Advancements in technology have changed life as we know it. As consumers, we now have the ability to immediately search for — and find — information related to just about anything … including healthcare. Healthcare is always a popular topic this time of year as employers consider open enrollment options — options that provide their employees access to high-quality care that’s both accessible and affordable.
As president and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America® here in the Valley, I am proud that we have spent a significant amount of time and energy on these two important areas. I firmly believe technology is at the heart of both.
As we recently opened our two Outpatient Care Centers, we were challenged to expand our footprint, delivering the same quality of care in an increasingly convenient and cost-effective outpatient setting, while also providing interoperable systems to electronically share patient data to providers within, or outside of, our network. Our telehealth platform will offer virtual visits for patients. Our online portal provides patients secure access to their medical record with the ability to extract information as needed.
None of these efficiencies would have been possible without advancements in technology.
That’s why I’m excited about the focus of this issue of In Business Magazine. The cover story discusses how employers are experiencing the impact of technology on healthcare, from the services they are able to make available to their employees, to the cost of coverage. Providers and insurers spoke with In Business Magazine editor RaeAnne Marsh on these and other aspects of changes technology is creating, for employers and employees, in healthcare today.
Thanks to technology, social media is another important focus for businesses. In the feature article “Menacing Mistakes on Social Media,” Rachel Strella discusses some of the bigger mistakes businesses may make that could hurt them, and the mindset behind those decisions.
Shaun Belding explores how businesses can improve their customer service and public image, in his Roundtable feature “From Customer Mishap to Opportunity.” And attorney Ben Hase completes his two-part examination of sexual harassment issues employers are dealing with in the workplace.
This month’s From the Top profile spotlights Sara Silver, a local tech veteran who makes it a point to mentor other women in the industry.
Among the many other articles on the following pages are ones about successful startups in our midst, accommodating the disabled in the labor market, and blockchain and the state’s new green light for FinTech.
Employers may also find value in the annual Healthcare Decisions for Business Guide, updated for 2018.
It’s my pleasure to help bring you this October issue of In Business Magazine.
Sincerely,
Robert Gould
President and CEO
Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Phoenix
Robert Gould, MBA, FACHE, brings more than 24 years of healthcare experience and a background in improving operational effectiveness, ensuring patient satisfaction and leading organizational growth. Gould served as president of the Arizona West Division at Banner Health in Phoenix. Other past roles include CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center, Cardon Children’s Medical Center and Banner Estrella Medical Center.
Gould received his MBA in finance from the University of Nebraska and is a Fellow for the American College of Healthcare Executives.
