by Jennifer Kowalewski

Brian Phillips, OU-COM’s chief information officer, was named to the Medicaid Administrative Study Council, which is charged with examining the administration of Ohio’s Medicaid program and coming up with a plan for creating a new Medicaid department. Presently, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and other state agencies administrate Ohio’s Medicaid program. The change is being made to improve the state’s health-care services.

“With Medicaid currently making up 40 percent of the state budget, we owe it to the citizens of Ohio to ensure we have the most efficient administrative structure,” says Gov. Bob Taft.

“I was very honored by the appointment,” Phillips says. “Anytime you are recognized in your field and asked to serve, it’s a great honor.”

Phillips was named to the council in November 2005. The council has until Dec. 31, 2006, to issue a final report, with the General Assembly enacting it into law by July 1, 2007.

“OU-COM has a real stake in this,” Phillips says. “I have a real concern about the infrastructure of medical care. Anything we can do to enhance our infrastructure can help keep our young people in Ohio.”

Phillips was nominated because of his proven abilities, says George Dunigan, director of government relations. The council needed a person who understood health information technology, and Phillips name rose to the top of the list.

“Brian has credentials that are impeccable,” Dunigan says. “We think it will be a very good fit. Brian has a background in health information technology, and that is the future of health care.

“The council will probe the administration of Medicaid program for the poor and the disabled and outline the scope and structure of the new Medicaid department.”

Phillips says although technology is important, there is another aspect to serving on this council — fiscal responsibility.

“I don’t go for technology just to get technology,” he says. “I am a fiscal conservative. People are taken into the hype of technology. It’s only a tool. I will scrutinize the technology used at the state level.” Currently, Phillips is working on a way to computerize medical records, which could revolutionize the industry.

Dean Jack Brose, D.O., is pleased with Phillips appointment as well.

“Brian is extremely innovative,” he says. “He has a great ability to think outside the current policies and derive new initiatives. And he is fiscally responsible.”

Dunigan says Phillips appointment is one of many raising the visibility of OU-COM across the state. The college is becoming known for its research, especially in the area of diabetes. Christopher Simpson, D.O., director of the Appalachian Rural Health Institute and associate professor of family medicine, was named to the Ohio Public Health Council, while Brose serves on the Higher Education Funding Study Council. This is the second time Phillips will serve on a state commission though. He served on a commission under former Gov. George Voinovich.

Phillips joins others in the health-care field on the council, which will meet over the course of the year in an effort to develop the business plan for the new department. Rounding out the council are Quentin D. Potter, chief financial officer and deputy director of the office of fiscal services with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Richard Pryce, former president and CEO of Aultman Health Foundation; John Begala, senior fellow with The Center for Community Solutions; Joseph San Filippo, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Health Plans; Bill Ryan, president and CEO of Center for Health Affairs; Terry White, former CEO of Metro Health Systems; and Bill Wilkins, state tax commissioner.