Thursday, January 8, 2026 |
Photo – MHCC Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ashment – Courtesy MHCC
Administrators from Memorial Hospital of Carbon County reported positive financial figures to county officials this week.
During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, Joy Coulston, presented the monthly financial report. While the hospital saw a $45,000 loss in November, Coulston said the figures were similar to the previous month.
Despite the shortfall, Coulston said Memorial Hospital gained $377,569 over the year.
The facility’s chief financial officer said the number of days the facility can operate without any income, called cash on hand, has increased from 24 to 36 days, a heathy sign. Coulson attributed the increase to a $1.2 million Medicare qualified rate adjustment payment.
Coulston said Memorial Hospital administrators used $855,000 from the qualified rate adjustment to pay off past debt. The remaining money was set aside for equipment upgrades and employee bonuses.
Coulston said Memorial Hospital has steadily paid down past vendor debt, known as accounts payable, adding that it is the lowest she has seen since taking the chief financial officer position nearly seven months ago.
Coulston said she is continuing to strengthen the hospital’s revenue cycle, from initial patient contact through final payment. While progress has been slower than she would prefer, weekly meetings have helped staff ensure the hospital is getting paid and able to meet its financial obligations.
Coulston said her goal is to reduce the hospital’s overall debt without writing off unpaid patient bills. The chief financial officer said that while there is still work ahead, she is pleased with the progress made so far.
Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ashment said the positive financial report means the current administration can focus on running the hospital rather than struggling for money, adding that, as finances allow, he would eventually like to offer additional medical services at the Rawlins facility.
