CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System

Department	Name	Title	Area of Expertise
Administration	Casey Robertson	President & CEO	Healthcare administration, strategic development, and leadership
Medical	Dr. Suman Sinha	Chief Medical Officer	Pulmonary, critical care, internal medicine, clinical quality, and program development

markdown | Department | Service Type | Average Cost Range | Cost Variation Factors | Financial Assistance/Insurance Options | |---------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Cardiology | Diagnostic tests | $500 - $2,500 | Based on test type (e.g., EKG, stress test), specialist involvement, and complexity | Financial assistance, payment plans, and insurance accepted; estimates available using an online tool | | | Procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stent placement) | $10,000 - $40,000 | Procedure complexity, hospital stay duration, use of advanced technologies | Covered by most insurance plans; discounts or aid programs may apply to eligible patients | | Neurology | Specialist consultation | $250 - $500 | Depends on case complexity and whether advanced imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scan) is required | Covered by insurance; patients can apply for financial aid | | | Treatments (e.g., for strokes, seizures) | $15,000 - $50,000 | Varies based on inpatient care, treatment plan, and specialist inputs | Insurance plans and financial assistance can reduce out-of-pocket expenses | | Oncology | Chemotherapy/radiation | $5,000 - $25,000 per session | Number of sessions, type of cancer, personalized precision medicine | Financial aid available; insurance coverage dependent on plan provisions | | | Surgery | $15,000 - $50,000 | Complexity of surgery, hospital stay duration, and associated therapies | Insurance coverage and payment options available for eligible patients | | Orthopedics | Consultations and imaging | $300 - $1,200 | Based on imaging requirements (e.g., X-ray, MRI) and consultation duration | Discount programs and financial assistance offered for uninsured patients | | | Surgical procedures | $10,000 - $60,000 | Type of procedure (e.g., joint replacement, spinal surgery), robotic assistance (if used), and rehabilitation needs | Patients may opt for payment plans or use insurance programs | | Outpatient Services | Rehabilitation (PT/OT) | $100 - $300 per session | Session length, frequency, and therapy type (e.g., physical or occupational therapy) | Regular insurance coverage applies; financial relief options for qualifying patients | | | Lab tests | $50 - $500 | Test complexity (e.g., blood work vs. specialized tests) | Financial and insurance coverage options available | | | Diagnostic imaging | $300 - $2,000 | Imaging type (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray to advanced CT or MRI), location, and specialist involvement | In-network insurance reduces costs; assistance available |

Special Program	Description
Financial Assistance Program	Offers full charity care (100% discount) for patients with gross family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Partial discounts for family income more than 300% and less than 401% of FPL. Financial counseling available free of charge.
Associate Assistance Fund Program	Provides financial assistance ranging from $250-$500 for associates facing financial need due to disaster, illness, or other circumstances. Available after 6 months of continuous service.
Home Care Services	Includes Alzheimer´s and dementia care, behavioral health nursing, chronic disease management, fall prevention, skilled nursing, physical therapy, and more. Tailored care plans are provided under physician supervision. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance may cover costs.
Palliative Care	Provides relief from symptoms and stress for serious illnesses. Includes pain management, symptom control, psychological support, spiritual support, and family meetings. Medicare Part B covers 80% of costs, with potential secondary insurance for co-pays.
Day Care and Social Support	Support includes psychological services, group therapy, emotional counseling, and spiritual guidance to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.

markdown | Feature | Description | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Interest-Free Payment Plans | No extra fees or interest charges; payments spread over time. | | Flexible Installments | Payments can be divided into manageable monthly amounts based on the patient’s budget. | | Auto-Draft Payments | Option to automate payments for convenience. | | Custom Payment Structures | Plans tailored to fit individual financial needs, including account consolidation for a single monthly bill. | | Maximum Payment Period | Ranges from 3 to 60 months depending on the total amount owed. | | No Credit Check Required | Eligibility for payment plans does not depend on credit scores. | | Professional Support | Dedicated customer support team to assist in creating and managing payment plans. | | Discounts for Uninsured | Discounts on bills for uninsured patients for medically necessary services. | | Consolidated Billing Option | Combine multiple accounts into one monthly payment plan. | | Enrollment Process | Pre-qualification and easy enrollment via phone or financial services department. |

markdown | Department | Service | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Counseling | Free financial counseling is provided by CHRISTUS Hospitals. Financial counselors assist with understanding treatment costs and available financial support options before care begins. | | Financial Assistance Program | Patients with family incomes at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines, or with significant medical bills, may apply for charity care. | | Government Program Assistance | Financial counselors help patients apply for government assistance programs to improve access to care. | | Cost Transparency | An online estimator tool is available to provide customized cost estimates, considering copayments, coinsurance, and other factors. | | Charity Care Notices | Charity Care Program information is posted in Emergency Departments and Business Offices, with guidelines on how to apply. | | External Financial Advocacy | Partnering with Elevate Patient Financial Solutions to explore additional financial aid for uninsured patients or those needing further coverage. | | Associate Relief Fund | Financial assistance for associates facing hardship due to disasters, illnesses, or extreme life events, with grants ranging from $250–$500. |

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Category	Accommodations Available
Physical Accessibility	Wheelchair-accessible facilities, designated parking spots, and elevators within the hospital
Assistive Devices	Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities, including devices for enhancing mobility and independence
Communication Aids	Qualified sign language interpreters, written information in alternative formats (large print or braille), and free language interpretation services
Priority Services	Support for individuals requiring immediate or special assistance to navigate services
Staff Training	Comprehensive training on inclusive care practices and communicating effectively with patients with disabilities

Department/Service	Digital Health Offering	Details
Telemedicine Services	On-Demand Virtual Care	Available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for minor illnesses using live video consultations with CHRISTUS board-certified providers through smartphones, tablets, or computers. Average response time under 30 minutes.
Telemedicine Services	Primary Care Virtual Visits	Direct scheduling for virtual visits with primary care physicians via MyCHRISTUS account. Offers personalized continuity of care for acute and chronic conditions.
Online Consultation Platforms	Virtual Walk-In Clinics	Provides 24/7 telehealth services for urgent primary care, including online prescriptions and lab requisitions. Accessible through an app for immediate care.
Patient Portals	MyCHRISTUS Portal	Enables direct communication with healthcare providers, access to medical records, and appointment scheduling. Enhances patient engagement and care coordination.
Remote Monitoring	Chronic Disease Management	Home monitoring for chronic conditions (e.g., COPD, heart failure). Includes devices and software to track vitals shared with clinicians for ongoing care.
Remote Monitoring	COVID-19 Monitoring Program	Distributed thermometers, oximeters, and apps to monitor and report vitals for discharged COVID-19 patients. Includes community health worker support.
Home Care Services	Remote Patient Management	Includes chronic disease management tools, skilled nursing visits, behavioral health support, and physical/occupational therapy delivered at home.
Specialized Tools	HomMed Monitoring	Remote monitoring of vitals like blood pressure and oxygen levels for patients receiving in-home care. Supports proactive health management.
Digital Radiology	Online Imaging Reports	Easy online access to diagnostic imaging records and reports, improving patient convenience and physician collaboration.
Educational Programs	Patient Online Education	Offers digital classes and resources for prenatal care, chronic condition management, and wellness education.

markdown | Department | Educational Program | Rotations | Additional Training | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Clinical Medicine | Hands-on clinical rotations for medical students in specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, etc. | Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN | Practical training under supervision | | Continuing Medical Education (CME) | CME workshops, seminars, and grand rounds aimed at enhancing knowledge, proficiencies, and clinical competencies of medical staff | Not applicable | Self-directed learning, symposiums | | Nursing and Allied Health | Nursing clinicals in collaboration with Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), offering flexible scheduling for students | Clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities | Weekend/evening options for flexibility| | Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Clinical education in Ultrasound diagnosis with mandatory rotations in abdomen, gyn/obstetrics, and vascular ultrasound | Abdomen and Extended, OB/GYN, Vascular | Competency-based assessments |

Department	Affiliations	Professional Development Programs
Cardiology	CHRISTUS Health; Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists	Continuing Medical Education (CME) through CHRISTUS Health; Advanced surgical training programs
Oncology	Commission on Cancer (American College of Surgeons)	CME programs; Multidisciplinary workshops and symposiums
Orthopedics	CHRISTUS Health	Skills labs and self-directed training resources
Obstetrics	Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC)	Perinatal Transport Program training for healthcare providers
Rehabilitation	Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)	Hands-on training programs in inpatient and outpatient therapy
Nursing	Partnership with Bossier Parish Community College	Clinical instructor training; Alternative clinical scheduling opportunities
Pediatrics	Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals	Pediatric care workshops and support programs
Respiratory Care	CHRISTUS Health	Specialized respiratory therapy training
Diabetes Education	CHRISTUS Diabetes Education Center	One-on-one educational sessions with certified diabetes educators
Surgery	CHRISTUS Health	Advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical technique training

Department	Certification/Accreditation	Accreditation Body
Bariatric Surgery	Comprehensive Center Accreditation	Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
Cardiology	HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence, Chest Pain – MI Registry Silver Performance Award	American College of Cardiology (ACC)
Cancer Treatment	Accredited Cancer Program	American College of Surgeons´ Commission on Cancer
Neonatal Care	Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)	Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative
Breast Center	National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Certification	American College of Surgeons
Rehabilitation	Accredited Inpatient Rehabilitation	State and Federal Requirements
Hospice and Home Care	Comprehensive Home Health and Hospice Services	State Licensing Agencies

Department	Opportunity	Details
Child Life Department	Child Life Internship	A 15-week, 600-hour internship program for child life students with clinical rotations, accredited by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
Clinical Education	Nursing and Allied Health Clinical Training	Partnership with Bossier Parish Community College to support clinical instructors and hands-on training for nursing students, including flexible scheduling options such as evenings and weekends.
SkillBridge Program	SkillBridge Internship	Hands-on internships for military service members transitioning to civilian roles within various CHRISTUS Health facilities.

Department	Award	Year
Cardiology	HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence	2023
Cardiology	NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Silver Performance Award	2023
Community Services	$300,000 CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund Grant	2023
Children´s Miracle Network Hospitals	$184,000+ in Grants for CMNH Programs	2020
Health Plan	2024 Press Ganey HX Pinnacle of Excellence Award®	2024

markdown | Department | Residency/Fellowship Program | Icon | Specialty | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Internal Medicine | Good Shepherd/Texas A&M Internal Medicine Residency | | Internal Medicine | | Family Medicine | Santa Rosa/Texas A&M Family Medicine Residency | | Family Medicine | | Sports Medicine | Santa Rosa/Texas A&M Sports Medicine Fellowship | | Sports Medicine | | Emergency Medicine | Spohn/Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency | | Emergency Medicine | | Geriatrics | Spohn/Texas A&M Geriatrics Fellowship | | Geriatrics | | Women´s Health | Spohn/Texas A&M OB/Women´s Health Fellowship | | Obstetrics/Women´s Health | | Primary Care | St. Michael Emergency Medicine Fellowship | | Primary Care Emergency Medicine | | Podiatry | St. Patrick Podiatric Medicine Residency | | Podiatric Medicine | | Pediatrics | CHofSA/Baylor Pediatric Residency | | Pediatrics | | Endoscopy | CHofSA/Baylor Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship | | Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy | | Gastroenterology | CHofSA/Baylor Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship | | Pediatric Gastroenterology | | Hospital Medicine | CHofSA/Baylor Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship | | Pediatric Hospital Medicine | | Family Medicine | St. Vincent/U of NM Family Medicine Residency | | Family Medicine |

Department	Specialty	Training Program
Cardiology	Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery	Residency for cardiovascular expertise
Family Medicine	Family Medicine	Residency Program by Texas A&M
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine	Good Shepherd/Texas A&M Internal Medicine Residency
Rehabilitation	Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation	Clinical training in rehabilitation therapy programs
Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine	Spohn/Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency
Obstetrics/Gynecology	Women´s Health	Spohn/Texas A&M OB/Women´s Health Fellowship
Orthopedics	Orthopedics	Training with orthopedic specialists
Oncology	Oncology	Specialized oncology training programs
Neurology	Neurology	Specialized neurological training
Pediatrics	Pediatric Medicine	CHofSA/Baylor Pediatric Residency

| Department/Service | Description | |---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance Program | Offers full charity care (100% discount) for uninsured patients whose income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Sliding scale discounts available for those above 300% but within certain income limits for emergency and medically necessary care. | | Uninsured Discounts | All uninsured patients receive discounted bills for medically necessary services. Details provided at registration. | | Payment Plans | Flexible payment plans are available for patients unable to pay their bills up front. Contact financial services to set up a plan. | | Presumptive Eligibility | Patients may qualify for financial assistance without an application due to circumstances like homelessness, recent Medicaid eligibility, or being mentally incapacitated. | | Emergency Care Guarantee | Emergency medical services are provided without discrimination, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or eligibility for assistance. | | Certified Medicaid Enrollment | The hospital is a certified Louisiana Medicaid enrollment center providing guidance for uninsured patients to access Medicaid or other governmental programs. | | Alternative Health Insurance Guidance | Assistance in exploring low-cost insurance options such as Medicare Extra Help for patients potentially qualifying for prescription drug subsidies and premium assistance. | | Good Faith Estimates for Self-Pay | Self-pay patients are entitled to a "good faith" estimate for planned hospital stays. | | Charity Programs | CHRISTUS collaborates with programs like the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to support uninsured children and families. | | Customer Support | Guidance on financial assistance and billing inquiries through a dedicated customer service team via phone or in person. |

Research Institution or Lab	Department	Collaboration Type
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC)	Nursing and Allied Health	Support for clinical instructors, expanded training schedules, and increasing nurse graduates in the region.
TriNetX Health Research Network	Clinical Research	Accelerating clinical trials, protocol design, patient identification, and grant funding for research.
Feist-Weiller Cancer Center	Oncology	Collaboration in cancer research and improved cancer outcomes, utilizing mobile screening and clinical trials.
BRF’s Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT)	Molecular Imaging	Development of novel detection and therapeutic solutions for cancer and other diseases.
Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC)	Oncology	Statewide collaborations to enhance cancer research funding and infrastructure.
LSU Health Shreveport	Biomedical Research	Clinical trials in cancer, cardiovascular sciences, virology, neuroscience, and translational research.

markdown | Department | Mentorship and Advisory Programs | |----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | RISE CHRISTUS Mentorship | One-year program focused on professional development for CHRISTUS Health Associates through mentorship. Includes 8 individual mentor-mentee meetings, quarterly learning assignments, group sessions (book review, lunch and learn, DiSC session), and competency development plans. Program culminates in kickoff and graduation events. | | Nursing Mentorship | Structured mentoring for newly hired nurses, typically lasting 6-12 months. Supports job satisfaction, belonging, and stress reduction. Includes designated protected time for mentoring sessions, mentor training in relationship building and communication, as well as leadership support for mentor-mentee relationships. | | Graduate Medical Education (GME)| Cross-discipline mentoring for residency and fellowship programs. Includes voluntary faculty participation, mentee choice in pairing, structured meeting schedules, understanding of roles, and program reviews. Focuses on enhancing mentorship relationships, clinical skill advancement, career planning, and reducing burnout. Utilizes institutional GME frameworks like the chief resident council. | | Clinical Mentoring Committee | Committee-based mentorship structure for junior physicians, including 3-6 committee members chosen by mentee. Topics include career planning, research guidance, networking, and work satisfaction. Committees disband upon mentee achieving milestones such as promotion to Clinical Associate Professor. |