One of the nation's smaller but more influential integrated health systems has a new chief executive, in time for both fine-tuning and new ventures.
David Feinberg, MD, the CEO of UCLA Hospital System, is taking over the top position of Geisinger Health System in central Pennsylvania.
A psychiatrist credited with helping boost patient satisfaction, Feinberg will be the sixth CEO in Geisinger's 100 year history. He takes over in May, as the organization expands in New Jersey with the acquisition of the health system AlantiCare.
"I have always been impressed with Geisinger's commitment to doing what is right and best for its patients and members, as well as its many contributions to improving care and reforming our nation's healthcare system," said Feinberg, who replaces 70-year-old Glenn Steele, now chair of Geisinger's analytics spin-off.
"Dr. Feinberg has a proven record of achievement, and we are confident that he will do an excellent job leading Geisinger into our second century of service," said Geisinger board chairman William Alexander, a retired construction company executive who also lectures at Wharton.
When Feinberg joined UCLA Health job in 2007, the system's patient satisfaction scores ranked in the 38th percentile. After he took the top job in 2011, and started working with frontline clinicians and staff to improve everything from patient communications to air conditioning, UCLA entered 99th percentile.
Along with the positions of CEO and associate vice chancellor at UCLA, Feinberg has worked in youth substance addiction and served as vice chair for UCLA clinical psychiatry and behavioral sciences and medical director of the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
Based in the Susquehanna River town of Danville, Geisinger is one of the country's largest rural health organizations, serving 3 million Pennsylvanians, including almost 500,000 covered by its health plan.
It is well regarded for being a pioneer in trying to blend quality and affordability, such as through warranties for payers on cardiac bypass procedures. Feinberg said he will focus on continuing that kind of work and expanding "in patient care, research, education, innovation and community service."