Sanford Health

Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have announced a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding to combine their complementary assets and capabilities and create an integrated health system dedicated to advancing world-class care in the rural Midwest. Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system serving Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. “We are excited to combine our common purpose to lead the way for the future, drive innovation and solve the most pressing challenges facing rural health care,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. Read more: https://san.fo/45VfEU5

We are excited to move forward with Marshfield Clinic Health System to deliver stronger patient and community care across the rural Midwest. We share a commitment to broader population health, value-based care and novel approaches to care delivery, in addition to expanded clinical trial access and greater workforce training and recruitment potential. “‘We are who we are today because of combinations with care delivery organizations in rural communities across America’s heartland,’ Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen said in the announcement. ‘These opportunities have allowed us to follow through on our promise to deliver world-class health care to every patient we serve no matter their zip code, and we are eager to continue building on this track record with Marshfield Clinic Health System.’” Read more in Fierce Healthcare: https://lnkd.in/ewzsD-x6

A few members of our Sioux Falls, SD, based marketing crew got the opportunity to meet with and document some of our amazing employees in Bemidji, MN, for a photo and video shoot. Check out some of these behind-the-scenes photos from the road trip!

"I never want the quality of my work or the level of care that I can provide to be compromised in any way by my zip code." In the past four years, four labor and delivery units in northern Minnesota have closed, leaving Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and its four OB-GYNs to serve about 100,000 patients as one of the only remaining facilities providing true comprehensive high-risk OB care in the region. In this edition of the Reimagining Rural Health newsletter, we take a closer look at how technology and innovation are bringing obstetric care close to home for patients in rural areas. Follow the link to read and subscribe. #ruralhealthcare

61 million people in the United States have some sort of disability. This week, in recognition of the ADA anniversary, we are highlighting accessibility at Sanford Health:

Sanford USD Medical Center and Sanford Medical Center Fargo were ranked the top hospitals in South Dakota and North Dakota, respectively, by U.S. News and World Report for the fourth consecutive year. U.S. News ranks hospitals within a state or metropolitan area based on performance in the adult specialty rankings analysis, plus by its scores across each of the 21 procedure and condition areas. Congratulations to our teams for this well-deserved recognition! Read more: https://san.fo/46fXj4e

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, MD, MBA, MHA, president and CEO of Sanford Health Plan, recently spoke with The Wall Street Journal for a story that looks at how the makers of GLP-1 weight loss drugs are hoping insurers will reimburse the cost of the drugs if they’re approved by the FDA for new health indications in the future, including sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Sanford Health Plan is one such insurer, exploring coverage of the drugs for preventing heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease. “‘I do foresee more purchasers opting to include those medications as part of a comprehensive benefit program,” said Dr. Ibrahim, “though employers may ask people to try less expensive options or get prior approval first.” Read more from The Wall Street Journal: https://san.fo/4cX851W

Next week, Dr. Johnna Nynas, an OB-GYN at Sanford Bemidji, will be speaking on a panel at the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit. Dr. Nynas will be discussing how Sanford Health is integrating digital solutions to extend care beyond our walls and reduce barriers to a healthy pregnancy. "The quality and level of care patients receive should not be determined by their zip code," says Nynas. "We know that when patients engage in the recommended prenatal and postpartum care, we see better maternal and neonatal health outcomes. That's why we are bringing care to women rather than expecting women to come to us." Learn more about the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit panel: https://san.fo/4d7xxkU

Sanford Health is excited to bring together some of the industry's most dynamic and influential voices for the 3rd Annual Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care! This year's event will take place on October 29 and will explore new strategies for transforming care delivery in rural America during a time of rapid disruption. "Sanford Health continues to annually assemble the best and brightest minds in our industry in one place because we believe real change comes from action – not just talking about it," said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. "The future of rural health care holds tremendous promise – but it will require a new way of thinking, and the collective energy, commitment and collaboration of diverse leaders to accelerate innovation." Read more about the Summit at: https://bit.ly/4f6qoTu Learn more and register for the livestream at: https://bit.ly/4cDnFj2

Earlier this month, high schoolers were able to take part in Sanford Bemidji's inaugural Native Americans with Stethoscopes Camp. The students were exposed to several facets of health care throughout the morning, including how to suture wounds, how to deliver a baby, and more. "Our intent is to match kids who are interested in a career in medicine with some real-world examples of how medicine can be fun," said Daniel Hoody, MD, MSc, chief medical officer at Sanford Bemidji. Read more about the day-long event: https://bit.ly/4bHkCVI