CATHY JACOBSON. President and CEO of Froedtert Health (Milwaukee)
On the top challenge
"In a climate of political uncertainty, healthcare organizations must drive improvement rather than wait for government direction. In Wisconsin, cost and access are critical issues, particularly for the un- or underinsured. At the same time, a growing number of patients want care that delivers the convenience, coordination, personalization and digital options they experience in other sectors."
On the hospital's response
"Our health network, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, is taking steps to address these issues with a strategic effort to 'meet people where they are' by offering a diversity of services.
Bricks-and-mortar health centers remain a preferred touchpoint, so we are expanding our options with more urgent care, retail, employer-based and walk-in clinic options. These sites, and our ambulatory surgery centers, offer expanded care options in a convenient, lower-cost setting. We are also expanding our relationships with federally qualified health centers to improve health and access in underserved areas.
Through our innovation arm, Inception Health, we are piloting and implementing a wide range of digital health tools.
A few examples include digital medication delivery and monitoring; an artificial intelligence-based digital online symptom checker to help connect people with the right care at the right time; and an online cognitive behavioral health tool that integrates mental health therapy into primary care and helps overcome the shortage of psychotherapy specialists. Our online virtual clinic connects patients with a board-certified physician no matter where they are, at a very affordable price."