Press Release
Jun 9, 2025
US Acute Care Solutions Reduces Opioid Prescriptions through Emergency Department Feedback Program
CANTON, Ohio, June 9, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) is pleased to share its success in reducing opioid prescribing rates in emergency departments (EDs) nationwide. This achievement is the result of an audit and feedback quality improvement program, designed to limit excessive prescribing in several practice settings and health systems.The Growing EpidemicSince 1999, over one million Americans have lost their lives to a drug overdose, making it the leading cause of death among those aged 18-44. A key driver of this epidemic is the overprescribing of opioids, which ultimately contributes to addiction and mortality.While not the primary contributor to the opioid epidemic, EDs do account for one-fifth of all opioid prescriptions. This presents a vital opportunity for emergency physicians to address variations in prescribing behavior at our partner sites. Through our data-driven initiative, we offer a proven approach to minimize the number of patients first exposed to opioids in the emergency room.A Framework for Comparative InsightsOur efforts demonstrate the strategic use of transparent monitoring and evaluation. Employed by clinicians across USACS EDs, we relied on two primary interventions:Peer Comparison Tool: An online dashboard that allows clinicians to compare their prescribing practices to peers (in blinded fashion), encouraging a culture of accountability and an evidence-based approach to prescribing opioidsDirect Clinician Feedback: One-on-one, non-judgmental conversations between high-prescribing clinicians and national ED leaders, promoting continuous progress and a shared commitment to evidence-based pain management strategiesWithin this framework, clinicians also received educational materials on the importance of alternatives to opioids (ALTOs), creating and approving pain management guidelines at the departmental level, optimizing geriatric pain management, and improving communication with patients.Positive Patient OutcomesTo assess patient outcomes, we analyzed data over a two-year period and published our results in the Annals of Emergency Medicine as the largest ever study of an ED opioid prescribing intervention. Following implementation, we observed an efficient and sustained reduction in opioid prescriptions. From 2020 to 2022, our ED prescriptions decreased from 10.36% of discharges to 6.92%. With continued prioritization, the rate has continued to drop every subsequent quarter. Our 2024 data placed us at 5.80% of discharged patients. At a single site or single health system, this would be significant. At our scale of over 300 EDs and over 5 million ED patients discharged annually, the effect is massive, resulting in hundreds of thousands fewer opioid prescriptions.“The results speak for themselves,” said Chief Medical Officer, Amer Aldeen, MD, FACEP, FAAEM. “We have seen a 44% decline in our prescription rate, with impressive changes among our highest prescribers. Our patients are benefiting from effective pain relief and management without elevated risks of opioid dependency or abuse.”“We are using scalable solutions to combat one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time,” affirmed Chief of Clinical Innovation, Jesse Pines, MD, MBA, MSCE. “While we in the ED are not the major cause of the opioid pandemic, we can be part of the solution.”About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care medicine services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
General News
May 9, 2025
US Acute Care Solutions Honors the 2024 Clinical Excellence Award Recipients
CANTON, Ohio, May 9, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned, emergency and inpatient medicine practice, is proud to recognize eight recipients of the National Clinical Governance Board’s (NCGB) Clinical Excellence Award. The award honors physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) across USACS service lines who are not in leadership or management roles.Exemplary clinicians are selected through year-round nominations by their clinical colleagues. They are commended for their remarkable clinical expertise and dedication to patient-centered care. This recognition was presented at USACS’ annual Clinical Leadership Assembly, held this month in Washington, D.C.Congratulations to the 2024 Clinical Excellence Award recipients:Asal Najafi-Mahalati, DO, Sinai Hospital, LifeBridge—Baltimore, MDDavid Bosch, DO, AdventHealth Southlands—Lakewood, COEussra El-Magbri, MD, Inova Alexandria Hospital—Alexandria, VAJason Goldwasser, DO, Jefferson Hospital—Jefferson Hills, PAJeffrey Haines, PA-C, Meritus Medical Center—Hagerstown, MDJustin French-Kazee, DO, St. Mary’s Medical Center—Huntington, WVTatjana Delemus, MD, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center – HM—Carson City, NVThomas McElroy, NP, UVA Culpeper Medical Center—Culpeper, VA“The Clinical Excellence Award is a testament to the impactful work of our physicians and APPs,” said Chair of the NCGB, Roya Caloia, DO, MPH, FACEP, FAAEM. “They are the clinicians who inspire each of us to be better at the bedside and who we would want taking care of our family members should they need it. I am pleased to celebrate our winners and thank each of them for their unwavering commitment to the patients we serve.”About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care medicine services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
Press Release
Apr 25, 2025
Dr. Roya Caloia Named Chair, USACS National Clinical Governance Board
CANTON, Ohio, April 25, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned emergency and inpatient medicine practice, today announced it has named Roya Caloia, DO, MPH, FACEP, FAAEM, Chair of its National Clinical Governance Board. Dr. Caloia’s term as Chair will begin May 1, 2025.The USACS National Clinical Governance Board (NCGB) is unique in the acute healthcare industry. Established in 2015 and led by experienced physicians, the NCGB monitors and responds to clinical governance issues at USACS sites. Elected by their peers, the 18 board members are the physicians who set the clinical strategic direction of the practice. Their work includes reviewing and approving evidence-based bedside tools, assessing clinical outcomes, and evaluating patient experiences, with the aim to improve healthcare services nationwide.Most recently, Dr. Caloia served as the National Director of Clinical Education and Vice Chair of the NCGB. She will assume the role of Chair following her predecessor, Dr. Joan Kolodzik, MD, FACEP, who has served in that capacity since 2021.“Serving as Chair of the NCGB over the past four years has had a tremendous impact on my career,” shared Dr. Kolodzik. “It was an honor to contribute to the continuous improvement of our high-quality patient care efforts and the well-being of our clinician colleagues. I have full confidence Dr. Caloia will lead the NCGB to new heights as she transitions into this critical role for our practice.”Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Executive Chair of the USACS Board of Directors, said, “Dr. Kolodzik was an exemplary leader of the NCGB, achieving milestones that will undoubtedly serve as the foundation for our group’s continued success for years to come. Knowing that Dr. Caloia has worked closely alongside Dr. Kolodzik throughout her successful term as Chair provides great reassurance that the NCGB will continue to thrive in support of our mission to serve patients.”“The NCGB is a unique differentiator of our practice, and I am truly honored to be afforded the opportunity to serve as Chair,” expressed Dr. Caloia. “To have a group of physicians, independent of operations, solely focused on the right thing for patients and the right thing for our physicians and APPs is incredible.”Dr. Caloia is a board-certified emergency physician and practices clinically at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, a master’s degree in public health from Florida International University, and a medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship at Palmetto General Hospital and her residency at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center, where she was the chief resident.About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care medicine services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
General News
Apr 1, 2025
USACS Now Accepting Applications for Senior Resident Forum to Be Held in Denver, Colorado, August 4-6, 2025
CANTON, Ohio, April 2, 2025 – We at US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) are pleased to announce our Senior Resident Forum, taking place in Denver, CO, on August 4-6, 2025. This all-expenses-paid trip enables resident physicians in emergency, internal, and family medicine to learn and engage with experts in emergency, hospital, and critical care medicine, empowering them to launch their careers.The Senior Resident Forum will be held at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, a historic landmark in downtown Denver. This iconic hotel offers elevated amenities, distinctive dining, luxurious accommodations, and convenient access to the city’s top attractions.At the forum, speakers will address a variety of professional topics crucial to residents’ future practice as attending physicians. Subjects include financial literacy, clinical efficiency, optimal documentation, avoidance of medical malpractice, working with APPs, job contract pearls, and many others.As the nation’s largest physician-owned acute care practice, we at USACS care for over 11 million patients annually at more than 400 programs across 27 states. With physicians leading the way, we are well-equipped to help the next generation of physicians deliver high-quality patient care while enjoying a rewarding career.“We can’t wait to welcome our senior residents to this year’s memorable forum,” said Chief Medical Officer, Amer Aldeen, MD, FACEP, FAAEM. “Making the transition to an attending is simultaneously challenging and exciting—and we’re here to help. This is an excellent time to connect with our physician leaders, who share similar experiences and can offer firsthand guidance.”Chief of Inpatient Medicine, George Mitri, MD, FACP, SFHM, adds “Our goal is to provide insight into the complexities of patient care, from the hospital to the ICU. This forum offers a collaborative space to ask questions, receive advice, and build the diverse skills necessary for professional growth.”If you are a senior resident in EM, IM, or FM looking to advance your career, apply today to join the Senior Resident Forum. Your travel expenses, two-night hotel stay, and all on-site meals are on us. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to network and grow with fellow physicians at USACS.About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
Press Release
Mar 20, 2025
US Acute Care Solutions Names Kyle Kirkpatrick Executive Vice President, National Director of Advanced Practice
CANTON, Ohio, March 20, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned emergency and inpatient medicine practice, has named Kyle Kirkpatrick, PA-C, MS, the Executive Vice President, National Director of Advanced Practice.Kyle is currently the USACS Director of Advanced Practice (DAP) for the West Division and the National Director of the APP Scholars Program. Prior to his DAP role, he was a Lead APP and Regional Director of APPs. In addition, Kyle has been a delegate for the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the President of the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants. He has served as a board member of the State of Colorado Medical Board and has ten years of service as a fellow for the Federation of State Medical Boards.Kyle earned his Master of Science in the Physician Assistant program at Baylor College of Medicine and his Bachelor of Science in microbiology at Brigham Young University. He is the recipient of the AAPA’s Presidents Award and the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants Award. He continues to practice clinically in Colorado.“With 20 years of clinical and leadership experience, I am confident that Kyle will be an outstanding advocate for APPs throughout our practice,” said Chief Clinical Officer, Tina Latimer, MD, MBA, MPH. “This is an excellent opportunity to optimize the impact of APPs in our patient care services, and I look forward to collaborating with Kyle to achieve our shared goals.”Kyle added, “I am honored to step into this new role and deeply appreciate the support from our leadership. As we move forward together, I am excited to work alongside our talented group of APPs across the country. We remain committed to reinforcing the APP-physician partnership and uniting our clinical care teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.”About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
General News
Feb 17, 2025
US Acute Care Solutions Names Its Academic Excellence Recipients for 2024
CANTON, Ohio, February 17, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned, emergency and inpatient medicine practice, is pleased to announce the physicians who have been named recipients of the Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Academic Incentive Bonus Awards.The Excellence in Clinical Teaching AwardThe Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award was created to honor the outstanding clinical educators at each USACS emergency medicine residency program for their commitment to training the future physician workforce. Nominations are submitted by resident learners and fellow faculty and based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award:Andrew J. Coyne, MD, Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas—Austin, TXDennis P. Hanlon, MD, FAAEM, AHN Allegheny General Hospital—Pittsburgh, PAErica J. Ross, MD, Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital—Cincinnati, OHErin D. Munns, MD, Dell Children’s North Campus—Austin, TXIrtaza Asar, DO, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital—Erie, PAKathryn M. Moore, DO, Summa Health System – Akron Campus—Akron, OHKevin Brody, MD, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital—Grand Blanc, MINickolas J. Meier, DO, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital—Columbus, OHShilp B. Shah, MD, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital—Youngstown, OHThe Academic Incentive AwardThe Academic Incentive Award was established to recognize faculty members who have achieved academic success through research, teaching, and service excellence. To be selected, the faculty member must showcase high academic productivity during the calendar year to meet the threshold for earning the award.Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2024 Academic Incentive Award:Amar Vira, MD, Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas—Austin, TXBenjamin A. Lang, MD, MPH, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas – REACT—Austin, TXBenjamin D. Duncan, MD, FPD-AEMUS, Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital—Cincinnati, OHBrandon Arehart, DO, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital—Columbus, OHChadd E. Nesbit, MD, PhD, FACEP, AHN Allegheny General Hospital—Pittsburgh, PAChristopher A. Moore, DO, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital—Grand Blanc, MIChristopher M. Lloyd, DO, FACEP, FAAEM, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital—Columbus, OHDhimitri A. Nikolla, DO, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital—Erie, PAGuyon Hill, MD, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas—Austin, TXJonathan J. Oskvarek, MD, Summa Health System – Akron Campus—Akron, OHJoseph Dombroski, DO, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital—Boardman, OHKathleen Berg, MD, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas—Austin, TXKristine D. Song, MD, Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital—Cincinnati, OHMatthew P. Stripp, MD, AHN Allegheny General Hospital—Pittsburgh, PAMeenal D. Sharkey, MD, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital—Columbus, OHMelody L. Milliron, DO, FACOEP, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital—Erie, PAMichael J. Pallaci, DO, Summa Health System – Akron Campus—Akron, OHPhilip S. Nawrocki, MD, AHN Allegheny General Hospital—Pittsburgh, PARachel A. Warby, DO, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital—Grand Blanc, MITimothy Ruttan, MD, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas—Austin, TXVishnu V. Mudrakola, DO, Summa Health System – Akron Campus—Akron, OH“Advancing emergency medicine through education and academics is integral to delivering high-quality care to our patients,” said USACS Executive Vice President of Academic Medicine, David Seaberg, MD, CPE, FACEP. “We deeply value the scholarly accomplishments of our faculty, whose contributions facilitate the scientific discovery of superior healthcare solutions.”“I am proud to celebrate our Academic Excellence Award recipients for their critical involvement in the success of our residency and fellowship programs,” added USACS Chief Medical Officer, Amer Aldeen, MD, FACEP. “These academic physicians are at the forefront of developing the next generation of highly skilled physicians.”About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]
Press Release
Feb 6, 2025
US Acute Care Solutions Announces New Partnership with HonorHealth System in Arizona
CANTON, Ohio, February 6, 2025 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned emergency and inpatient medicine practice, is pleased to announce a new partnership with HonorHealth, a leading health system serving greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. As of February 1, 2025, USACS began providing emergency medicine services at four HonorHealth facilities in Arizona, which include:HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center—Mesa, AZHonorHealth Tempe Medical Center—Tempe, AZHonorHealth Florence Medical Center—Florence, AZHonorHealth Mesa Emergency Center—Mesa, AZThis partnership represents approximately 93,000 new patient encounters annually. With a focus on collaborative patient-centric care and innovation, HonorHealth and USACS are aligned in both their values and mission, affirming the impact of the partnership.USACS CEO Chris Hummer expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This is a tremendous opportunity for our group, and we are excited to work alongside the talented teams at HonorHealth to advance patient safety, experience, and clinical excellence.”“I am confident we will seamlessly integrate into each of these HonorHealth sites, welcoming those physicians and APPs who join our practice to provide high-quality services to the East Valley and Florence regions,” said Britney Anderson, MD, President of the USACS West Division.HonorHealth Executive VP, Chief Physician Executive and Network Strategy Officer, John Neil, MD, adds, “This is an exciting time for HonorHealth as we expand our services, assume operational control of these facilities and launch our clinical affiliation with ASU. We look forward to this new partnership with USACS as an important milestone in our journey to elevate care in these communities.”About USACSFounded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency, hospital, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 11 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.About HonorHealthHonorHealth is one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems, serving a population of five million people in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The comprehensive network encompasses nine acute-care hospitals, an extensive medical group with primary, specialty and urgent care services, a cancer care network, outpatient surgery centers, clinical research, medical education, a foundation, an accountable care organization, community services and more. With more than 16,000 team members, 3,700 affiliated providers and over 1,100 volunteers dedicated to providing high-quality care, HonorHealth strives to go beyond the expectations of a traditional healthcare system to improve the health and well-being of communities across Arizona. Learn more at HonorHealth.com.###Media ContactMarty RichmondCorporate Communications DepartmentUS Acute Care Solutions330.493.4443 [email protected]