Blackburn: Conversations With CMS Key To Making Fentress ER A Reality

Senator Marsha Blackburn says Fentress County’s new standalone ER facility came as part of her rural healthcare initiative.

Blackburn said it deals with staffing, reimbursement rates, and facilities as they pertain to rural communities. She said this facility in particular was the result of direct conversations with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Explaining the need, laying out the story, and why it is so important, that is a big part of this,” Blackburn said. “And repeatedly checking in on them. (Fentress County Executive) Jimmy Johnson didn’t take no. So you had to call him back.”

Blackburn said the facility can also serve as a model on the national scale. She said it proves that this kind of opportunity is possible for rural communities.

Blackburn said the best thing about the ER is that people in Fentress County can stay in-county for things like X-Rays and bloodwork. In addition, she said Fentress Countians will have access to some of the top physicians in the nation through telehealth connections.

“It is a partnership of your local, state, and federal level,” Blackburn said. “And Chris Kelly from our staff who has spent hours working with CMS, answering questions, providing examples and information about Fentress County, about the area, about Jamestown, and about the need. Not only for here, but for other communities that have lost their hospital and are in need. “