home,” said Reynold Jennings, CEO of WellStar Health System. “WellStar will continue to improve access to care and find innovative ways to meet the healthcare needs of our community, while remaining a good steward of the public’s trust.”
WellStar is well positioned for the future. Through forward-thinking leadership, WellStar has remained financially strong, even as regulation and reimbursements in the healthcare industry are in flux. Many hospitals and health systems in Georgia are struggling to adapt to the changing landscape. Presently, 42 percent of all hospitals in Georgia are operating with negative margins.
“This study demonstrates that Georgia hospitals do much more than provide lifesaving health care services: They are a major part of the economic vitality of the communities they serve throughout the state,” said GHA President and CEO Earl Rogers. “The mere presence of a hospital in a community offers residents access to well-paying jobs that are close to home while serving as a key factor in attracting other businesses to open in, or move to, that area.”
About WellStar Health System
Recognized as the fifth most integrated healthcare delivery system in the country, WellStar Health System is the largest not-for-profit health system in Georgia and serves a population of more than 1.4 million residents in five counties. The vision of WellStar is to deliver world-class healthcare. A national leader in the transformation of healthcare delivery, WellStar launched the Center for Health Transformation and the Georgia Health Collaborative that will have far-reaching effects on healthcare both locally and nationally. WellStar includes WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital) and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Parks; Pediatric Center; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and the WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956-STAR or visit wellstar.org.
