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.
- 30 -
News for
the week of Jan
16 –
Jan 21
