Monthly Archive for February, 2011

Talking about care innovations with Secretary Sebelius & Governor Gregoire

By Michael Soman, MD

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Secretary for Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire and share innovations in care that are making a difference.

The following are highlights of what I presented:

Group Health Physicians is a multi-specialty Group Practice of 1,000 doctors who practice medicine in 26 Group Health Medical Centers, 4 multi-specialty sites, and in partner hospitals across the state.

We are demonstrating that physician-led delivery system reform can bring down costs through improving quality and patient experience.  Continue reading ‘Talking about care innovations with Secretary Sebelius & Governor Gregoire’

Published on February 28, 2011 in Health Care Reform and Medical Home. 0 Comments Tags: , .

How Group Health Is Holding Costs Down: A KHN Interview With CEO Scott Armstrong

By Mike Foley

It’s great to see this piece on Scott Armstrong, Group Health President and CEO, being interviewed by Bara Vaida with  Kaiser Health News. This was taped prior to the House of Representatives’ vote to repeal the health law. He talks about shared decision making, accountable care organizations and more. Check out the interview.  Continue reading ‘How Group Health Is Holding Costs Down: A KHN Interview With CEO Scott Armstrong’

Published on February 14, 2011 in Accountable Care Organization and Health Care Reform. 1 Comment Tags: , , .

Sharing genetic information: When Group Health seniors speak, Science listens

By Eric Larson, MD, MPH

One great part of my job is visiting with Group Health Cooperative members enrolled in Adult Changes in Thought (ACT)—the longitudinal research project that Group Health and the University of Washington (UW) began in 1986 as a model Alzheimer’s disease registry. I appreciate the trust and dedication of seniors in the study, which tracks brain health as people age.

Last month, for instance, I reconnected with a man who joined Group Health in 1952 and has been part of ACT since its inception. He has taken part in periodic assessments and lets us follow his medical records over decades. Such loyal participation by more than 5,000 members and their families has led to many important discoveries. We’re learning about what causes and may prevent or delay dementia and late-life cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease. And our longstanding study gets more valuable and productive each year. Continue reading ‘Sharing genetic information: When Group Health seniors speak, Science listens’

Published on February 3, 2011 in Health Care Reform and Research. 1 Comment