Gain insight into each person's potential

Southeast Primary Care Partners with their Sr. Vice President/CIO, Information Technology, Joe Felger, is committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to communities across three states in the southeastern region. Their services include primary care, specialty care, and preventive health initiatives. They utilize advanced technology to improve patient care, streamline operations, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Their integrated approach promotes collaboration among departments, allowing them to effectively and holistically meet patient needs.

Joe is immensely proud of Southeast Primary Care Partners for their steadfast commitment to patient-centered care. Their team goes above and beyond not only to treat ailments but also to empower patients with knowledge and resources that promote overall wellness. Their initiatives in community outreach and preventative health exemplify their dedication to transforming healthcare in the region.

While their organization demonstrates excellence in numerous areas, there is a need to enhance data analytics capabilities to better inform decision-making and improve patient outcomes. By investing in advanced analytics, they can identify trends, enhance operational efficiencies, and ultimately provide superior care. Joe’s most significant achievement to date has been overseeing the implementation of twenty-four practices across three states (GA, TN, and AL) and their integration into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This initiative has increased patient data accessibility, enhanced care coordination, and lessened the administrative workload for the staff. The favorable feedback from both providers and patients reflects the success of this transformation.

Joe bases his leadership philosophy on servant leadership, prioritizing his team's needs to unlock their maximum potential. As a leader, Joe encounters challenges such as managing resistance to change and ensuring alignment within diverse teams. He believes it's crucial to carefully balance keeping up with technological changes and encouraging teamwork. To deal with these issues, he puts a high priority on creating a shared vision and includes team members in the decision-making process.

To improve the working environment, Joe intends to introduce initiatives that support work-life balance, including flexible scheduling and wellness programs. Regular team-building activities and recognition initiatives will create a sense of belonging and motivation among employees, enabling them to succeed. He also adds that their company culture may be deteriorating, including rising turnover rates, reduced employee engagement, and ineffective communication among teams. Reluctance among staff to express ideas or concerns signals a decline in an open and inclusive culture. Implementing regular feedback mechanisms and fostering a transparent environment are crucial for sustaining a healthy culture. He actively listens, offers constructive feedback, and supports ongoing learning opportunities. By cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration, he aims to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Furthermore, for an organization, cultivating a robust sense of collaboration involves improving communication, aligning objectives, and promoting mutual respect among all employees. Collaboration fosters innovative solutions, collective achievements, and a cohesive organization capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Joe's main goals for digital transformation are to get patients more involved with digital tools, use predictive analytics to improve care for patients, and make operational processes run more smoothly by automating them. Addressing resistance to change and providing adequate staff training will be critical for the successful attainment of these objectives. To gain new competitive advantages, they must prioritize leveraging technology to enhance patient experience, integrating an Ambient Scribe service, and expanding community outreach programs. Forming strategic partnerships and consistently evaluating market trends will further strengthen their competitive position.

Joe takes great pride in his journey within health care technology, emphasizing the significant impact technology can have in saving lives. His organization entrusts him with the responsibility of making this technology accessible. He believes that the future of healthcare depends on their capacity to embrace AI technology and advancements while maintaining a strong foundation of compassion and community engagement. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, they can effectively address challenges and spearhead the transformation of healthcare for the better.

They strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that all practices reflect the highest standards of patient confidentiality. By fostering a culture of security awareness, they empower each team member to proactively recognize and respond to potential security threats. Additionally, they continuously upgrade their systems to address emerging cybersecurity risks, ensuring that the protection of patient information remains a top priority across all operations. In the continuously changing healthcare environment, safeguarding our patients' sensitive information is of utmost importance, says Joe. At Southeast Primary Care Partners, they employ stringent cybersecurity measures to defend patient data against breaches and unauthorized access. This encompasses routine security audits, thorough staff training on data protection protocols, and the application of sophisticated encryption technologies for data transmission.

In the near future, they intend to launch an Ambient Scribe service for their providers, thereby broadening their reach to underserved populations. Furthermore, they will implement a new patient engagement app that will deliver personalized health information and reminders, ensuring patients remain active participants in their care.