News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Rennova Health has moved closer to re-opening Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
The company’s application to reactivate Medicare enrollment has gained approval from the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).
Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson said it’s positive news for the residents of the county.
“But then you have, where has this effort been in the past? That’s the only question that is in my mind and several other people,” Johnson said. “But like I said, this is a positive effort and hopefully it will come through. I’m hopeful they will sustain the hospital in a manner that’s agreeable with the state, CMS, and local doctors here in Fentress County.”
Rennova won’t be able to re-enter the Medicare program until the hospital completes the “reasonable assurance” process. Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Spokeswoman April Washington said that process involves several state surveys.
“As of today, no survey has been conducted and no new Medicare provider number has been issued,” Washington said. “The approval of the application [is] only the first step in a process that could take between 30 days to 120 days, or shorter or longer, depending on the circumstances and outcomes of the reasonable assurance process.”
Washington said the surveys will ultimately determine if Jamestown Regional can once again participate in the Medicare Program. Rennova temporarily closed JRMC on June 13 following CMS’s termination of their programs at the hospital.
