ELIZABETH CONCORDIA. President and CEO of UCHealth (Denver)
On the top challenge
"Colorado is a beautiful state with residents who are among the healthiest in the nation. I believe that access to excellent, affordable care is one of our state's biggest challenges and that improving access can help residents remain as healthy as possible and to continue living extraordinary lives."
On the hospital's response
"UCHealth is focused on using innovation to improve access to nationally-recognized, high-value care. Virtual health, including telestroke, telepsychiatry and other telemedicine services, brings excellent specialists to smaller or more remote hospitals and clinics to evaluate patients and provide consults at lower costs.
"Virtual visits enable patients to have an affordable urgent care consultation without leaving home. And other UCHealth innovations, including virtual ICU monitoring, provider decision support, patient wearables and virtual reality glasses for patient care, are dramatically improving the quality and safety of care provided throughout the Centennial State. UCHealth is bringing together the strength of our providers and these innovations, partnering with independent physicians and facilities across the region, and ensuring that all residents can have advanced care close to home."