USACS NEWS
USACS shares news and information that keep you informed and demonstrate our commitment to efficiency and improved patient care and outcomes. A USACS representative is available for media inquiries.
Press Release
Feb 23, 2024
US Acute Care Solutions Names Michael DeMinico as General Counsel
CANTON, Ohio, February 23, 2024 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned provider of hospital-based emergency and inpatient medicine, announced today that it has named Michael DeMinico as General Counsel. Mr. DeMinico brings a wealth of strategic legal experience to healthcare organizations. Most recently, Mr. DeMinico served as General Counsel for Great Expressions Dental Centers, a multi-specialty dental service organization with more than 300 clinic locations. Prior to that, he served as General Counsel at EnvisionRx, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits and services companies. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. DeMinico began his career in his hometown at the office of BakerHostetler where he was a partner in the firm’s Business Group, concentrating his practice on healthcare transactions, mergers and acquisitions, financing, and corporate governance matters. Chris Hummer, USACS Chief Executive Officer, said, “Mike’s industry knowledge and readiness to embrace a fast-paced environment make him the ideal addition to our executive leadership team. Providing our physicians and APPs with sound legal support is critical, and Mike is the exact leader we are looking for to ensure this continues to take place.” “I am motivated by the culture of empowerment at USACS and eager to see the benefits of the physician-ownership model in action,” said Mr. DeMinico. “Providing legal support and reassurance to the dedicated physicians and APPs who fulfill our mission of caring for patients is a privilege, and I look forward to making an impact on the organization.” Mr. DeMinico received his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School, and his undergraduate degree in economics from The College of William Mary. About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Jan 8, 2024
US Acute Care Solutions Names David Peppard as Chief Information Officer
CANTON, Ohio, January 8, 2024 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned provider of hospital-based emergency and inpatient medicine, announced today that it has named David Peppard as Chief Information Officer. Most recently, Mr. Peppard served as Chief Technology Officer for SuperCare Health, an industry-leading chronic care management company specializing in post-acute, in-home respiratory care. In this role, he delivered expert guidance and implemented innovative practices to optimize the patient journey. Previously, Mr. Peppard served as both the Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer for a USACS legacy company for 11 years, then served as the Senior Vice President of Technology for USACS as the organization was established in 2015. Mr. Peppard’s history with our group and focus on enhancing existing systems to perform efficiently mark him as the ideal fit for this role within the organization. Chris Hummer, USACS Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are fortunate to have David back in the USACS family as he brings a breadth of industry expertise and holds an established, well-respected presence within our organization. David’s commitment to patient care and forward-thinking tactics are exactly what the organization needs to continue paving a path to success." “I am eager to be back at USACS working with so many familiar and talented colleagues," said Mr. Peppard. "I look forward to collaborating with the organization's leaders and making meaningful contributions to adapt to the industry's shifting dynamics successfully." Mr. Peppard earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University and graduated from Harvard Business School. About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately ten million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Dec 4, 2023
Dr. Thomas Aloia Joins US Acute Care Solutions Board of Directors
CANTON, Ohio, December 4, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, today announced Thomas Aloia, MD, MHCM, FACS, FACHE, has joined the group’s majority-physician Board of Directors. Dr. Aloia brings with him a wealth of experience as Senior Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer of Ascension. His expertise spans various critical areas, including inpatient safety, clinical documentation, hospital-based services, and acute clinical technology integration. Dr. Aloia's career is marked by his academic and administrative roles at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and his educational tenure at the University of California – Los Angeles, Duke University Medical Center, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His scholarly works and editorial positions in leading peer-reviewed journals underline his dedication to medical innovation and evidence-based practice. "The addition of Dr. Aloia to our board exemplifies our dedication to enhancing patient care through physician leadership," says Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Executive Chair of the USACS Board. "His impressive background and relentless pursuit of excellence in patient safety and quality will be invaluable to our mission." Dr. Aloia is looking forward to contributing to the USACS mission, stating, "I am honored to join an organization that is fully committed to being the leader in physician-led acute care. Together, we will advance our shared vision of providing unparalleled care to our patients, supported by the highest standards of clinical excellence and innovation." Dr. Aloia's appointment is a testament to USACS' dedication to fostering a culture where physician leadership translates into superior patient care and fulfilling clinical careers. About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Nov 21, 2023
US ACUTE CARE SOLUTIONS NAMES INTERNAL LEADERS CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CANTON, Ohio, November 21, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned integrated acute care practice, has named two internal leaders to new roles. Tina Latimer, MD, MBA, FACEP, has been named Chief Clinical Officer; and James Watson has been named Chief Financial Officer. Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Latimer, has served as President of the group’s North Division since joining USACS in early-2022 from Alteon Health where she served as a regional medical director for nearly ten years. Dr. Latimer completed her emergency medicine residency at Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree at Albany Medical College. Dr. Latimer also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Latimer said, “As Chief Clinical Officer I’m excited to continue my work with our outstanding divisional and regional leaders, with whom I share a singular focus on improving the care we provide our patients and the support we provide our hospital partners.” Chief Financial Officer, James Watson, joined USACS in its earliest days in 2016 and has guided its growth as Chief Development Officer. A promoter of USACS’ commitment to an in-network payer strategy, Mr. Watson is responsible for successfully navigating the group through the implementation of the No Surprises Act. Mr. Watson is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in engineering. Mr. Watson said, “In joining USACS in 2016, I was immediately drawn to the notion that a physician-owned practice at scale was the ideal model for thriving in this ever-evolving industry. As CFO, I’ll be excited to ensure what we’ve created together endures for generations to come of physicians, patients and hospital partners.” Chris Hummer, USACS Chief Executive Officer, said, “These two leaders represent the deep bench of internal talent at USACS, with exactly the background, experience and enthusiasm to keep USACS on its track of sustainable growth and industry-leading clinician support and clinical quality.” The group’s current President and Chief Clinical Officer, Matt Patlovany, MD, is leaving at the end of the year and Tony Martin, Chief Financial Officer, is stepping down at the end of the month. Mr. Hummer continued, “We owe a great deal to Matt and Tony. They put their heart and soul into our mission to care for patients, and many millions of those patients are better for it. All of us at USACS wish them well.” About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Nov 2, 2023
Healthcare Innovators DispatchHealth and US Acute Care Solutions Join Forces to Transform Emergency Medicine and Propel Value-Based Care
Healthcare Innovators DispatchHealth and US Acute Care Solutions Join Forces to Transform Emergency Medicine and Propel Value-Based Care Collaboration prioritizes patient-centered care and healthcare efficiency DENVER, November 2, 2023 —DispatchHealth has teamed up with US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) to make healthcare better by expanding access to additional support for patients after a hospital stay or when they need hospital alternative care at home. This joint effort centers on shared education and alignment in offering DispatchHealth’s in-home care models, when medically appropriate, while addressing patient preferences and care needs. This model is designed to advance the Quadruple Aim in healthcare: enhancing care quality, improving health outcomes, lowering costs, and enriching the consumer experience while fostering the well-being of healthcare professionals and caregivers. Highlights of this collaboration include: Adding Tangible Value for Patients: Patients will experience more personalized, convenient, high-quality care within the comfort of their homes, leading to faster recovery and an enhanced overall experience. Enhancing Clinical Outcomes: By facilitating seamless transitions, this partnership aspires to boost key quality metrics. These include improved patient satisfaction, decreased hospital-acquired conditions, and fewer readmissions. Creating Seamless Transitions: USACS plays a pivotal role as a facilitator of medically appropriate care—it bridges the gap between hospitals, health systems, and DispatchHealth services, ensuring patients experience a smooth transition from hospitalization to in-home care or hospital alternative care at home. Addressing Crucial Healthcare Challenges: This collaboration squarely addresses the critical issues of prolonged hospital stays, escalating healthcare costs, and the need for more patient-centric care models. Empowering elevated levels of performance for health systems: By enabling health systems to thrive in value-based care models, this endeavor offers a comprehensive solution. It optimizes resource allocation, elevates performance metrics, and prioritizes patient-centered care. Christopher Hummer, CEO of USACS, emphasized the significance of teaming up on this effort: “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering health systems to thrive in value-based care models. By engaging in innovative care models and continuous quality improvement, USACS and our clinicians are best positioned to facilitate the utilization of the most appropriate site of care. Our work with DispatchHealth will deliver a more patient-centered approach, creating value for patients and the whole healthcare ecosystem.” Dr. Mark Prather, co-founder and CEO of DispatchHealth, echoed this sentiment: "Our collaboration with USACS addresses the challenges that keep patients and care givers up at night. By helping USACS’ clinical teams understand and leverage our in-home medical services, they’ll deepen relationships with patients and health systems. Together, we’re making healthcare better and easier for everyone by providing real solutions that patients sincerely appreciate." DispatchHealth's innovative approach to high-acuity healthcare delivery has garnered widespread recognition. By providing seamless transitions from hospital to home, DispatchHealth reduces the need for extended hospital stays that are not medically required by the patient’s condition and enhances overall patient satisfaction. Their in-home medical services are not only a game-changer for clinical outcomes but also a powerful solution to the pressing issue of escalating healthcare costs. This collaboration between DispatchHealth and USACS embodies a shared vision of healthcare that prioritizes patients' needs while addressing industry-wide challenges. They are poised to make a substantial impact on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and the overall healthcare experience—advancing the Quadruple Aim. For more information about DispatchHealth and USACS, please visit www.DispatchHealth.com and www.USACS.com. About DispatchHealthBringing the power of the hospital to the comfort of home™ DispatchHealth provides comprehensive and trusted medical care in the comfort of home to people with serious health concerns—with services that include same-day, urgent medical care; hospital alternative care; and recovery care. Our emergency medicine and hospitalist medicine trained care teams can use all the tools necessary—including imaging and IV infusions—to treat common to complex injuries and illnesses in the home. DispatchHealth is partnered with most major insurance companies and works closely with primary care and specialty care providers, EMS, health systems, senior living facilities, and employers to deliver in-home care that reduces unnecessary emergency room visits, hospital stays and readmissions. Since the company’s inception in 2013, our expert medical teams have treated more than one million people in their homes across more than 30 states in the country—resulting in 58% emergency room avoidance, 8.5% 30-day hospital readmission, 98% patient satisfaction, and nearly $1.5 billionin medical cost savings. For more information, visit DispatchHealth.com. About US Acute Care Solutions Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
General News
Nov 1, 2023
US Acute Care Solutions Executes a Multi-Year Agreement With United Healthcare
US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the largest physician-owned emergency medicine and inpatient practice in the United States, executed a multi-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare, as of November 1, 2023. Under the new contract, UnitedHealthcare members on employer-sponsored and individual health plans will have in-network access to acute care services delivered by approximately 6,000 USACS clinicians at more than 350 hospitals in communities spanning 20 states. About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately ten million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ###
Press Release
Oct 13, 2023
US Acute Care Solutions Recognized by the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program
US Acute Care Solutions Recognized by the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program CANTON, Ohio, October 13, 2023 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), the nation’s largest physician-owned and led acute care practice, has been recognized by the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program for its outstanding commitment to caring for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program aims to encourage and guide organizations with over 100 physicians and/or APPs to engage in strategies to enhance physician and APP satisfaction, therefore reducing occurrences of burnout. As a physician-owned practice, USACS emphasizes the well-being of its more than 6,000 physicians and APPs, allowing them to focus on fulfilling the group’s mission: to care for patients. USACS stands committed to developing innovative practices and programs to provide clinicians with every tool necessary to deliver high-quality patient care while excelling in both their personal and professional lives. “We continually seek out tactics and resources to support our physicians and APPs,” said Jayne Kendall, MD, MBA, FACEP, CDE, CPE, Chief of Clinician Engagement at USACS. “The demands of the medical field are taxing both physically and mentally, so it is critical to be ahead of the curve when it comes to addressing burnout. With industry-leading programs and benefits – including paid parental leave and our 10% company-funded 401(k) contribution – we ensure our talented clinicians are supported in every aspect of their lives, empowering them to bring their ‘whole self’ to work as we care for patients on the front lines.” As a member of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, USACS will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded health systems across the nation to share evidence-based solutions to burnout. The organization will also gain access to a plethora of established resources to incorporate into existing practices and protocols. “This is an outstanding opportunity for our organization,” said Christopher Ziebell, MD, FACEP, Director of Behavioral Health Innovation at USACS. “Being selected as one of the only physician practices amongst health system leaders speaks volumes about who we are and our commitment to serving both our patients and each other. Our leaders are looking forward to learning and exploring all the program has to offer.” About USACS Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 500 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]