×

CEO provides update

Dr. David Feinberg leads discussion at Lewistown luncheon

LEWISTOWN — Geisinger offers not only a caring health system, but is also dedicated to providing a top-notch education and continuing research, its leader said Thursday during a luncheon at Lewistown Country Club.

Dr. David Feinberg, Geisinger Health System’s CEO and president, described to a group of local officials and health-care professionals some strides the hospital system is continuing to provide quality healthcare to patients.

Feinberg was recently recognized for being named as one of 2017’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” by Modern Health Magazine, a list which includes national policymakers, hospital leaders and insurance executives.

Among his list of other national honors, Feinberg was also recently named in the top three of the magazine’s “Top 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.

Thursday’s luncheon was followed by a brief question-and-answer session.

Feinberg discussed the potential for bringing a program to Geisinger-Lewistown that would lower patient medical costs by helping to provide healthier food to low-income residents with diabetes.

The program, he said, was piloted in Shamokin and offers fresh, nutrient-rich foods to low-income individuals who are affected by diabetes.

The program was targeted to Shamokin because the number of residents who are predisposed to diabetes are among the highest in the nation.

The results of the program, he said, were positive.

“Not only did every patient lose weight,” he said, but their overall health improved.

Furthermore, patient’s medical cost dropped by $1,000 per year “and we’re preventing Type II diabetes for the future generation,” he said.

“It’s sustainable financially because it’s saving them on medical expanses.”

The program, which was introduced last year, enrolls 50 to 100 patients each month, he said.

Feinberg continued that Geisinger is “committed” to the Lewistown community “and we’re here to stay.”

The health system’s CEO said Geisinger’s “caring” slogan is more than just a campaign. “I want every patient to be treated like I would want my mother treated,” he said.

Feinberg continued that Geisinger’s School of Medicine in Scranton has achieved the highest test scores in the state and has maintained the highest pass rate of other medical schools in the nation for five years.

Geisinger merged with Scranton’s medical college in January.

Additionally, Feinberg said he hopes to continue driving down the price of genome research to make it more available to patients.

Feinberg said Geisinger is the top medical system in the world for conducting such tests, which can help to treat illnesses such as cancer.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, genome testing uses laboratory methods to look at genes. Such tests may be used to identify increased risks of health problems, to choose treatments or to assess responses to treatments.

When an individual’s test comes back with a genetic mutation, he said healthcare professionals “act on it.”

“Genetics affect 20 to 30 percent of how you’re going to do in your life.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today