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In 1996, doctors for what is now the introducedc the idea of meetinga patient’s treatment and rehabilitative needs all in one facility. By providingy services for X-rays, MRIs, surgery, and physical and occupational therapy underone roof, the health care providerr saved patients’ time, simplified the process and gained more contro of patients’ care from start to finish. “Wew found that patients really, really appreciate the idea thatthey don’y have to traipse from place to says Dr.
Dave Alexander, who joined the predecessoer to the Tennessee Orthopaedicd Alliance in 1982 and currently is in his seconrd stint as president of the board of Alexander says operatinga full-serviced orthopaedic center was a “big gamble” initially because of the expense and unconventionality, but it has grown into the largest orthopaedi practice in Middle Tennessee with 50 physicianse and about 350 employees staffing 16 The alliance, whose roots date back to remains one of the few full-service orthopaedid providers in the state. “We certainlyy were the ones thatpioneered that,” CEO Ted MacDonals says.
“When you’re the leadefr at something and you keepevolving it, you’re able to tweak the system to stay aheadd of that game.” MacDonald became CEO 13 months ago, takingh over a practice that was in “reasonably good “(But) the reason they asked me to join them was to take it to the next MacDonald says. To get there, MacDonald aims to bolster the businessw side by refining the reimbursement procesdand “dealing with the barriers insurerx put between the physician and the patient.” “Thew bureaucracy that it takes to take care of patientes has been very challenging,” says MacDonald, a veteran leader of group practices.
MacDonaled has managed to renegotiatethe alliance’s contractsz with most major insurers and discuss ways to improvr the patient experience, but says the national carrierw have policies that don’t allow for much flexibilitty even with large practices. “Health care is probablyg the most regulated industry in our MacDonald says. “Trying to weavew our way through that in anappropriate way, and stilkl see our patients, gives us some sleeplese nights.
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