The Clinical Enterprise Advisory Board and the UNMC Physicians Board voted unanimously on Monday to proceed with the next critical phase of integrating into a single clinical entity. The transition is expected to be complete over the next several months.
“The boards took several critical steps as we align into a single clinical enterprise that will benefit not only our patients, but also enhance the research and educational missions of UNMC,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., UNMC chancellor and chairman of the advisory board. “I look forward to working with many individuals and teams over the coming months to finalize this transition. We are very grateful to all who have worked so hard to make this phase of the transition a reality.”
The Nebraska Medical Center, UNMC Physicians and Bellevue Medical Center are undertaking steps to amend and restate governance documents. Among others, these documents include the joint operating agreement and academic affiliation agreement between UNMC and the newly formed enterprise, which is under the leadership of the advisory board.
On Monday, the boards voted to approve salary increases that will standardize and align salaries across the clinical enterprise, and board members approved a new compensation plan for physician faculty. The boards also approved a new integrated funds flow system between the enterprise and UNMC.
“For the first time, beginning July 1 (2014), the entire clinical enterprise will function under a combined, integrated budget and strategic planning/hiring process,” clinical enterprise CEO Bill Dinsmoor said. “These are monumental steps as we further align our strategic priorities and our operations.”
Bradley Britigan, M.D., president of the clinical enterprise and dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, said that as of July 1, patients will receive one statement for services that they receive throughout the clinical enterprise.
“This transition not only makes our organization stronger, but it also improves our patients’ experiences, through better coordination of care and a less confusing payment system, among many other improvements,” Dr. Britigan said.
The changes are necessary, Dr. Gold said, because health care institutions — particularly academic medical centers such as UNMC — face new expectations and have great opportunities to further our mission and to serve our community.
Dinsmoor and Dr. Britigan indicated that leaders will continue to actively engage employees through forums and other smaller meetings, moving forward. A new name and a brand for the clinical enterprise also is expected to be finalized by early fall, they said.