COVID-19 Relief Funding Will Help America’s Frontline Healthcare Providers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, commends the passage of the American Rescue Plan, which includes specific provisions to support America’s healthcare workers. Modeled after the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, named in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide in 2020, the provisions aim to reduce and prevent burnout, behavioral disorders and suicide among healthcare professionals.

Healthcare providers go through years of intensive training, incur significant amounts of debt from school and give up time spent with their families to provide lifesaving care to their community members. Many clinicians have the added pressure of being exposed to constant trauma and managing their own emotional responses while remaining a source of calm and strength for their patients, their families and their teams. In the past year, Envision has provided crisis peer support during the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented mental health leadership training, enhanced formal mental health services and launched peer-to-peer support groups for clinicians.

“Healthcare providers give so much of themselves to care for others – it’s imperative that we do our best to care for them,” said Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP, Vice President of Patient and Clinician Engagement at Envision Healthcare. “As many clinicians will attest, we choose this profession because of a calling to serve others and make the world a healthier place. However, we make the most meaningful impact when we prioritize our well-being and aren’t burdened by the barriers to and stigma surrounding mental healthcare. As a society, we owe it to our clinicians and ourselves to foster a culture that embraces mental and behavioral healthcare – we will be better for it.”

This Act will bring much-needed relief and support to healthcare professionals nationwide who have been on the frontlines of the sustained COVID-19 crisis. The American Rescue Plan includes:

• $80 million to train healthcare professionals and public safety officers in strategies to reduce and address suicide, burnout and mental and behavioral health conditions
• $20 million for education and awareness to encourage healthcare professionals and first responders to seek support and treatment for their behavioral health concerns, identify and respond to risk factors and address the stigma
• $40 million in grants for healthcare providers to establish or expand programs to promote mental and behavioral health among their professional workforce

“As a national medical group with more than 25,000 clinicians, we are invested in their health and well-being and remain committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Meg Lafave, Senior Vice President of People and Government Affairs at Envision Healthcare. “Provisions from the Dr. Lorna Breen Act align with Envision’s initiatives to eliminate barriers for clinicians and promote wellness.”

Envision applauds the inclusion of language based on the Dr. Lorna Breen Provider Protection Act and encourages Congress to pass additional provisions included in S. 610 that were not included in the final version of the American Rescue Plan. Specifically, S.610 would authorize a comprehensive study on healthcare professional mental and behavioral health and burnout as well as provide additional guidance as to the administration of the new grant programs. These additional provisions would further strengthen the important investments these new programs will make in the well-being of frontline clinicians.

To learn more about Envision’s commitment to professional well-being, click here.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, the medical group owns and operates 255 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

With 200,000 Colonoscopies Missed in 2020, National Leader in Colorectal Cancer Detection and Prevention Stresses Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, is raising awareness about colorectal cancer (CRC), encouraging individuals who are at average risk to begin routine screenings at age 45 and not delay essential screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – that’s not a statistic Americans should accept. Together, we can change this,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG. “Routine screenings like colonoscopies detect and prevent colorectal cancer. With proper screenings, people can reduce their chances of developing serious health complications from colorectal cancer.”

Routine screenings play an essential role in helping people detect and prevent CRC. When detected early, CRC can be easier to treat, and patients often have better outcomes. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with CRC in 2021. Although the rate of people being diagnosed with CRC has dropped in recent years, the incidence in young adults is increasing. AMSURG data reveals that since 2019, pre-cancerous polyps have been found in one out of four patients under the age of 50 who have undergone a colonoscopy.

Medical consensus is building for Americans 45 and older to receive routine screenings for CRC. The American Cancer Society lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 in 2019. In 2020, the United States Preventive Services Task Force shared a draft recommendation to lower the screening age to 45.

“Every year, every month counts with CRC,” said Brenda Thompson Green, AMSURG employee. “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 46. Had I been encouraged to get screened a year earlier, there’s the potential that I could have had a much more positive outcome and not required such intense treatment. I am alive today because I listened to my body, sought the appropriate care and received a screening colonoscopy at the suggestion of my physician. Until the screening age is more broadly accepted, I cannot stress how important it is for people to know their family history, understand the symptoms and not delay care.”

AMSURG is the national leader in providing colonoscopies – a comprehensive procedure in which physicians can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. A colonoscopy is instrumental in helping people maintain their health and quality of life. CRC does not disappear during a pandemic. In 2021, AMSURG revealed that more than 200,000 of its patients missed their colonoscopies, and based on statistical expectations, approximately 900 of these people would have CRC.

“At our centers, we provide patients essential care and support the health of communities – even during a pandemic,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “We continue to adhere to rigorous quality and safety measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure. People should be on the lookout for CRC symptoms, such as a persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or a change in the consistency of their stool. Rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely may also be warning signs.”

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About AMSURG

AMSURG acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) in partnership with physicians throughout the United States. As of January 1, 2021, AMSURG owned and operated 257 ASCs in 34 states and the District of Columbia with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopaedics. To learn more about AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare Corporation, visit www.amsurg.com.

About Envision Healthcare Corporation

Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, the medical group owns and operates 257 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

National Medical Group Provides Crucial Support and Resources Through Clinician Deployments, Virtual Health Solutions, PPE Donations and Essential Care to Communities Throughout 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, continues to answer America’s call for COVID-19 care. The group remains on the frontlines, taking comprehensive actions to care for patients and support its clinicians and healthcare partners while responding to increases in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

“I’m extremely proud of the clinicians and clinical support teammates at Envision,” said Jim Rechtin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “Everyone has worked relentlessly to support one another, our patients and our communities. As we look ahead to next year, Envision will continue to be there for patients when and where they need us most.”

Envision’s 25,000 clinicians have cared for approximately one out of every 10 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In addition, the medical group has supported communities across the U.S. by:

Deploying Teams of More Than 500 Clinicians to COVID-19 Hot Spots

During the past 10 months, multispecialty teams of more than 500 physicians and advanced practice providers have volunteered to travel to eight states to support communities hit hardest by the pandemic, including:

• New York and New Jersey – Nearly 200 Envision clinicians traveled to support the Northeast’s COVID-19 outbreak during the late spring and summer months.
• Arizona – In the summer, Envision clinicians supported Tucson hospitals, sharing knowledge gained and best practices from the surge in New York.
• Florida – A team of nearly 300 clinicians provided COVID-19 relief in the Orange, Pinellas and Duval counties during the summer.
• Texas – In the fall, more than 80 clinicians elected to support the El Paso and Lubbock communities as they began treating a surge of COVID-19 patients.
• Colorado, Kansas and Kentucky – Clinicians have supported fluctuating demands for COVID-19 care as the virus impacts communities across these states.

Expanding Virtual Health Visits and Providing Community COVID-19 Testing

In some communities, the national medical group quickly stood up drive-thru testing sites and administered testing to first responders and community members. Throughout the country, Envision expanded and accelerated its virtual health capabilities to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect patients and clinicians. Teams have been providing care via tele-triage appointments, enabling them to evaluate a patient while observing social distancing in the hospital. Envision’s office-based practices also increased their virtual health offerings to patients to ensure continuity of care during the pandemic. Since March, Envision has provided nearly 250,000 virtual health visits. The expanded use of virtual health is one of many solutions Envision has implemented to advance patient care. The group will continue to offer virtual health options to patients for the duration of the pandemic and into the future.

Providing Essential Care to Non-COVID-19 Patients

AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and national leader in the management of ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), has played a vital role during the COVID-19 crisis. Some centers have distributed critical resources like personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators to areas of greatest need, and others have been prepared to treat COVID-19 patients from crowded nearby hospitals. AMSURG ASCs remain an integral part of the healthcare system, providing essential care that helps patients maintain and improve their health and quality of life. This includes performing colonoscopies to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. AMSURG’s network of more than 250 centers has continued to follow high quality and safety standards and rigid infection control protocols to protect its teams and patients.

Enhancing Its Clinician Wellness Program

Envision is committed to protecting and empowering clinicians so they can focus on what matters most – caring for patients. The group secured more than 6 million items of PPE to share with its frontline clinicians and hospital partners. In addition to making sure clinicians have the necessary resources at the bedside, Envision has focused on helping clinicians navigate the mental and emotional challenges of being on the frontlines during a pandemic. Some of the many resources include free therapy with licensed professionals, peer-to-peer support groups, mandatory debriefs following deployment to a COVID-19 hot spot and more. Envision is also advocating for a regulatory environment that eliminates the stigma of addressing mental health in care providers.

Envision continues to urge the public to mitigate the spread of the virus by taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. These include hand washing, maintaining six feet of distance from others, wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings and staying home when feeling sick.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation

Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. As a market leader in ambulatory surgical care, the medical group owns and operates 255 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

Sets Goals to Promote Diversity of Medical Group by End of 2021
Commits to Publishing a DEI Report, Curriculum

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Envision Healthcare today releases an enhanced strategy to build and advance a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment within the national medical group. After a period of reflection following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, among others, Envision has put forward a course of action to help the medical group more closely reflect the communities it serves.

“As a national medical group, we care for every patient regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and economic background. But we can and must do more,” said Jim Rechtin, President and CEO of Envision Healthcare. “We must continue to learn from and uplift one another. Today’s announcement acknowledges our continued commitment to providing the highest quality of care and improving life in our communities.”

In June, Rechtin signed the CEO Action Pledge, a commitment to work with and within the business community to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Building on that pledge, Envision has identified four main pillars upon which it will create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization:

• Employee Recruitment, Engagement, Development and Advancement
• Developing Awareness of Diverse Groups
• Creating a Supportive Environment
• Improving Our Communities and Society

Envision has developed working groups around these pillars to advance its principles throughout the organization. The groups will have meaningful and tangible directives and outputs, including setting goals that require accountability. These efforts will be led by members of Envision’s executive team, guided by an Advisory Council and supported by a new DEI Program Director. The Advisory Council’s members will include internal and external subject matter experts in DEI, talent development, clinical practice, human resources, legal and healthcare administration. Additionally, membership will include those with a passion for improving DEI.

“Ultimately, we are aiming to make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion part of every piece of the employee life cycle. We will not simply declare victory when all the benchmarks are met,” said Adam Brown, MD, MBA, FACEP, President of Emergency Medicine and Co-Chair of the DEI Committee.

Envision has established transparent, verifiable metrics to hold itself accountable and create tangible results. These outcomes include increasing diversity on the executive team, on the board and in its talent pool. The organization is committed to maintaining a minimum of at least two women and at least two non-gender diverse board members and increasing over time. Envision also plans to establish a DEI education curriculum for all employees that includes unconscious bias training, among other critical items.

“We will be assessing our efforts constantly and making the necessary adjustments to our strategy. We will not be complacent. We will not always get it right, but when we fall short, we will learn from those experiences and use them to grow,” said Kris Sanders, FACHE, Vice President of Operations and Co-Chair of the DEI Committee.

To read Envision’s full statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion click here.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. As a market leader in ambulatory surgical care, the medical group owns and operates 257 surgery centers and one surgical hospital in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This week, Envision Healthcare sent the following communication from CEO Jim Rechtin to all employees about the death of George Floyd, the protests taking place across the country and how we all have a role to play in building a more just society.

Read the full letter here.