When a national policymaker steps out of Washington and into the heart of a health system, the experience is often brief, symbolic, and distant. But when Mehmet Oz, MD, visited AtlantiCare in mid-July, he took a different approach.
In his role as CMS administrator, Dr. Oz traded the spotlight for a clinical leader’s perspective — engaging deeply with frontline staff, patients, and community leaders in Atlantic City. What emerged was a rare moment of substance: a working session rooted in listening, learning, and co-creating a path forward for healthcare reform.
“While he may no longer be practicing, Dr. Oz still brings the heart and perspective of a healthcare provider,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.-based AtlantiCare. “He understands the complexities of our system in a very real and grounded way. What struck me most was how fully present he was; he didn’t just show up, he showed up. He asked thoughtful, sometimes tough questions. He listened intently to our frontline caregivers, spent meaningful time with patients, and engaged with our community partners with genuine curiosity and respect.”
During his visit to the region, Dr. Oz toured medical facilities, educational facilities and the innovation center tasked with elevating outcomes and transforming healthcare delivery. They had conversations about big challenges for health systems, both regulatory and economic, and pitched solutions.
But the visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity.
“From the moment he arrived, it was clear: he came not to be seen, but to see. To understand. To learn. And that kind of humility, from someone so accomplished, was deeply refreshing and inspiring,” said Mr. Charlton, who described Dr. Oz as “extremely open and receptive” to their conversations and recommendations.
Dr. Oz is responsible for $2 trillion in healthcare spending and could influence the pace of transformation through pilot programs and reimbursement policies. CMS programs affect health systems of all sizes, and AtlantiCare is a representative system serving a diverse population.
“Dr. Oz understands the value of health systems like AtlantiCare, which are small enough to be nimble, but big enough to make a real impact,” he said. “He was fully engaged from start to finish and locked in on the same priorities we’re driving with more access, less waste, and care that actually works for people using it.”
Mr. Charlton also spoke with Dr. Oz about the structural barriers holding healthcare back and urgency of transforming the healthcare system to become more practical, sustainable and equitable.
“We talked candidly about the everyday realities that rarely make headlines, but define care delivery: prior authorization delays, reimbursement hurdles and the overwhelming administrative burden that contributes to burnout and directly impacts patient care,” said Mr. Charlton. “Medicaid reform emerged as a central theme, especially its implications for access, equity and sustainability.”
The vital role of federally qualified health centers was central to the discussions, as the facilities caring for those without other options. Dr. Oz toured AtlantiCare’s FQHC in Atlantic City, which was “one of the most powerful moments of the day,” said Mr. Charlton.
“Dr. Oz was visibly moved as he listened to the lived experiences of both patients and our care teams,” he said. “What made the conversation truly impactful was the spirit of co-creation. This wasn’t just a listening tour–it was a working session. Health system leaders came prepared with real solutions and there was strong alignment around the potential of technology to unlock a more responsive, efficient and patient-centered system.”
Dr. Oz and Mr. Charlton talked about how the proposed $50 billion in federal transformation funds could promote automation of prior authorizations and allow for real-time data exchange, as well as streamline care coordination.
“There was broad agreement that meaningful progress requires a common-sense approach– less regulatory friction, more partnership with providers, and faster adoption of tools that can actually work at the bedside,” said Mr. Charlton. “When innovation is designed with the end-user in mind and supported by thoughtful policy, we can deliver better outcomes, reduce waste and transform the system at a pace that meets the moment.”
As Dr. Oz returns to Capitol Hill, the time he spent in Atlantic City has left a mark.
“My hope is that the voices Dr. Oz heard here, patients, caregivers, community leaders, stay with him as he returns to the national stage,” said Mr. Charlton. “That what he witnessed first hand at AtlantiCare informs not only policy, but purpose. He saw a health system deeply committed to equity, innovation and community impact; one that’s doing the hard work of delivering care differently, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.”
The discussions went beyond current challenges to talk about where the health system is headed in the future. Mr. Charlton said he discussed moving to a system that rewards value over volume, empowers frontline teams, reduces waste and is truly patient-centric.
“Dr. Oz brings a unique platform and perspective, and I believe he genuinely wants to transform – not just manage – American healthcare,” said Mr. Charlton. “If our time together helps influence meaningful reform, if it sparks greater federal alignment with realities on the ground, and if it accelerates progress toward a smarter, more compassionate system, then this moment will have served a much larger purpose. My aspiration is that this visit marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership rooted in common sense, co-creation and a shared commitment to building a healthier future for all.”
