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Laurie Ward
Director of Population Health
Professional Background
Laurie Ward is a highly skilled and experienced physician, specializing in Internal Medicine. Licensed in New York State and Board Certified, she holds a wealth of knowledge that has allowed her to excel in various leadership roles throughout her career. With many years of experience in understanding and enhancing ambulatory quality, she has become a dedicated advocate for quality improvement, operations, and most notably, healthcare transformation.
Laurie's expertise is essential in her capacity as the Director of Population Health at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she has focused on designing and implementing crucial healthcare programs. Her leadership roles have established her as a primary clinical liaison for significant health initiatives including HEDIS, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), DSRIP, Meaningful Use, and MIPS/MACRA. Through these roles, Laurie has demonstrated her commitment to not only improving healthcare systems but also ensuring that they serve the needs of medically underserved and vulnerable populations.
In addition to her operational leadership, Laurie has extensive interactions with managed care organizations. Her work has primarily revolved around Quality Incentive Programs and the transformation to Value Based Payment, necessitating a depth of knowledge in medical informatics that further enhances her contributions to the field. Laurie's ability to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare is evident in her adept coordination among Quality, Finance, and IT departments, which is critical for success in the current healthcare environment.
Education and Achievements
Laurie earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where she received comprehensive training and developed the skills necessary to excel in her medical career. Her educational background laid the foundation for her understanding of complex medical systems and reinforced her desire to serve underserved communities.
Over the years, Laurie has held several significant roles that have contributed to her vast experience and expertise. Prior to her current position, she served in various capacities such as Physician at Nassau Health Care Corporation and Hospitalist at Stony Brook University Hospital. In her role as Medical Director at NQP PPS, Laurie expanded her knowledge in managing population health and addressing the healthcare needs of diverse patient groups.
As Vice President of Ambulatory Services at Nassau University Medical Center, she was instrumental in leading initiatives that enhanced patient care and operational efficiency, showcasing her ability to blend clinical excellence with administrative prowess. These positions demonstrate Laurie's dynamic capability to lead, innovate, and inspire in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
Achievements
Laurie Ward's achievements in the realm of healthcare are numerous and noteworthy. A principal focus of her career has been the design and implementation of healthcare programs that prioritize patient-centered care and quality improvement. Her work with HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) has contributed significantly to the evaluation and enhancement of healthcare quality metrics, which serve to improve patient outcomes.
In addition, Laurie has played a crucial role in the Patient-Centered Medical Home initiatives, fostering collaborative relationships among healthcare teams to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care. Her involvement in DSRIP (Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment) highlights her dedication to reforming the healthcare delivery system to better serve the community's needs.
Through her efforts with Meaningful Use and MIPS/MACRA, Laurie has been at the forefront of promoting the effective use of electronic health records and value-based care within the healthcare system, driving forward the adoption of technology that enhances patient care.
Laurie's strong medical informatics skills assist in her ability to analyze data effectively and apply findings to improve healthcare delivery. Her interactions with managed care organizations further emphasize her strategic insights into Quality Incentive Programs and Value-Based Payment models.
Overall, Laurie Ward's extensive background, comprehensive educational qualifications, and influential roles throughout her career underscore her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, quality improvement, and healthcare transformation.
