Adventist Health Simi Valley

Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services, dba Adventist Health Simi Valley (AHSV), provides quality medical healthcare regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, handicap, age, or ability to pay.Although, reimbursement for services rendered is critical to the operation and stability of Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services, the organization recognizes that not all individuals possess the ability to pay for essential medical services.Adventist Healths vision is to enhance the health of the communities where we live and serve by engaging our communities and our patients in a new definition of and partnership for personal community health. In keeping with this commitment to serve all members of the community, the following coverage will be considered when individuals who need health care cannot afford to pay: Free care and/or subsidized care Care to persons covered by governmental programs at/or below cost Health/wellness activities and community education programsNot only does Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services provide low-cost care to individuals covered by government programs, and those unable to afford healthcare, it also helps patients find and access private and governmental resources for healthcare benefits.AHSV recognizes below-cost reimbursement as charity and uncompensated care in meeting its mission to the entire community. The unreimbursed cost of providing care to these patients in 2023 was $ 24,590,146.The following Inpatient services were provided to all our patients:455 babies delivered1,084 surgeries performed30,018 patient days The following Outpatient services were provided to all our patients:45,053 emergency department visits3,698 outpatient surgeries performed37,262 outpatient visits 68,286 clinic visitsAHSV recognizes it has an obligation to provide human services above and beyond its role as a healing facility. Schedule H provides more details on the tangible ways in which the organization is fulfilling its mission. The total unreimbursed cost of these community benefits in 2023 was $15,002,641.Adventist Healths mission statement of living Gods love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope is coupled with a vision to transform the health experience of our communities through collaborative programs, community investments and community outreach. We are inspired by the healing ministry, as represented by the life of Jesus Christ, and believe we are called to live out our mission intentionally in the communities we serve. In the small towns, suburbs, and inner cities we serve, we continue our journey to provide quality healthcare until every person made in Gods image has experienced the best health today, hope for tomorrow, and Gods love that endures forever.Let us share with you a story which illustrates how our hospital cares for those in our community:Mark lived with pain for more than a decade. Ive had back problems since I was 20, it would come and go depending on the year, but it was prevalent through most of my adult life, says the 37-year-old software engineer. The pain became unbearable in late 2023 after returning home from a trip. "Within a few weeks, I was in the emergency room because I had lost feeling in both of my legs." he says. Physicians told Mark that he had lumbar nerve entrapment, meaning the nerves in his spine were compressed by the vertebrae, causing severe pain and numbness. This can build over time because of normal wear and tear or stress on the back from heavy lifting or accidents.After his hospital visit, Mark made an appointment with Zachary Sharfman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery at Adventist Health Simi Valley. Dr. Sharfman explained, We spent a lot of time working together on a treatment plan and discussing his options, but ultimately, I left the decision in his hands because I like to empower people to make the choice for themselves.Mark says that he had tried several treatments to relieve his back pain over the years, including physical therapy and steroid injections to reduce the inflammation, but nothing lasted. He knew it was time for an operation. Earlier this year, Dr. Sharfman performed a lumbar laminectomy on Mark. "His nerves were really compressed" says Dr. Sharfman. He used special tools to remove small portions of Mark's vertebrae to provide more space for the spinal nerves.Dr. Sharfman recommended this operation for Mark because it didnt require placing metal in or around the spine. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it can be performed through small incisions. In addition, patients typically have shorter recovery times and less pain after minimally invasive procedures than with traditional surgeries. Mark recalls, At Adventist Health Simi Valley, everyone was extremely attentive after my surgery. They taught me how to get out of bed, stand, and walk properly. I was only there one night. It was a really warm, welcoming hospital."Mark says that his recovery went well, particularly because he felt prepared for what to expect. He also shared that, Dr. Sharfman was always in contact with him and answering his questions. After three weeks, his pain cut in half every day. By the fourth week, he didn't need any pain medication at all." Mark did physical therapy to rebuild strength in the muscles that support his spine. Mark says, "When my pain was at its worst, I couldn't go to the market or go on a date with my girlfriend, I couldn't even stand for more than 60 seconds. Now, I have virtually no pain. I can do anything I want. My life is no longer restricted by pain."The following additional information illustrates how Adventist Health Simi Valley also supports local organizations in the community to provide much needed school supplies to students and families:In a collaborative effort, the For the Need Foundation partnered with Sinaloa Middle School counselors, Anna Malais and Tammy Herzer, to assist students in their preparations for the upcoming school year. The middle schools orientation, which took place from August 2nd to 4th, provided the platform for this initiative.During this orientation period, the For the Need team distributed backpacks and essential school supplies to a total of 123 students, as well as their siblings. The primary objective was to ensure that these students had the necessary tools for academic success.In addition to these provisions, parents and guardians of the students were invited to participate by completing a survey. This survey aimed to identify the specific needs of each family for the school year ahead. The provided list of items included essentials such as socks, underwear, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, shoes, among others. Families were given the opportunity to select items based on their individual requirements.On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, the For the Need team, in collaboration with Sinaloa Middle School counselors, distributed bags containing the requested items to families. Furthermore, families were offered the chance to obtain additional supplies, including detergent, new shoes, clothing, and more school essentials.Beyond material support, informational resources were provided to families, highlighting locations where they could access free meals and food resources throughout the week. Guidance on free laundry facilities was also made available, ensuring that families had access to vital services.Remarkably, approximately 30 families took part in the Bow & Arrow Mentorship Program, showing their commitment to this initiative. They also expressed their intent to attend the upcoming Financial Literacy event.As the school year progresses, the For the Need Foundation remains dedicated to maintaining regular contact with these families. The objective is to provide ongoing support, ensuring that students and their families can focus on their academic pursuits without the added stress of basic needs.This collaborative endeavor was made possible through the generous support of Adventist Health Simi Valley, Soroptimist, Supervisor Janice Parvins Office, and Simi Sunset Rotary. Their contributions have significantly impacted the community, providing valuable resources to students and their families, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for all involved.Websites for our community benefit information: httpswwwadventisthealthorgaboutus...