USACS NEWS ROOM
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 coverage.
Press Release
Oct 29, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Expands Integrated Acute Care Services at Peterson Regional Medical Center in Texas
CANTON, Ohio, October 29, 2021 –US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) announced today it is now providing integrated acute care (IAC) services for Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, TX. A private, not-for-profit community-based healthcare facility located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this hospital has been named one of the nation’s Top 100 Rural Community Hospital for six consecutive years. The hospital provides care for a service area of over 100,000 people. In May of 2021, Modern Healthcare designated Peterson Healthcare one of the nation’s “Best Places to Work.” USACS currently provides emergency medicine services at Peterson Regional Medical Center. Integrated Acute Care brings the addition ofcritical careand hospital medicine services together as one team with one purpose: seamless, quality patient care across the entire acute care episode. “We’re proud to expand our partnership with Peterson Regional Medical Center, as they have achieved excellence on a national level and seek to provide the very best patient experience and quality outcomes across all services,” said Dr. George Mitri, Chief of Integrated Acute Care Services at USACS. As the area’s largest employer, Peterson Health offers 26 key service lines, including the emergency department, acute rehabilitation unit, The Baby Place, women’s services,intensive care unit, heart and vascular clinic, seven surgical suites, and an award-winning joint replacement program. CEO and President Cory Edmondson said, “Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate patient-centered care. We are proud of our partnership with US Acute Care Solutions because we know they will meet that mission and easily fit our award-winning organization and culture.” The USACS model of Integrated Acute Care builds on the USACS commitment to provide quality and safety by creating a single, accountable team of physician leaders responsible for improvement of patient care throughout the patient's stay, from entrance into the emergency department until discharge, and beyond. The model has led to improvements in key quality metrics, particularly thoserelated to patient experience. # # # About USACS Founded by 15 emergency and hospital medicine physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, which includes emergency, hospital and critical care professional services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across 400 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. About Peterson Health Peterson Health is a health network serving patients and the community in the Texas Hill Country with its flagship hospital, Peterson Regional Medical Center located in Kerrville, TX. Peterson Regional Medical Center is a 124-bed, not-for-profit rural community hospital committed to offering world-class care today, tomorrow, and always. Visitpetersonhealth.comto learn more. Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Director US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Aug 13, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Names Dr. Benjamin Morel a Vice President of its East Region
US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today named Benjamin Morel, MD a vice president of its East Region. Most recently, Dr. Morel served as the medical director of Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, NC, where he led the clinician team to deliver high quality, efficient, and compassionate care. He implemented directives such as operations for MED-1 deployment and extended supertrack, authored the Atrium Health External ED Guideline for Treatment, achieved improvements in critical emergency department metrics, improved the overall patient experience and developed a culture fostering provider satisfaction. As a regional vice president, Dr. Morel will provide medical and administrative leadership necessary to support the efforts of individual site medical directors within the Atruim Health System. In collaboration with his clinical colleagues and other regional leadership, he will oversee the quality and effectiveness of each medical director while providing the resources and direction required to maintain the highest-quality patient care. “I’m excited to step into this new role,” said Dr. Morel. “The North Carolina community has overcome tremendous challenges in the past 18 months, and strong, positive leadership is more critical than ever. I’m grateful for the confidence that has been placed in me to care for patients and my fellow clinicians.” A board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Morel has been with USACS since 2013. He completed the prestigious USACS Scholars Program in 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Morel completed his residency in emergency medicine from Carolinas Medical Center, where he was chief resident. # # # About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Director US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Jul 26, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Names Dr. Jayne Kendall President East Region
CANTON, OHIO, July 26, 2021 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced it has named Jayne Kendall, MD, MBA, FACEP, CDE, CPE, the President of its East Region effective immediately. Most recently Dr. Kendall served as a vice president of the USACS East Region, a position she has held since 2012, and she practices clinically at hospitals in the Atrium System around Charlotte.Since joining USACS in 2006, Dr. Kendall has served as a quality director, assistant director and medical director in addition to her most recent vice president role and her current position as president. Dr. Kendall said, “It is a privilege and an honor to be tapped to lead the USACS East Region. I am grateful to my clinical colleagues and our leadership for their confidence and support. I am excited to take on this expanded role as we continue to grow our physician-owned scaled partnership.” USACS Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Matt Patlovany, said, “Jayne is a perfect fit for this position. She is a gifted physician and a demonstrated leader. She earns the instant respect and admiration of those she leads and those she serves. I am very excited to work more closely with her as president.” Dr. Kendall takes over for Dr. Aaron Snyder, a 20-year veteran of USACS and its predecessor, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity outside the acute care specialty. All the USACS physician-owners, APPs and non-clinical staff wish Dr. Snyder well. Dr. Kendall earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University-Bloomington and a medical degree from Indiana University.She completed her emergency medicine residency at Carolinas Medical Center, where she was chief resident. In May 2012, she completed the Executive Master of Business Administration program at Queens University of Charlotte. She earned her credentials from the Institute for Diversity Certification andis a Certified Diversity Professional. Dr. Kendallearned the Certified Physician Executive credentials through the American Association of Physician Leadership in 2019. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 29, 2021
Drs. James Augustine, Michael Beeson Honored by American College of Emergency Physicians
Canton, Ohio, June 29, 2021– US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced that physiciansJames Augustine, MD, FACEPandMichael Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEPwill be awarded two of the most prestigious lifetime awards by American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Dr. Augustinewas named theJames D. Mills Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Medicinerecipient, an award that is presented to an active, life, or honorary member for significant contributions to emergency medicine. This award is named after the late James D. Mills, Jr, MD, the second president of ACEP. Dr. Mills practiced emergency medicine in Alexandria, Virginia, for many years, and is commonly referred to as a designer of the "Alexandria Plan" for staffing emergency facilities with full-time practitioners of emergency medicine. James Augustine, MD, FACEP, is the USACS National Director of Prehospital Strategy for USACS and most recently chaired USACS’ National Clinical Governance Board. He is a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and a fellow in the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). He recently concluded his second term on the ACEP Board of Directors, where he was honored for his lifetime of service at the 2019 conference. In addition, he has been a member of national groups and organizations overseeing emergency medical services, emergency service quality improvement, benchmarking and best practices and disaster preparation. Dr. Augustine earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, and his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine. He performed an integrated residency in emergency medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine. He continues to serve as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wright State University. He has been married to Linda Augustine, a critical care nurse, for more than 40 years, and they have three grown children. Jim and Linda have long careers in fire and emergency services. Dr. Augustine is the Medical Director for Fire EMS agencies in Atlanta, GA; Naples, FL and Dayton, OH. Michael Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEPwas named theJudith E. Tintinalli Award for Outstanding Contribution in Educationaward recipient. This is presented to an ACEP member who has made a significant contribution to the educational aspects of the specialty. Dr. Beeson is Program Director for the USACS Emergency Medicine Residency at Summa Health in Akron, OH, where he also is Vice-Chair of Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He started his career as Emergency Medicine Program Director at Summa Akron City nearly three decades ago and most recently was Program Director at Akron General Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Beeson is one of the most honored Program Directors in the country, having received the Emergency Medicine Residency Association’s Program Director of the Year, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s Hal Jayne Excellence in Education Award and the Council of Residency Director’s Michael P. Wainscott Program Director Award.Dr. Beeson has served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is Editor-in-Chief of ACEP’s Critical Decisions in Emergency Medicine. He is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and numerous textbook chapters. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visit usacs.com to learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 8, 2021
Dr. Steve Maron and Dr. Barbara R. Paul Join US Acute Care Solutions Board of Directors
CANTON, Ohio, June 8, 2021– US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced Steve Maron, MD and Barbara R. Paul, MD have joined the USACS Board of Directors. Dr. Maron is President of the USACS West Region, and was most recently president of VEP Healthcare, which merged with USACS June 1, 2021. Dr. Maron had been with VEP since 1990 and served as its president since 2001. Dr. Paul has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Systems and a board member of Quorum Health. She served at the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services during the Clinton and Bush administrations. Currently, Dr. Paul is Board Chairperson of Natus Medical Incorporated, a medical device manufacturer focused on the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous and sensory system disorders. Executive Chair of the USACS Board, Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, said, “Steve and Barbara will both make outstanding board members. Steve, representing his colleagues from recently-joined VEP, and Barbara representing an independent point of view. With these additions, our Board maintains its majority-physician makeup, consistent with our vision to preserve the physician-ownership model for the long term.” About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visit usacs.com to learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 1, 2021
VEP Healthcare Joins US Acute Care Solutions
CANTON, Ohio, June 1, 2021– VEP Healthcare Inc. (VEP) and US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), national physician-owned leaders in hospital-based physician services have merged, effective today. Together, the companies form the largest physician-owned provider of integrated acute care medicine and the fourth-largest provider of emergency medicine services in the U.S., serving more than seven million patients annually in approximately 300 hospital-based locations. VEP was founded in 1981 to staff hospital emergency departments in California communities that needed a better solution. Since then, VEP has grown into a premier provider of clinical management services in emergent and inpatient settings in large markets with leading systems. For more than 40 years, VEP has remained devoted to its mission: deliver quality, compassionate care to those in need, within a culture supportive of healthcare providers. VEP serves one million patients annually in eight states through more than 40 hospital partners. USACS Executive Board Chairman, Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, said, “A merger of this magnitude, coming on the heels of the greatest healthcare crisis of our lifetimes, speaks volumes about the strength and permanence of the physician-ownership model. USACS is delighted to welcome our colleagues from VEP who share our singular mission:To Care for Patients.” “VEP has a reputation for excellence in clinical leadership and a large West Coast presence,” said USACS Chief Executive Officer, James Frary. “Through this merger, we add a partner that will strengthen our presence in the West and deepen our relationships with key existing health system partners.” “We believe the provider-owned scaled partnership model creates tremendous value for patients, hospitals and clinicians alike,” said VEP President, Steve Maron, MD. “We are excited to join forces with a partner that shares this belief and offers expanded infrastructure we can leverage to better serve our patients, hospital partners and each other.” Sidley Austin and Ropes Gray served as legal counsel to USACS. Greenhill Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to VEP; McDermott Will Emery and Buchalter served as its legal counsel. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately six million patients annually across more than 260 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. About VEP Healthcare Inc. (VEP) VEP is an independent, democratic, provider-owned-and-led clinical management and staffing group. For 40 years, VEP has remained devoted to its mission: deliver quality, compassionate care to those in need, within a culture supportive of healthcare providers. From humble beginnings staffing emergency rooms in rural California in 1981, VEP has grown into a premiere provider of emergency medicine, hospital medicine, intensivist, laborist, and telehealth management services. Today, VEP serves one million patients per year in eight states, in rural, suburban, and urban settings, through more than 40 hospital programs. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
May 28, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Expands Integrated Acute Care Services At Two Mercy Health Hospitals In Central Ohio
CANTON, Ohio, May 31, 2021 –US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) announced it is now providing integrated acute care (IAC) services at Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center and Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital. USACS currently provides emergency medicine services at both locations. Integrated Acute Care brings the addition ofcritical careand hospital medicine services together as one team with one purpose: seamless, quality patient care across the entire acute care episode. “We’re proud to expand our partnership with Mercy Health, as they have been an outstanding partner for many years,” said Dr. Michael Cetta, Chief of Integrated Acute Care Services at USACS. “The USACS IAC program continues to grow as the model of choice for hospitals interested in enhancing quality and patient satisfaction.” As the area’s only full-service hospital, Springfield Regional Medical Center has served the Clark County community for more than 100 years and offers health services from maternal medicine to palliative care. Urbana Hospital serves Urbana and Champaign County, and is a proud partner of Telestroke with The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “As a health system, we look to partners with those who share the same vision for patient care,” said Adam Groshans, market president, Mercy Health – Springfield. “A vision that emphasizes compassion, quality and access. We believe USACS upholds these priorities in their delivery of care model.” The USACS model of Integrated Acute Care builds on the USACS commitment to physician ownership by creating a single, accountable team of physician leaders responsible for improvement of patient care throughout the patient's stay, from entrance into the emergency department until discharge, and beyond. The model has led to improvements in key quality metrics, particularly thoserelated to patient experience. # # # About USACS Founded by 15 emergency and hospital medicine physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, which includes emergency, hospital and critical care professional services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 6 million patients annually across more than 260 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. About Mercy Health Mercy Health – Springfield is part ofBon Secours Mercy Healthone of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. Consistent with its commitment to serve each patient with dignity, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides nearly $2 million per day in community benefit. To learn more, visitmercy.com. Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Director US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]