Partnership & Growth: Ed Freysinger on the Future of St. Joe's | Episode 108

Join Mark Losh, CEO of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce, for an insightful conversation with Ed Freysinger, CEO of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Ed discusses the exciting recent acquisition/partnership with Catalyst Medical Group and the positive impact this collaboration will have on healthcare access in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and surrounding regions.Discover how St. Joe's is not only committed to providing services but is actively enhancing and expanding care options right here in the community.In this episode, you will learn about:Complementary Services: How the partnership with Catalyst Medical Group creates a broader spectrum of specialty services under one roof, with minimal overlap. The only overlapping area is in primary care.Commitment to the Community: St. Joe's 120+ year history and substantial role as a major employer with over 700 employees supporting the local economy. They provide over $20 million in community benefit annually, including over $14 million in undercompensated care and $6 million in local taxes.Specialized Care: Why St. Joe's is classified as a Major Referral Center and Medical Center (not a Critical Access Hospital). It is the region's only Level 3 Emergency Department and features a Platinum-rated Interventional Cardiology program, Interventional Radiology, and a robust OB program recognized by US News and World Report.Cutting-Edge Technology: The significant technology investments, including:Robots for orthopedic, general, neuro, and ortho-spine surgery in the OR.Replacing the second of two linear accelerators (used for cancer treatment) to provide some of the most advanced equipment in the Northwest.A newly installed PET CT Scanner for timely cancer diagnosis, running five days a week and doubling capacity.Enhanced Access to Care: The focus on improving patient access through transitions of care (not just transactions), exemplified by the new 10-bed acute rehab unit. This unit provides intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy locally for patients recovering from events like a stroke, preventing the need to travel hours for treatment.Ed emphasizes that the goal is to enhance the patient experience, improve access, integrate care, and ultimately help people get healthy and stay healthy.