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
Jan 31, 2024
US Acute Care Solutions Expands Partnership with Inova Health System to Include Comprehensive Emergency Medicine Services at Inova Fairfax Medical Center
CANTON, Ohio, January 31, 2024 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, is honored to announce the expansion of its partnership with Inova Health System to include four additional programs. Effective January 1, 2024, USACS welcomed the existing emergency medicine physicians and advanced practice providers from the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (IFMC), which includes the adult emergency department at Inova Fairfax Hospital and the Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department. The IFMC Emergency Department is the fourth busiest ED in the country, seeing 174,000 patients last year. The expanded partnership will also include two freestanding emergency departments: Inova Emergency Care Center – Fairfax City Inova Emergency Care Center – Reston This is an expansion of a partnership that began 23 years ago when Emergency Medicine Associates, one of the 20 physician groups that have since joined USACS, began providing emergency medicine services to Inova Alexandria Hospital. This evolution is testament to Inova and USACS’ shared vision of delivering the best patient care to Northern Virginia, the Washington DC metro area and beyond. Martin Brown, MD, FACEP, President of the USACS East Division and former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Inova Alexandria, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, "Our decades-long history with Inova Health System has always been rooted in the shared value of delivering exceptional patient care. This expanded partnership is a powerful testament to our joint commitment to serve the Northern Virginia and the greater Washington D.C. area with the best emergency medical services available. We look forward to working collaboratively with the very talented Inova team of physicians and advanced practice providers." The partnership follows a rigorous and competitive selection process aimed at sustaining and enhancing the excellence for which Inova Health System is renowned. Notably, Inova Fairfax, a tertiary care center, is Northern Virginia’s only Level I Trauma Center and Virginia's busiest ED. The pediatric ED is one of the largest in the country. The hospital is ranked #1 in the state according to US News, classified as a Magnet Designation for nursing excellence, and has received an 'A' safety rating from Leapfrog. These recognitions speak volumes about the quality of patient care provided and align seamlessly with USACS' commitment to clinical excellence. Erin Hodson, Vice President Administrator, Inova Medicine Service Line, added, “We look forward to the strategic expansion of our relationship with USACS, a partner who understands our model and is committed to our existing, high-caliber physicians and advanced practice providers. USACS has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing the highest-quality medical care to our shared patients in this 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 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. About Inova We areInova, Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. With expertise and compassion, we partner with our patients to help them stay healthy. We treat illness, heal injury and look at a patient’s whole health to help them flourish. Through our expansive network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers and outpatient services, Inova cares for more than one million patients annually, delivering the bestclinical care and a seamless experience. Consistently ranked and recognized as a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience, Inova’s world-class care ismade possible by the strength and breadth of our network, our 22,000 team members, our technology and our innovation. Inova is home to Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and provides high-quality healthcareto every person in every community we are privileged to serve – regardless of ability to pay – every day of their life. More information about Inova can be found at www.inova.org. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Dec 4, 2023
Dr. Thomas Aloia Joins US Acute Care Solutions Board of Directors
CANTON, Ohio, December 4, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, today announced Thomas Aloia, MD, MHCM, FACS, FACHE, has joined the group’s majority-physician Board of Directors. Dr. Aloia brings with him a wealth of experience as Senior Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer of Ascension. His expertise spans various critical areas, including inpatient safety, clinical documentation, hospital-based services, and acute clinical technology integration. Dr. Aloia's career is marked by his academic and administrative roles at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and his educational tenure at the University of California – Los Angeles, Duke University Medical Center, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His scholarly works and editorial positions in leading peer-reviewed journals underline his dedication to medical innovation and evidence-based practice. "The addition of Dr. Aloia to our board exemplifies our dedication to enhancing patient care through physician leadership," says Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Executive Chair of the USACS Board. "His impressive background and relentless pursuit of excellence in patient safety and quality will be invaluable to our mission." Dr. Aloia is looking forward to contributing to the USACS mission, stating, "I am honored to join an organization that is fully committed to being the leader in physician-led acute care. Together, we will advance our shared vision of providing unparalleled care to our patients, supported by the highest standards of clinical excellence and innovation." Dr. Aloia's appointment is a testament to USACS' dedication to fostering a culture where physician leadership translates into superior patient care and fulfilling clinical careers. 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
Nov 21, 2023
US ACUTE CARE SOLUTIONS NAMES INTERNAL LEADERS CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CANTON, Ohio, November 21, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned integrated acute care practice, has named two internal leaders to new roles. Tina Latimer, MD, MBA, FACEP, has been named Chief Clinical Officer; and James Watson has been named Chief Financial Officer. Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Latimer, has served as President of the group’s North Division since joining USACS in early-2022 from Alteon Health where she served as a regional medical director for nearly ten years. Dr. Latimer completed her emergency medicine residency at Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree at Albany Medical College. Dr. Latimer also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Latimer said, “As Chief Clinical Officer I’m excited to continue my work with our outstanding divisional and regional leaders, with whom I share a singular focus on improving the care we provide our patients and the support we provide our hospital partners.” Chief Financial Officer, James Watson, joined USACS in its earliest days in 2016 and has guided its growth as Chief Development Officer. A promoter of USACS’ commitment to an in-network payer strategy, Mr. Watson is responsible for successfully navigating the group through the implementation of the No Surprises Act. Mr. Watson is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in engineering. Mr. Watson said, “In joining USACS in 2016, I was immediately drawn to the notion that a physician-owned practice at scale was the ideal model for thriving in this ever-evolving industry. As CFO, I’ll be excited to ensure what we’ve created together endures for generations to come of physicians, patients and hospital partners.” Chris Hummer, USACS Chief Executive Officer, said, “These two leaders represent the deep bench of internal talent at USACS, with exactly the background, experience and enthusiasm to keep USACS on its track of sustainable growth and industry-leading clinician support and clinical quality.” The group’s current President and Chief Clinical Officer, Matt Patlovany, MD, is leaving at the end of the year and Tony Martin, Chief Financial Officer, is stepping down at the end of the month. Mr. Hummer continued, “We owe a great deal to Matt and Tony. They put their heart and soul into our mission to care for patients, and many millions of those patients are better for it. All of us at USACS wish them well.” 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
Nov 2, 2023
Healthcare Innovators DispatchHealth and US Acute Care Solutions Join Forces to Transform Emergency Medicine and Propel Value-Based Care
Healthcare Innovators DispatchHealth and US Acute Care Solutions Join Forces to Transform Emergency Medicine and Propel Value-Based Care Collaboration prioritizes patient-centered care and healthcare efficiency DENVER, November 2, 2023 —DispatchHealth has teamed up with US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) to make healthcare better by expanding access to additional support for patients after a hospital stay or when they need hospital alternative care at home. This joint effort centers on shared education and alignment in offering DispatchHealth’s in-home care models, when medically appropriate, while addressing patient preferences and care needs. This model is designed to advance the Quadruple Aim in healthcare: enhancing care quality, improving health outcomes, lowering costs, and enriching the consumer experience while fostering the well-being of healthcare professionals and caregivers. Highlights of this collaboration include: Adding Tangible Value for Patients: Patients will experience more personalized, convenient, high-quality care within the comfort of their homes, leading to faster recovery and an enhanced overall experience. Enhancing Clinical Outcomes: By facilitating seamless transitions, this partnership aspires to boost key quality metrics. These include improved patient satisfaction, decreased hospital-acquired conditions, and fewer readmissions. Creating Seamless Transitions: USACS plays a pivotal role as a facilitator of medically appropriate care—it bridges the gap between hospitals, health systems, and DispatchHealth services, ensuring patients experience a smooth transition from hospitalization to in-home care or hospital alternative care at home. Addressing Crucial Healthcare Challenges: This collaboration squarely addresses the critical issues of prolonged hospital stays, escalating healthcare costs, and the need for more patient-centric care models. Empowering elevated levels of performance for health systems: By enabling health systems to thrive in value-based care models, this endeavor offers a comprehensive solution. It optimizes resource allocation, elevates performance metrics, and prioritizes patient-centered care. Christopher Hummer, CEO of USACS, emphasized the significance of teaming up on this effort: “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering health systems to thrive in value-based care models. By engaging in innovative care models and continuous quality improvement, USACS and our clinicians are best positioned to facilitate the utilization of the most appropriate site of care. Our work with DispatchHealth will deliver a more patient-centered approach, creating value for patients and the whole healthcare ecosystem.” Dr. Mark Prather, co-founder and CEO of DispatchHealth, echoed this sentiment: "Our collaboration with USACS addresses the challenges that keep patients and care givers up at night. By helping USACS’ clinical teams understand and leverage our in-home medical services, they’ll deepen relationships with patients and health systems. Together, we’re making healthcare better and easier for everyone by providing real solutions that patients sincerely appreciate." DispatchHealth's innovative approach to high-acuity healthcare delivery has garnered widespread recognition. By providing seamless transitions from hospital to home, DispatchHealth reduces the need for extended hospital stays that are not medically required by the patient’s condition and enhances overall patient satisfaction. Their in-home medical services are not only a game-changer for clinical outcomes but also a powerful solution to the pressing issue of escalating healthcare costs. This collaboration between DispatchHealth and USACS embodies a shared vision of healthcare that prioritizes patients' needs while addressing industry-wide challenges. They are poised to make a substantial impact on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and the overall healthcare experience—advancing the Quadruple Aim. For more information about DispatchHealth and USACS, please visit www.DispatchHealth.com and www.USACS.com. About DispatchHealthBringing the power of the hospital to the comfort of home™ DispatchHealth provides comprehensive and trusted medical care in the comfort of home to people with serious health concerns—with services that include same-day, urgent medical care; hospital alternative care; and recovery care. Our emergency medicine and hospitalist medicine trained care teams can use all the tools necessary—including imaging and IV infusions—to treat common to complex injuries and illnesses in the home. DispatchHealth is partnered with most major insurance companies and works closely with primary care and specialty care providers, EMS, health systems, senior living facilities, and employers to deliver in-home care that reduces unnecessary emergency room visits, hospital stays and readmissions. Since the company’s inception in 2013, our expert medical teams have treated more than one million people in their homes across more than 30 states in the country—resulting in 58% emergency room avoidance, 8.5% 30-day hospital readmission, 98% patient satisfaction, and nearly $1.5 billionin medical cost savings. For more information, visit DispatchHealth.com. About US Acute Care Solutions 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]
General News
Nov 1, 2023
US Acute Care Solutions Executes a Multi-Year Agreement With United Healthcare
US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the largest physician-owned emergency medicine and inpatient practice in the United States, executed a multi-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare, as of November 1, 2023. Under the new contract, UnitedHealthcare members on employer-sponsored and individual health plans will have in-network access to acute care services delivered by approximately 6,000 USACS clinicians at more than 350 hospitals in communities spanning 20 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
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
Oct 6, 2023
US Acute Care Solutions Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Signing US Department of Health and Human Services Climate Pledge
US Acute Care Solutions Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Signing US Department of Health and Human Services Climate Pledge CANTON, Ohio, October 6, 2023 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, is proud to announce its official commitment to environmental sustainability through the signing of the US Department of Health and Human Services Climate Pledge. The Climate Pledge represents a step toward addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By signing, USACS commits to taking concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and foster environmentally friendly practices within its operations. This initiative aligns with USACS' mission to provide exceptional patient care while prioritizing the health and well-being of communities across the nation, and ultimately across the globe. "At USACS, we recognize the vital role healthcare organizations play in protecting both individual and planetary health," said Chris Hummer, CEO of USACS. "By joining the Climate Pledge, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and demonstrate our dedication to being responsible stewards of the environment. We are proud to contribute to the collective effort in combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come." Dr. Marc Futernick, emergency medicine physician and member of the USACS National Clinical Governance Board, expressed his enthusiasm about the pledge stating, "As medical professionals, we have a duty to prioritize the health of our patients and communities in all aspects, including environmental stewardship. By signing the Climate Pledge, USACS underscores its commitment to the well-being of our patients, our colleagues, and our planet. This initiative will further inspire positive change within the healthcare industry and beyond." USACS is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across its network. The organization will work diligently to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and invest in eco-friendly technologies to create a more environmentally responsible healthcare system. 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]