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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
When you consider the history of Intermountain Healthcare it's not surprising to hear about accolades from the President of the United States or the New York Times recognizing the innovation of healthcare in Utah. The impact of this particular non-profit healthcare organization is immeasurable. It started when the LDS Church left the healthcare business. In 1975, a non-profit was created around the 15 hospitals owned by the LDS Church, like Primary Children's Medical Center and LDS Hospital.
Today, under the capable leadership of Dr. Charles Sorensen, Intermountain Healthcare continues with the same founding principles of clinical outcomes, patient care and affordability. Dr. Sorensen is motivated by a strong sense of responsibility in doing what's right for people and so are the board members for Intermountain Healthcare. For them, it's about driving down cost and attaining better outcomes with evidence-based best practices addressing clinical and operational practices.
For example, in the late 90s they looked at a study of patients in the discharge process. They recognized the cardiac events taking place where the possibility of aspirin, beta blockers or cholesterol-lowering drugs could be administered. Two thirds of the time it's about the right medication. After implementing the evidence-based best practice from the study, one year later over 300 lives had been saved.
Dr. Sorensen's core mission is perfecting clinical care and he said, "This can be the most vulnerable time in a person's life." That's why Utah is known to have some of the best and most affordable healthcare in the United States. In fact, the Dartmouth Institute found that if the nation's medical care was provided like it is at Intermountain, national health expenses would be reduced 43 percent.
With 22 hospitals and 200 clinics, the talent of Intermountain Healthcare is reaching the far corners of Utah and surrounding states. This is possible with computers and doctors who are willing to get up at all hours and answer life-saving questions from rural healthcare professionals. At Intermountain Healthcare, they believe patients should be involved in their healthcare.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Intermountain Healthcare 36 S. State St. Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 801-442-2000 www.intermountainhealthcare.org
