AS FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS
continue to address budget defcits, health care
is sure to remain a top concern. Little wonder—
it represents a signifcant share of government
spending. Over the next 10 years, Medicare expects
to pay hospitals at least $155 billion less, despite
the fact that another baby boomer becomes eligible
for Medicare coverage every eight seconds!
With less money to deliver more care to more
people, health care providers will be focusing on
doing everything better with less.
This new model will require hospitals, physi-
cians and patients to work together more closely than ever. By consolidating
services, hospitals and physicians will make care more streamlined and
cost-effcient. Patients will also play an important role and receive even
more encouragement to choose healthy lifestyles.
This is a transformational moment for northern Idaho physicians and hos-
pitals. Each of us has work to do to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
The good news is we already have many strengths that will help our
collective efforts. Kootenai Medical Center consistently receives national
recognition as a high value/low cost hospital. Our computerized patient
records system has laid the groundwork for patients and providers to
have even greater access to information. And perhaps most importantly,
the health care community benefts from what northern Idaho is famous
for—friendly people working together for the beneft of all.
No question these will be challenging times ahead. But by working to-
gether, we’ll be ready to answer the challenge.
Wishing you good health,
Jon Ness, CEO
Opening Thoughts
D O I N G B E T T E R W I T H L E S S
K O O T E N A I H E A L T H
2003 Kootenai Health Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
KootenaiHealth.org
208-666-2000
K O O T E N A I H O S P I TA L D I S T R I C T
B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S
Paul Anderson,
Chair
Ernest Fokes, M.D.,
Vice Chair
Liese Razzeto,
Secretary/Treasurer
Jim Curtis, M.D.,
Trustee
Jim Eisses,
Trustee
Terence Neff, M.D.,
Trustee
Marc Wallace,
Trustee
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
Jon Ness,
Chief Executive Officer
Carmen Brochu,
Chief Nursing Officer
Jeremy Evans,
Vice President,
Professional Services
Walter Fairfax, M.D.,
Chief Medical Officer
Teri Farr,
Vice President,
Community Development
Irwin Hurn,
Chief Financial Officer
John Kalb,
Vice President, Quality
Daniel Klocko,
Vice President,
Human Resources
E X E C U T I V E R E G I O N A L E D I T O R
Teri Farr
R E G I O N A L E D I T O R
Kim Anderson
Published as a courtesy of
Kootenai Health four times a year.
Models may be used in photos and
illustrations. If you have any concerns
or questions about specifc content
that may affect your health, please
contact your health care provider.
Copyright © 2011
Coffey Communications, Inc.
CUM26991c
Jon Ness, CEO
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