Hope arises for RMCCA
BY BRUCE BRANUM
The Greenville Standard
Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama (RMCCA) has renewed hope ahead for operation as a fully functioning hospital.
Frey Medical Management (FMM) signed a letter of intent with the Health Care Authority of the City of Greenville, Alabama, on Monday, Jan. 12.
The letter of intent will begin a period of management and negotiations for the purchase of RMCCA by FMM. The expected time frame may last up to six months.
It begins a three phase approach. First, it allows FFM to come in and manage the hospital. Second will be closing on the assets of the hospital, and third will be their license and provider numbers to close on operations last.
FMM was co-founded by Michael and Natalie Frey (pronounced ‘fry’) over a decade ago according to their website and their mission is reimagining rural healthcare by focusing on outpatient networks for sustainability and addressing mental health/addiction.
Their unique approach redefines hospital sustainability by shifting the focus from traditional, capital-intensive inpatient operations to an integrated outpatient network
Michael and Natalie both have many years of experience in the medical fields.
He is a former educator turned CEO as has revitalized struggling hospitals and is committed to transforming rural hospitals and expanding behavioral health access.
She is a seasoned healthcare executive with a background in clinical care and hospital leadership and also has degrees in child development and speech language pathology.
They both believe that the staffs of hospitals along with the community are going to save hospitals.
Michael said on Q94 radio Monday morning, “When you go into these areas, the relationships are strained and our job is to kind of mend the fence and bring confidence back to the community that they are going to get the health care that they need in the facility.”
During the interview, it was noted FMM had recently entered into an agreement with Crenshaw County Hospital for its purchase and after two months of operation they had more revenue than expenses going out.
Michael and Natalie believe the key to success is strategic alliances. One of the key alliances is their relationship with the staff.
Michael said on Q94, “We tell the staff as soon as we get there… we let them know that we are one of them. We are not gonna come in as some corporate big wigs, that’s not our approach. We don’t try to wear that hat. We come in and get in the trenches with them and let them know we are right there with you.”
The Frey’s ultimate vision is to create a regional healthcare system for the entire region. It will allow for the expansion of services and share equipment while providing better healthcare.
One of the key areas they plan to focus on is prenatal care. Michael said, “Preventative care is the best medicine.
