Skip to main content
Culture - at the lounge

USACS NEWS

USACS shares news and information that keep you informed and demonstrate our commitment to efficiency and improved patient care and outcomes. A USACS representative is available for media inquiries.

Press Release Icon

Press Release

Oct 13, 2023

US Acute Care Solutions Recognized by the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program

US Acute Care Solutions Recognized by the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program CANTON, Ohio, October 13, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, has been recognized by the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program for its outstanding commitment to caring for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program aims to encourage and guide organizations with over 100 physicians and/or APPs to engage in strategies to enhance physician and APP satisfaction, therefore reducing occurrences of burnout. As a physician-owned practice, USACS emphasizes the well-being of its more than 6,000 physicians and APPs, allowing them to focus on fulfilling the group’s mission: to care for patients. USACS stands committed to developing innovative practices and programs to provide clinicians with every tool necessary to deliver high-quality patient care while excelling in both their personal and professional lives. “We continually seek out tactics and resources to support our physicians and APPs,” said Jayne Kendall, MD, MBA, FACEP, CDE, CPE, Chief of Clinician Engagement at USACS. “The demands of the medical field are taxing both physically and mentally, so it is critical to be ahead of the curve when it comes to addressing burnout. With industry-leading programs and benefits – including paid parental leave and our 10% company-funded 401(k) contribution – we ensure our talented clinicians are supported in every aspect of their lives, empowering them to bring their ‘whole self’ to work as we care for patients on the front lines.” As a member of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, USACS will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded health systems across the nation to share evidence-based solutions to burnout. The organization will also gain access to a plethora of established resources to incorporate into existing practices and protocols. “This is an outstanding opportunity for our organization,” said Christopher Ziebell, MD, FACEP, Director of Behavioral Health Innovation at USACS. “Being selected as one of the only physician practices amongst health system leaders speaks volumes about who we are and our commitment to serving both our patients and each other. Our leaders are looking forward to learning and exploring all the program has to offer.” About USACS Founded 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 medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]

Press Release Icon

Press Release

Oct 5, 2023

Dr. Jesse Pines Named Recipient of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Colin C. Rorrie, Jr, PhD, Award for Excellence in Health Policy

Dr. Jesse Pines Named Recipient of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Colin C. Rorrie, Jr, PhD, Award for Excellence in Health Policy CANTON, Ohio, October 5, 2023 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced Jesse Pines, MD, MBA, FACEP, has received the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Colin C. Rorrie, Jr. Award for Excellence in Health Policy. The Colin C. Rorrie, Jr, PhD Award, named for ACEP’s executive director from 1982-2003, is presented annually to a member who has made a significant contribution to achieving ACEP’s health policy objectives, or who has demonstrated outstanding skills, talent, and commitment as an administrative or political leader. Dr. Pines, a distinguished professional in the field of medicine, currently holds the esteemed position of Chief of Clinical Innovation at USACS, and is a board-certified, practicing emergency physician. With a keen focus on advancing healthcare practices, he spearheads numerous initiatives encompassing alternative payment models, telemedicine, research, technology innovation, and other cutting-edge programs. Additionally, Dr. Pines assumes the role of Director for the prestigious USACS Fellowship in Clinical Innovation, which is entering its third year. Leveraging his extensive expertise, he serves as a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Drexel University and as a Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University (GW). Prior to his role at USACS, Dr. Pines held various leadership and teaching positions at GW and the University of Pennsylvania, playing a pivotal role in enhancing emergency care practices. Notably, he served as the principal investigator for Urgent Matters, a prominent program dedicated to disseminating best practices in emergency care. He also served as a Senior Expert at the Brookings Institution, and a Senior Advisor to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center. He was a physician consultant to the National Quality Forum, focusing on quality measurement for nearly 12 years. “It is an honor to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Pines. “I sincerely value the opportunities I have been afforded given my involvement in ACEP and through my role at USACS. Contributing to the advancement of emergency medicine remains a driving force in my career. I hope to continue making an impact on behalf of all my colleagues and my patients.” Dr. Pines' educational journey is marked by exceptional achievements and a commitment to excellence. He obtained a bachelor's degree in the biological basis of behavior and a master's degree in clinical epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania. Furthering his pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Pines successfully acquired both a medical degree and an MBA from Georgetown University. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, followed by a fellowship in research at the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Dr. Pines has enriched his pedagogical skills by successfully completing the Master Teacher Leadership Development Certificate Program at GW School of Education Human Development. His extensive educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within the healthcare landscape. About USACS Founded 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 medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately ten million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]

General News Icon

General News

Sep 28, 2023

US Acute Care Solutions Executes a Multi-Year Agreement with Aetna, A CVS Health Company

US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the largest physician-owned emergency medicine and hospitalist practice in the United States, executed a multi-year agreement with Aetna, a CVS Health company on August 1, 2023. Under the new contract, Aetna's Commercial and Medicare members will have in-network access to acute care services delivered by approximately 6,000 USACS clinicians at more than 350 hospitals in communities spanning 24 states. About USACS Founded 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 medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately ten million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ###

Press Release Icon

Press Release

Jul 20, 2023

Houston Methodist Selects US Acute Care Solutions as System-Wide Provider of Emergency Medicine Services

Houston Methodist Selects US Acute Care Solutions as System-Wide Provider of Emergency Medicine Services CANTON, Ohio, July 20, 2023 – Effective July 19, 2023, US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, has been named the exclusive provider of emergency medicine services across the renowned Houston Methodist system. Locations include: Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Houston Methodist West Houston Hospital Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Cinco Ranch Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Cypress Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Kirby Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Voss Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Pearland Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Sienna Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Spring Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – The Woodlands Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Magnolia Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – League City Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center – Deer Park With a reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, Houston Methodist has been named the number one hospital system in Texas and one of the premier systems in the United States consistently for many years. USACS is honored to partner with Houston Methodist in this significant capacity. Under the agreement, the physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) currently caring for patients in the emergency departments of Houston Methodist will remain in their roles, and all full-time physicians will be offered the opportunity to become equity owners of USACS. This continuity of care will ensure patients maintain access to their trusted clinical team, while empowering the system’s physicians to secure their long-term future as physician-owners. Dr. Matt Patlovany, President and Chief Clinical Officer of USACS, commented on the opportunity to serve the Houston Methodist system, stating, "As a native Texan, I am acutely aware of the prestige and importance of Houston Methodist within our state. I am incredibly excited to lead this talented team of physicians and APCs in providing exceptional emergency medicine services to patients across the system. Our physician-owned and led approach puts patients at the forefront of every decision we make, and our focus will be on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient who walks through our doors." "We are pleased to partner with USACS as the provider of emergency medicine services for our entire system. We continue to provide the high-quality service to our patients and community and believe this collaboration will enhance our emergency department services, further strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional care to our patients,” said Wayne Voss, CEO, Houston Methodist West Hospitaland executive sponsor of the hospital system’s emergency department council. Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Executive Chair of the USACS Board of Directors said, “USACS was formed to bring the best groups in the country together to form a perpetual physician-owned organization in acute care services. We are focused on partnering with the best health systems in the country – Houston Methodist and the clinicians in the system are perfect partners in our long-term strategic vision.” USACS brings a wealth of expertise and resources to Houston Methodist, including advanced clinical protocols, innovative technology solutions, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. This partnership will enhance the emergency medicine services provided throughout the Houston Methodist system, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care when they need it most. About USACS Founded 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 medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately ten million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. About Houston Methodist Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, six community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Houston Methodist employs approximately 30,000 people and had more than 1.9 million outpatient visits and more than 138,000 admissions in 2022. U.S. News World Report has named Houston Methodist Hospital the Best Hospital in Texas for 11 years in a row. Houston Methodist is the No. 1 hospital in Texas and No. 15 in the nation. For more information about Houston Methodist, visit houstonmethodist.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and On Health. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]

Press Release Icon

Press Release

Jun 23, 2023

US Acute Care Solutions Names Dr. Amit Kalaria a Regional Vice President of its Northeast Division

CANTON, Ohio, June 23, 2023 –Effective July 1, 2023, US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) has named Amit Kalaria, MD, a Regional Vice President of its Northeast Division. Dr. Kalaria has held several leadership positions throughout his 17 years with USACS, most recently overseeing 14 service lines as the System Medical Director of Integrated Acute Care Services at Adventist Healthcare. As Regional Vice President, he will lead and support, both clinically and administratively, the teams and leaders of Adventist Healthcare, Meritus, and UPMC Western Maryland. “Dr. Kalaria’s peers have recognized him as a strong, decisive leader and appreciate his clear and concise approach to problem solving,” said Martin Brown, MD, FACEP, President of USACS’ Northeast Division. “He is an accomplished physician leader, and I am excited to have him join our division in this elevated capacity.” “I am honored to step into this new role,” shared Dr. Kalaria. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team of physicians, APPs, and support staff to continue providing high-quality, patient-centered care to our communities.” Dr. Kalaria is a board-certified physician leader with a track record of spearheading successful initiatives to improve the quality of care delivered across multiple service lines. He is an active member of several committees, serving as President’s Council Board Member for Adventist Healthcare, and was the physician member of both the Quality and Patient Safety Committee and the Utilization Management Committee at Western Maryland Health Systems. He also served as a member of the USACS Regional Clinical Governance Board. Dr. Kalaria earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from Michigan State University. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Northwestern University where he served as Chief Resident. About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and hospitalist 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 medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately nine million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ###

General News Icon

General News

Jun 1, 2023

USACS Now Accepting Applications for Senior Resident Forum to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada

US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) is excited to invite senior residents to participate in our upcoming Senior Resident Forum in Las Vegas, NV, on September 19-20, 2023. This all-expense paid trip is a unique opportunity for residents to learn and engage with top leaders in emergency, hospitalist, and critical care medicine to set themselves up for a successful career. The Senior Resident Forum will be held at the Virgin Hotel, a popular destination in the heart of Las Vegas. The hotel offers modern amenities, luxurious accommodations, and easy access to the city's many attractions, making it the perfect location for this exciting event. Speakers will cover a wide range of topics directly relevant to residents' careers and practices. From clinical efficiency to financial literacy, the forum will provide residents with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their professional pathway and create a fulfilling career in medicine. In addition to gaining valuable insights and networking opportunities, attendees will also be invited to USACS's group social event, where they can relax, unwind, and meet new colleagues from around the country. USACS is the largest physician-owned acute care group in the country, caring for over 9 million patients annually at more than 500 programs across 30 states. With their expertise and experience, USACS is well-positioned to support physicians in providing excellent care to patients while also enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. "We are thrilled to be hosting another iteration of our popular Senior Resident Forum," said Travis Ulmer, MD, FACEP, Chief Clinical Recruiting Officer of USACS. "Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for medical residents to engage with our physicians, learn about the latest developments in healthcare, and gain valuable insights into the industry. We believe this event will be a great success and we look forward to welcoming attendees to Las Vegas." If you're a senior resident looking to jump-start your career, apply today to join the USACS Senior Resident Forum. Your travel expenses, one night hotel stay, and all on-site meals are on us. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, network, and grow with USACS's top leaders in acute care.

Press Release Icon

Press Release

May 10, 2023

US Acute Care Solutions Expands Integrated Acute Care Services at Six Mercy Health Hospitals in Southern Ohio

US Acute Care Solutions Expands Integrated Acute Care Services at Six Mercy Health Hospitals in Southern Ohio CANTON, Ohio, May 11, 2023 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the largest physician-owned and led acute care practice in the United States, now provides integrated acute care (IAC) services at six Mercy Health hospitals in the Cincinnati area. These locations include: Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital (Cincinnati, Ohio) Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital (Batavia, Ohio) Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital (Fairfield, Ohio) Mercy Health – West Hospital (Cincinnati, Ohio) The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health (Cincinnati, Ohio) Mercy Health – Kings Mills Hospital (Cincinnati, Ohio) USACS-provided IAC services began on April 27, 2023, with the exception of Mercy Health – Kings Mills Hospital – a $156 million, 60-bed new build scheduled to open in early 2024. The USACS model of integrated acute care builds on the group’s commitment to physician ownership by creating a single unified, aligned, and accountable team of physician leaders responsible for the improvement of care throughout a patient’s stay, from entrance into the emergency department until discharge and beyond. The model breaks down operational silos, resulting in marked improvements to key quality metrics, particularly those related to patient experience. “USACS has been a dedicated partner to Mercy Health for over 13 years, and we are excited to expand our offerings within the system,” said George Mitri, MD, FACP, SFHM, Chief of Integrated Acute Care at USACS. “Our IAC program continues to lead the industry as the model of choice for hospitals interested in enhancing both clinical quality and patient satisfaction.” “Our physician-owned and led approach puts patients at the forefront of every decision we make,” shared Michael Argus, MD, Regional Vice President of USACS’ North Division. “By aligning our clinicians across the continuum of care, we prioritize the patient’s journey to ensure they receive the best care possible.” “As a health system, we look to partner with those who share our vision for patient care,” said Mercy Health Cincinnati Market COO Ken James. “It’s a vision that emphasizes the highest quality medicine and a seamless patient experience. The expansion of our partnership with USACS is a step forward in this mission. Together, Mercy Health and USACS are committed to utilizing the latest technology and innovative care delivery models to best serve our patient community.” About USACS Founded 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 medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately nine million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. About Mercy Health Mercy Health - Cincinnati is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry's quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Cincinnati has been serving Greater Cincinnati for more than 160 years and provides an integrated network of leading physicians, compassionate caregivers, comprehensive services, and exceptional care at more than 180 locations across the region. The Mercy Health – Cincinnati network of care includes five award-winning hospitals, senior living communities, primary care and specialty physician practices, outpatient centers, fitness centers and a variety of outreach programs. Mercy Health - Cincinnati hospitals have earned national Truven Health Analytics' 100 Top Hospitals honors more than all other Cincinnati hospitals combined, placing them among the best hospitals in the nation. Truven has also named Mercy Health - Cincinnati as one of the nation's Top 15 health systems six times, which is more than any other health system in Cincinnati. Consistent with its commitment to serve each patient with dignity, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides nearly $2 million per day in community benefit. The mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. To learn more visit, mercy.com. # # # Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406

Tell us about yourself