Kester Freeman

Kester Freeman is retired CEO of Palmetto Health, the largest integrated healthcare delivery system in South Carolina. Palmetto Health includes a regional teaching hospital and tertiary center as well as two acute care hospitals. The system also manages two rural hospitals and various other entities.

In 2004, Freeman spearheaded the creation of Health Sciences South Carolina, a healthcare research collaborative to improve the health and economic wellbeing of the state’s residents through a coordinated effort to advance health sciences research and education. The collaborative includes the Greenville Hospital System, the Medical University of South Carolina, Palmetto Health, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.

Freeman remains actively involved in healthcare as a consultant, serving as member of the American Hospital Assocation’s Mental Health Task Force and as founding chairman of the South Carolina Hospital Association’s Universal Coverage Work Group.

This information appears at the Action for Better Healthcare blog.

New way to care for patients: The ACO
By Kester Freeman | 10:18 am | May 21, 2010
What a morning in Washington, DC! Hospital leaders and members of Congress, including Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, were on hand as the Premier healthcare alliance kicked off a special program that will help U.S. hospitals form Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs.
Don't use patients as political pawns
By Kester Freeman | 11:02 am | April 08, 2010
I am sure by now you have heard about the urologist in Florida who posted a sign on his door in response to the new healthcare law signed by President Obama. The sign reads, “If you voted for Obama, seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years." To me, the behavior of this doctor, Jack Cassell, is awful.
Hospitals and physicians must take the lead
By Kester Freeman | 11:07 am | April 05, 2010
Dr. Atul Gawande has an insightful article in the latest issue of The New Yorker magazine. He explains that the reform package clearly recognizes that the current healthcare payment model, based on the quantity of care rather than the value of care, cannot continue. But it is not that simple.
Hospital executives tell patients - “Get a second opinion”
By Kester Freeman | 12:00 pm | March 09, 2010
There seems to be a misconception on the part of some patients out there. These patients think if they ask for a second medical opinion, it will offend the doctor they are currently seeing who is managing a particular health condition for them.
Why medical costs can be so high
By Kester Freeman | 11:12 am | March 01, 2010
Have you ever wondered exactly what you or your insurance provider are being charged for after you have been hospitalized?
Bill Clinton speaks out about healthcare reform
By Kester Freeman | 10:26 am | January 28, 2010
I attended an event this week where Bill Clinton gave a wonderful talk about what happened with recent healthcare reform efforts and where we go from here.
A suggestion for ObamaCare
By Kester Freeman | 10:42 am | January 14, 2010
Why are we pouring resources into major healthcare centers when so many people don’t have even basic health services? We need to redirect money and resources from world-class healthcare centers and put those resources toward preventative care and chronic care initiatives.
Upset about hospital care? Call a hospital administrator
By Kester Freeman | 02:12 pm | December 17, 2009
When you are not receiving the care you need or the quality you expect at a hospital, you need to be an advocate for yourself and your family. Calling a hospital administrator immediately is an important first step toward fixing the situation.
The public option and healthcare costs
By Kester Freeman | 11:46 am | December 07, 2009
Each month our blog team meets and as former hospital CEOs, we discuss some of the latest issues impacting the world of nonprofit hospitals and medical centers. We want to let you in on the conversation!
Mammogram recommendation makes sense
By Kester Freeman | 12:01 pm | November 30, 2009
There are varying opinions on the latest mammogram screening guidelines released recently by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and I appreciate the sensitivity surrounding the issue. Despite this, I think it is important to convey that I do agree with the panel’s recommendation.