Indianapolis-based IU Health President of System Clinical Services Ron Stiver spoke to Becker's ASC Review about Health's ASC network, patient-centered care and how the health system is preparing for a potential physician shortage.
Question: What is IU Health doing differently than other academic medical organizations?
Ron Stiver: Indiana University Health Ambulatory Surgery Centers' network integrates both independent physicians and IU Health-employed physicians as partners. The ASC network is a critical component of our system's high-quality, high-value network of care. Located in various venues within the health system, the ASCs work closely with our hospitals to offer coordinated care, as well as partner on research and education initiatives. Hospital leadership representation on the ASC boards further ensures coordination of care across settings.
Q: As a torchbearer for care in Indiana, how does the organization cater to its patients?
RS: As a system and ASC network, we relentlessly focus on the quality and safety of care provided for our patients. Our robust ASC quality program has been in place for 12 years and reports on a series of metrics across our centers. Our efforts are integrated with the system's large quality efforts. Furthermore, our common EMR system helps to ensure coordinated care across settings.
We are also committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our patients, leveraging tools such as real-time patient feedback and [providing] customer experience training for our team members. This focus has earned us a consistently high net promoter score in the mid- to high-80s.
Q: How is IU Health preparing for a projected physician shortage?
RS: We are pursuing multiple measures to prepare for shortages. These include efforts to ensure our clinicians practice at the top of their license and new uses of telemedicine. In addition, the Indiana University School of Medicine is working to increase the number of trained physicians across the state.