Consulting Firm Chosen for Hospital Feasibility Study

The Government Hospital Coalition Committee is choosing a consulting firm to address community healthcare options.

The committee, made up of Audrain County Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders, Audrain County Health Department CEO Craig Brace and Mexico City Manager Bruce Slagle, received two proposals for a feasibility study.

FORVIS LLP of Springfield, Missouri will conduct the three-phase market assessment and financial feasibility study to identify and recommend the healthcare delivery models and facilities most likely to succeed as long-term solutions to meet the needs of the community.

In phase one, the firm is expected to identify by zip code what procedures have been performed and at what cost, then in phase two validate that assessment and identify a financial model necessary to sustain a healthcare facility.

Phase three would tie phases one and two together to be a playbook of sorts as to how to make the project happen.

The data is needed in order to present it to a potential healthcare partner, whether that be an existing provider or a newly formed provider.

The cost for the study is expected to be $75,000 plus out-of-pocket costs.

The study timeline is 45-60 days from receipt of data for phase one and an additional 30-45 days each for phases two and three.

The Mexico City Council approved providing up to $50,000 of ARPA funding toward the cost of the study at last night’s (Monday) council meeting.