Stabilizing the revenue cycle was the first priority for Ed Tufaro, interim CEO of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Philadelphia Business Journal reported Aug. 7.
Mr. Tufaro stepped into the leadership role in March after past CEO Christopher Olivia, MD, exited the post after two years. He praised Dr. Olivia's leadership but said the transition wasn't easy.
"Chris came in new to the company and with a very different style," Mr. Tufaro said in the report. "Chris is a brilliant, experienced leader. He's a strategic thinker and was really focused on a big picture. … I think for our employees, after having a guy who was here for a long time, it created a sense of, 'We don't know our CEO.'"
In the months since joining, Mr. Tufaro has tackled challenges including centralizing electronic medical records into one system, handling an 18-person layoff and implementing an expansion strategy.
Rothman is recovering from its initial COVID-19 caseload drop, and in the first half of 2023 the practice has seen a 4 percent increase in patient visits and surgeries year over year. The company is also reworking its expansion plans and plans to leave Bergen County in New Jersey in September after a group of physicians "chose to move on" from Rothman.
Through everything, Mr. Tufaro remains focused on physician interests and meets with the physician owners' group monthly. He also prioritizes communication with employees.
"I don't believe I can understand how the company's doing from a corporate office in Center City," he said. "I need to get out. I need to hear and listen and see. I would say that's part of what I've tried to change. And I also think during a period of transition, there's a desire for just facts. People want to know what's really going on. So, I try to just deliver straight facts."