PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Discussing the Evolution of Healthcare at the Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Forum Speaker: Dr. Ben LeBlanc, M.D., Chief Executive, Providence Medical Group - Oregon Region Sponsored by: Providence Health & Services O ver the past two years, the healthcare industry has endured numerous changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been the catalyst for new
fatigue and shortage of staff,” he said. To address these issues, Providence is creating more innovative staffing models. “Coming out of the pandemic, we’re taking some important lessons with us,” he said. Previously, LeBlanc explained the hospital had an archaic phone system that did not work very well. After dealing with struggles from the pandemic, they were able to obtain a new system that creates a better
technologies, such as telehealth, in addition to changing how hospitals and staff provide care for their patients. During the April Forum, Dr. Ben LeBlanc, M.D. and Chief Executive of Providence Medical Group for the Oregon Region, discussed these points and how Providence has evolved during and after the pandemic. LeBlanc’s presentation began with an overview of Medford’s and Providence’s history, showing how much development and change has occurred over many decades. Returning to the present, he reflected on the beginning stages of the pandemic. “None of us were necessarily prepared for it,” LeBlanc said. In January and February of 2020, the pandemic was in the news, but not a focal point of daily life. As businesses started to close in the coming months, LeBlanc explained the hospital saw less people coming into the clinic. Because of this, Providence pivoted to providing care by phone and offering more telehealth services. During future peaks, the pandemic’s impact on the hospital was still significant. “But by that time, our staff had learned how to be more flexible while still maintaining a high quality of care during these difficult circumstances,” he said. According to LeBlanc, Providence was fortunate because they already had the infrastructure in place to properly store and administer vaccines once they arrived, so they were not caught off guard. Additionally, Providence is proud that the patient experience has been excellent during the pandemic. “Over 87% of people reported a nine or ten satisfaction score.” But it didn’t come without a cost. “In the healthcare field, there’s a lot of recovery needed. Many people have been working almost non-stop for two years. There is a lot of
Dr. Ben LeBlanc. M.D., Chief Execuitive, Providence Medical Group
patient experience. Of the many changes
caused by the pandemic, LeBlanc said developments in telehealth will definitely continue. In addition to providing other benefits, the hospital realized that telehealth services were a good way to offer therapy. According to LeBlanc, they are also working on the “Hospital at Home” program. “The idea is that there are patients who qualify for hospital care, but would now be able to receive a hospital-level experience in the home setting.” LeBlanc also explained that Providence believes in value- based care, a business model that rewards success in quality of care and efficient utilization of care. When there is a coordinated process for the patient, it’s a more satisfying way to practice medicine and lowers costs. But for LeBlanc and Providence, one of their main priorities is an initiative called Primary Care First. “We want to invest in and cultivate the relationships patients build with their doctors, and the benefits of that.” n
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The Business Review | April 2022
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