In mid-July, Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health named Jeff Bross chief managed care officer.
Mr. Bross joined the system from Hollywood, Fla.-based Memorial Healthcare System, where he served as senior vice president of managed care for seven years.
Bon Secours Mercy Health is a Catholic health system that comprises 50 hospitals, 3,000 providers and 60,000 employees, according to its website.
Becker’s connected with Mr. Bross to discuss his early priorities in the new role, including the development of relationships across the system and reviewing payer partnerships through data analysis and personal engagement.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are your priorities in the first few months of the new role? How will these goals be achieved?
Jeff Bross: First and foremost, I want to get to know my team and new colleagues throughout the ministry. One of the main reasons I came to Bon Secours Mercy Health was how impressed I was with the individuals I met and the culture they presented.
Next, I intend to become familiar with the status of our current payer relationships, both personally and financially. Those will be achieved by spending a lot of time with the people and with the data.
Q: What leadership principles will guide the approach to building relationships across a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders?
JB: Definitely transparency, trust and consistency. It will be essential to openly communicate our mission-driven strategies internally, and consistently articulate our positions externally. Strong relationships will be built as long as we continue to align with the organization’s commitment to compassionate, affordable care for patients and communities.
Q: How is the role of managed care expected to evolve over the next five years, and how will BSMH lead in that transformation?
JB: Given the often-changing world of healthcare, much of which is driven by legislative activity, it’s essential that we remain nimble. We intend to partner with payers and employers who are also nimble to develop innovative care models and payment structures that improve affordability, access, and patient experience.
Ultimately, managed care must continue to ensure fair reimbursement and payment terms to maintain the vitality and vibrancy of our ministry long term.
