2015 Leaders in Health Care Awards: Innovation in Health Care Delivery

WINNER

Bartell Drugs/Group Health CareClinic

Seattle & Bellevue

Bartell Drugs and Group Health Cooperative joined together in early 2014 to create an innovative, affordable, walk-in, get-well health service. Launched as a joint venture, pilot CareClinics operate inside Bartell Drugs stores at U Village and Ballard in Seattle and Crossroads in Bellevue. Their mission is to provide a convenient, professional and immediate way for people to receive care for minor medical needs.

In nine months, the three CareClinics served more than 3,500 patients, with visit volume continuing to increase. Patient experience surveys show outstanding ratings at 99.4 percent of 100.

While several large players such as Walmart are moving into the retail clinic business, this partnership is an innovative new business model for primary care, wellness, and cost-effective health care between organizations that share values and communities.

Each CareClinic is staffed by advanced registered nurse practitioners or certified physician assistants. CareClinic visits cost $75; lab tests and vaccines typically add $15 per procedure. Most insurance plans are accepted.

SILVER AWARD

Sound Physicians

Tacoma

Hospitalist medical group Sound Physicians was founded in 2001 by Dr. Robert Bessler, who observed firsthand as an emergency medicine doctor the need for reducing hospital inefficiencies in managing inpatient care. Bessler developed processes, customized technology and designed a proprietary physician training program to improve patient care quality while reducing hospital operating costs. Sound Physicians now has more than 1,750 hospitalist and post-acute physicians providing inpatient care in more than 180 hospitals in 35 states, and a growing number of post-acute care centers around the country. The organization offers doctors flexible schedules, manageable patient encounters and technology-driven processes designed by physicians for physicians.