What’s new in your industry?
Change in health care is driven by the need to provide higher quality at lower cost, leveraging technology to make care safer for patients. The cost of health care inflation is unsustainable and it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to create a sustainable health community for Tucson. TMC has invested in electronic medical record technology and is building an innovative accountable-care organization that will reshape how care is provided.
What is the economic forecast for your industry?
The ongoing economic crisis facing local, state and federal governments continues to put financial pressures on local hospitals. Likewise, health care reform created uncertainties for hospitals and health care providers across the country. With that said, we are confident in our ability to work with our physician partners to re-envision how we provide health care and how to do so at a lower cost with higher quality.
What is your company/industry doing to make Tucson a better place to live?
TMC is in the community every day collaborating with our partners to improve
the health of our community. Each year 6.1 percent of TMC’s revenues are directed to charity care and community programs that benefit the broader community.
What are key issues this region needs to address and how can they be supported?
State budget cuts to AHCCCS and education will create challenges that will take decades to recover. This year the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association has been proposing a “provider assessment” that would draw federal matching dollars to fund critical health care services. If this effort is not successful, cuts to AHCCCS will impact all of us and steps need to be taken now to reverse the damage.
How do you envision Tucson 10 years from now?
Tucson will be an example of how the business, education and health care communities can join together to create a sustainable health community that is defined by high-quality, low-cost, accessible health care.
What is your personal passion as it relates to our economy and Tucson’s future?
Education is key to a healthy community and to a successful hospital. We rely on highly trained medical professionals to care for our patients every day. And a strong K-12 system is critical to ensure that future health care workers are prepared for the rigors of the professional training required.