OGDENSBURG — Claxton-Hepburn Medical is cutting 5% of its workforce after outsourcing its revenue cycle functions to an independent professional organization.

Over the past few years, CHMC has been conducting an assessment of the organization's performance and potential, according to Amanda Hitterman, public relations for the hospital.

One area of significant concern identified during this process was the revenue cycle, which exposed CHMC to frequent patient complaints about billing errors, Hitterman said. Multiple deficiencies were identified and remain unresolved, seriously undermining the hospital's financial position, she added.

“Over the last 18 months, the CHMC administration has been transparent with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the hospital's revenue cycle team members,” she said. “We have made good-faith efforts to correct what we determined were severe deficiencies in our processes. Despite these and other efforts, our progress was limited.”

Like many other healthcare systems across the United States, CHMC officials explored outsourcing in an effort to save money.

At this time, approximately 5% of CHMC's total workforce will be impacted, Hitterma said. The number of employees affected by these changes will evolve in the upcoming days.

“This was a difficult decision over which we have labored for countless hours,” Hitterman said. “We recognize and understand the emotional and financial challenges this decision will have on impacted employees. However, in performing our duty, we believe that the decision to pursue outsourcing our revenue cycle functions is in the best interest of the hospital and the community it serves. Taking this difficult step will enhance Claxton's financial performance and work to ensure the hospital's continued viability and success.”