Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/727041
Coordination Center is an a ll-in-one access point for patients' scheduling a nd information needs. It 's a lso a launch point for Unity 's leadership in emerging healthcare avenues, such as telemedicine. Other improvements in Unit y 's infrastructure include a diverse set of strategies specifically targeted for improvements in patient care, a long with new tools and technolog y that increase productivity. "Unity Health Network's providers ma ke better decisions through rea l-time data, leading to a higher level of care deliver y and outcomes," says Dr. Mineo. " The impor ta nce of t his ca nnot be overstated in today 's turbulent hea lthcare environment." In addition, Unity has initiated a number of programs aimed at improving quality and decreasing cost for patients, providers and payors. One of the newest and most impactful programs, the Call Unity First Campaign, is designed to educate and encourage patients to call their Unity Health Network primary care o¡ce "first" — before going to an Urgent Care facility or emergency department. The results include lower out-of-pocket costs and reduced admissions and overall "spend." GROWING STRONGER Collaboration and teamwork define the culture for the nearly 400 employees who not only have access to attractive benefits and competitive pay, but also enjoy working together to create the highest level of patient care and convenience. "Our size gives us the ability to focus on the patient ... it is an ingrained part of our culture," says Dr. Mineo. "Our employees are an integral part of our medical group and it is because of them that we can provide more e¡cient and compassionate care for all of our patients. It is part of our mission to make sure that all of our employees are focused 100% on the patient." Towa rds that goa l, Unity was one of the founding members in launching the Ohio Independent Collaborative (OIC) in 2015. This partnership a llows Unity physicians to collaborate w it h ot her la rge i ndependent g roups i n Oh io to prov ide higher-qua lit y, lower-cost, a nd more ef fective deliver y of hea lth ca re, a nd to ex pa nd its reach to more tha n 900,000 patients in Nor t her n Ohio. The OIC a lso encoura ges t he sha ring of intellectua l capita l that member physicia ns bring to the orga nization. According to Dr. Kent , t he resu lts have a lready proved outsta nding — for ever yone involved. " Through this ma ssive collaboration, we're able to work together with one voice. Best practices with qua lit y, patient satisfaction a nd ma nagement initiatives a re sha red between the members," he says, "a nd it 's ma king a huge, huge impact on hea lth ca re across the state." For more information about Unity Health Network , visit http://www.unityhealthnetwork.org/. ■ UNITY HEALTH NETWORK PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE + Dermatology + Family Medicine + Gastroenterology + General Surgery + Gynecology and Women's Health + Infectious Disease + Internal Medicine + Nephrology + Neurology and Neuroscience + Ophthalmology + Orthopedic Surgery + Otolaryngology + Pediatrics + Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine + Podiatric Medicine and Surgery + Psychiatry + Pulmonary and Critical Care + Rheumatology + Sleep Medicine Kevin Mineo, MD, Medical Director, Unity Health Network 1 9 M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C L E V E L A N D /A K R O N / C A N T O N n S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 016