Donn Sorensen is bringing a southwest Missouri voice to the board of directors for the American Medical Group Association, which he began serving in January. The group advocates in Washington, D.C., for issues important to doctor groups and health systems across the country.
Q: What is the biggest issue the American Medical Group is working on?
A: The largest issue that AMGA is working on now is health care reform, specifically from a patient and physician viewpoint. We're trying to work with lawmakers and the White House on meaningful ... reform to allow Americans to access quality health care nationally.
Q: What is the group's current proposal?
A: We believe the way to quality, cost-effective health care is integration - integrating the hospital and the multispecialty group practice together to more effectively coordinate care across the continuum of health care delivery. That leads to quality, that leads to cost effectiveness, and I think that's the way the nation is going and the way AMGA is pressing for.
Q: How does the new president alter AMGA's outlook for change, and what about the call by some federal legislators for mandatory health insurance?
A: No matter what your political preference is, any new administration, including this one, is going to need to deal with meaningful health care reform. I do believe that this administration is, in fact, going to have that as a priority, so I'm pleased with that.
We're not saying everyone should be required to carry health insurance. We're saying there needs to be meaningful health care reform, and a pillar of that should be affordable insurance and access to health care.
Q: What does having a St. John's voice on the national board mean for the health system?
A: Health care in this region is clearly an important piece of our economy. Having myself selected from St. John's says a lot about our integrated delivery system - we continue to be named as a top integrated health system - (and) says a lot about our physicians and the recognition they get for quality care and quality medical care reporting. It also says a lot about how this integrated delivery model is positively impacting our communities. It will benefit our region in a big way, having my voice and the St. John's voice at the table, crafting how health care reform and advocacy and access to health care will look in the future.
Q: How will health care be different in five years from the patient's point of view?
A: There will be better access, smoother access to care and easier transitions between providers, and increased portability of information. We're also looking at more access to medical information, more ease of understanding your own personal health care. And there will be more emphasis on wellness and lifestyle ... to keep people well - it's less expensive. Investment in quality and investment in infrastructure pay off.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
