Healthcare reform paired with a recession has unleashed challenges that require unique leadership skills. Through exceptionally open communication, Bill Leaver, president and CEO of Iowa Health System, based in Des Moines, helped offset political rhetoric and debate by maintaining focus on what will not change with healthcare reform.
"I've been pretty vocal with my beliefs about the politics surrounding reform," says Mr. Leaver. The day after the fall election, Mr. Leaver sent a memo with his own political analysis to all of Iowa Health System's senior affiliate hospitals. Iowa Health System has 20,000 employees and 25 hospitals throughout Iowa and western Illinois. The memo, which Mr. Leaver shared with Becker's Hospital Review, emphasized bipartisanship and the hospital's relationships with politicians from the Republican and Democratic parties.
The memo also explained that any repeals, amendments or mandates to healthcare reform will not change Iowa Health System’s focus on changing the way it delivers care and how it’s paid for. "In the end," says the memo, "our health policy message remains the same, regardless of the party to which the message is delivered."
Mr. Leaver feels that the need for payment reform is a bipartisan issue, and it will exist no matter who is in control of the House or Senate. "All the emotion during the election was around the government providing alternative policies — like health insurance exchanges, individual mandates and employer mandates. A lot of debate and rhetoric was around those issues. What isn't talked about, because it's what Democrats and Republicans agree on, is the need for payment reform."
By acknowledging the political factors, Mr. Leaver was able to return the focus back to Iowa Health System’s vision statement and reduce distraction and noise. "In the face of uncertainty, leaders help interpret the environment. I lead with, 'Here's my take on reform.' You have to be honest and truthful. I also kept going back to our vision statement and its relevance to our patients and payors," he says.
Learn more about Iowa Health System.
Read more about healthcare and hospital leadership:
- 10 Steps to Improve Employee Engagement and Drive Results
- Chuck Lauer: 10 Ways to Cope in This Anxious Time of Healthcare Reform
- Steve Ronstrom: Hardwiring Mission and Values Into the Hospital Culture
"I've been pretty vocal with my beliefs about the politics surrounding reform," says Mr. Leaver. The day after the fall election, Mr. Leaver sent a memo with his own political analysis to all of Iowa Health System's senior affiliate hospitals. Iowa Health System has 20,000 employees and 25 hospitals throughout Iowa and western Illinois. The memo, which Mr. Leaver shared with Becker's Hospital Review, emphasized bipartisanship and the hospital's relationships with politicians from the Republican and Democratic parties.
The memo also explained that any repeals, amendments or mandates to healthcare reform will not change Iowa Health System’s focus on changing the way it delivers care and how it’s paid for. "In the end," says the memo, "our health policy message remains the same, regardless of the party to which the message is delivered."
Mr. Leaver feels that the need for payment reform is a bipartisan issue, and it will exist no matter who is in control of the House or Senate. "All the emotion during the election was around the government providing alternative policies — like health insurance exchanges, individual mandates and employer mandates. A lot of debate and rhetoric was around those issues. What isn't talked about, because it's what Democrats and Republicans agree on, is the need for payment reform."
By acknowledging the political factors, Mr. Leaver was able to return the focus back to Iowa Health System’s vision statement and reduce distraction and noise. "In the face of uncertainty, leaders help interpret the environment. I lead with, 'Here's my take on reform.' You have to be honest and truthful. I also kept going back to our vision statement and its relevance to our patients and payors," he says.
Learn more about Iowa Health System.
Read more about healthcare and hospital leadership:
- 10 Steps to Improve Employee Engagement and Drive Results
- Chuck Lauer: 10 Ways to Cope in This Anxious Time of Healthcare Reform
- Steve Ronstrom: Hardwiring Mission and Values Into the Hospital Culture