DANVILLE - Geisinger Health System provided $336.6 million in community support in fiscal year 2012 in the form of free, uncompensated care to patients who could not afford to pay, the provision of care for the elderly and the poor not paid by Medicare or Medicaid, allied health, medical residency and fellowship educational programs, healthcare research and community health, and education and outreach programs.
The $336.6 million represents 14.9 percent of Geisinger's total operating expenses and is nearly three times what is required to meet Pennsylvania's standards as a charitable mission. Over the past ten years, Geisinger has provided community benefit totaling more than $2 billion.
"Our mission at Geisinger is to enhance quality of life through an integrated health service organization based on a balanced program of patient care, education, research and community service," said Geisinger president and chief executive officer Dr. Glenn Steele, Jr. "We take this responsibility seriously and are pleased that we are able to benefit the community in such a significant manner."
Geisinger employs more than 19,000 people and serves as a major driver of the economy. The Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recently reported that Geisinger Health System has an annual positive impact of $6.1 billion on the local, regional and state economy. In addition to approximately $1.2 billion in annual salaries and benefits, Geisinger has also invested more than $1 billion in capital expenditures over the past decade.
"We are proud of our not-for-profit mission and work every day to ensure we meet the healthcare needs of the region for years to come," said Lynn Miller, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Geisinger clinical enterprise. "Everything we do is centered on providing quality and value for our patients."