Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, resigned from his post as chair of the Seattle-based Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Cherry Hill campus on March 1, 2017, amid a state health regulatory investigation into complaints filed against him, The Seattle Times reports.
Here are five things to know:
1. On Feb. 10, 2017, The Seattle Times published an investigative report into the spine and neurosurgery services at Providence Health & Services Swedish-Cherry Hill hospital. The report revealed the health system decided to overhaul Cherry Hill's neuroscience program to treat more high risk patients. The invasive brain and spine procedures generated around $500 million in net operating revenue in 2015 as well as saw higher Medicare reimbursement per inpatient visit than any other hospital of its size.
2. Dr. Delashaw joined the Cherry Hill team in 2013, brining in 661 inpatient cases resulting in more than $86 million in billed charges within his first 16 months. Medical staff reported concerns about Dr. Delashaw, citing he "created a culture of retribution, making it difficult to question his decisions," The Seattle Times reports. Other voiced concerns regarded patient care, inappropriate surgeries and little accountability.
3. After analyzing The Seattle Times report, the Department of Health decided to launch an investigation into two complaints filed against Dr. Delashaw in the past 12 months.
4. Dr. Delashaw's resignation comes about a week after Anthony Armada left his post as CEO of Seattle-based Swedish Health Services on Feb. 20.
5. Interim CEO Guy Hudson sent a memo to Swedish staff on March 2: "As a team, we are firmly committed to supporting our patients and caregivers and are focused on what is most important: safe, compassionate and high-quality care."