UMC to seek approval of Hometown Health pact

Art Nadler

Monday, Feb. 15, 1999 | 11:20 a.m.

University Medical Center will seek approval from the County Commission on Tuesday to enter into an agreement with Hometown Health Plan Inc. of Reno to provide medical services.

The commission serves as the board of trustees of the county-owned hospital.

About 1,000 of Hometown Health Plan's 115,000 clients live in the Las Vegas area, said Troy Smith, the firm's chief operating officer. All of Hometown Health Plan's members will have access to UMC's hospital and Quick Care urgent-care centers in the agreement.

Smith said Hometown Health chose an agreement with UMC because it has the only burn center in the state. The health maintenance organization and UMC negotiated a 30 percent discount for the health care members.

UMC also is asking approval to establish a medical facility in Laughlin. William Hale, chief executive officer of UMC, estimates a facility and staff will cost $1 million.

The board will also decide whether to issue $57 million in general obligation 20-year bonds to pay for UMC's renovation. Plans include, in part, replacing old buildings, redesigning the hospital grounds at 1800 W. Charleston Blvd. and expanding ambulatory care services.

Long-term projects show that by 2010 the hospital will need 552 beds. The projected cost of construction is $68.5 million and is expected to be completed by April 2002.