Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Zachary Yoder on Expanding Rural Care, Financial Sustainability and Health System Growth

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Summary

Hospital and health system leaders face numerous challenges, including market consolidation, reimbursement pressures, and workforce issues. The 14th annual CEO CFO Roundtable aims to address these concerns, bringing together over 1,500 executives and nearly 400 speakers to help leaders refine their strategies for the upcoming year.

Zachary Yoder, President of St. Mary Medical Center and other OSF Healthcare facilities, shares insights on the current state of healthcare in his region. He emphasizes the importance of local care, noting recent expansions in robotic surgeries and emergency department capacity to meet the needs of a growing patient population. Yoder highlights the collaborative approach among the three hospitals, which allows for shared resources and improved patient care.

Looking ahead, Yoder identifies key challenges such as Medicaid reimbursement pressures and the difficulty of recruiting specialty physicians in rural areas. He discusses the financial viability of healthcare organizations and the need for sustainable strategies, including expanding outpatient services and focusing on community needs. Yoder also emphasizes the importance of patient experience, advocating for a culture of compassion and respect within healthcare settings.

Show Notes

In this episode, Zachary Yoder, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, President, St. Mary Medical Center, Holy Family Medical Center and St. Luke Medical Center, OSF HealthCare, discusses expanding access to care in rural communities, investing in robotics and outpatient services, and preparing for Medicaid and reimbursement pressures. He also shares his approach to culture, patient experience and building OSF HealthCare into a regional destination for specialized care.

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