Baton Rouge, La. Citing Medicare reimbursement changes and acquisition-related expenses, Amedisys Inc. reported a net loss of $24.9 million, or $8.12 a share, for fiscal 1998 ended December 31. Fiscal 1998 revenue was $38.1 million.

The figures compare with a net loss of $1.2 million, or 43 cents a share, on revenue of $37.2 million in 1997.

In addition, Mitchel Morel, chief financial officer, resigned March 31, 1999. A replacement has not been named.

FY98 losses include a $10 million write-down of goodwill associated with consolidation of company locations, about $3.5 million related to the start-up of an infusion therapy division and unspecified losses associated with the transition of Columbia/HCA home care acquisitions and IPS Medicare reimbursement, officials said.

In the first quarter of fiscal 1999, Amedisys consolidated locations and personnel, decreasing expenses by $5.5 million, officials said. Also, it eliminated $880,000 in non-salary items such as car and computer leases, they said.

Meanwhile, a $23.5 million buyout offer announced in December appears to have made little headway. Amedisys officials have yet to meet with the Bradford Group, which made the offer. -K.S.