Podcast Center
Video Center
Webcasts
Resource Center
Events
November 10, 2003 at 07:00 PM
NU Online News Service, Nov. 10, 2003, 6:53 p.m. EST — Las Vegas
Dr. Sam Ho, senior vice president and chief medical officer of PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., Cypress, Calif., received the third annual Innovators Award at a special presentation today during the health insurance industry’s 2003 Forum and Exhibit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jointly sponsored by the AAHP/HIAA, National Underwriter, and Witt/Kieffer, the Innovators Award recognizes the contributions of health insurance executives whose work has not only benefited their companies, but has had a significant, positive and transformational effect on the industry as a whole.
A member of the selection committee, Ed Berube, presented the award to Ho for his pioneering work in making consumers more aware of quality considerations in selecting health care providers.
“By creating a measurement and rating tool that evaluates quality and performance, Dr. Ho has helped PacifiCare’s patients and their doctors access vital information that allows them to make better informed, more prudent and more cost-effective decisions about their health care,” said Berube, president and chief executive of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Chicago.
Among Ho’s achievements is the development of the innovative QUALITY INDEX profile of Medical Groups. The index, first launched in 1998, is an unprecedented, consumer-focused report card for medical group performance. Earlier this year, Ho developed a similar report for PacifiCare’s contracted hospitals in California, the QUALITY INDEX profile of Hospitals.
Ho has has implemented progressive disease management and health improvement programs that have demonstrated improved outcomes for patients with conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease and renal failure.
“Leaders in the health insurance industry understand as never before the crucial roles innovation and leadership play in reaching goals and objectives,” said AAHP/HIAA President Karen Ignagni. “The people nominated for the Innovator’s Award use their strengths to enhance our industry for consumers. Strategic leadership, management skills and decision-making capabilities are among their many talents. Because their innovation leads to success, they shape their organizations and, ultimately, the health insurance industry at large.”
