PAUL R. COOK, MD, MHA, CPE, SCLA
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
1976 BSci University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Zoology (Pre-med)
General Honors in the Arts and Sciences
Phi Beta Kappa
POST GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
1980 MD University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
POST DOCTORAL TRAINING
1980-1981 University of Oklahoma-State of Oklahoma Teaching
Hospitals; Oklahoma Children’s Memorial Hospital;
Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Hospital;
Central State Psychiatric Hospital
Type: General Surgery Associate Residency
1981-1985 University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics
Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
Type: Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Chief Resident: January 1984 – June 1985
1985-1988 Fellowship Certification Process in Otolaryngic Allergy:
Clinical practice, case development, curriculum, oral and
written exams. American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
1995-1996 MHA University of Missouri – Columbia
Masters Degree in Health Services Management (MHA)
Executive Program in Health Services Management
Two-year curriculum including summer research and thesis
FACULTY POSITIONS
2013 to present College of Allied Health Professions
Montana State University Billings
2003 to 2007 Tenured Professor of Otolaryngology
Indiana University School of Medicine
2002 to 2007 Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Management
and Informatics, University of Missouri
1997 to 2003 Tenured Associate Professor of Surgery (Otolaryngology)
University of Missouri School of Medicine
1991 to 1997 Assistant Professor of Surgery (Otolaryngology)
2013 to present Montana State University Billings
College of Allied Health Professions
Center for Interdisciplinary Education
Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Education
Duties are to develop the Center for Interdisciplinary Education, establish an on-campus component for the Master’s Degree in Health Administration, develop a faculty practice plan and consulting group with the College, and provide instruction in the MHA curriculum.
2008 – 2013 Rocky Mountain Health Network, Inc.
Saint Vincent Healthcare
Billings, Montana
President and CEO
Responsible for the executive leadership, strategic direction, financial health and oversight for a 600-member provider-hospital organization in Montana and Wyoming. The PHO provided advanced medical and business management services for it members, which included over 300 physicians, over 280 of all other allied health professionals, seven hospitals, including St. Vincent Healthcare which is one of two tertiary care health systems in the state of Montana, surgery centers, home health, and other organizations. Provided advocacy and principal interactions with health plans, state and federal legislators, and various health interests across the state and region. Launched clinical integration and system formation initiatives in conjunction with SCLHS programs for Accountable Health Network formation. Administrative Budget was $8M.
– faced with a $1M shortfall upon assuming the position, engineered a $2.2 M improvement by increasing revenue, decreasing expenses, and making better use of resources.
– Guided the RMHN Board through its first strategic planning process, with subsequent yearly updates, and biennial revisions.
– Founding member of the Advisory Council for the creation of the Montana State Patient Centered Medical Home initiative through the Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
– Founding officer of the Billings Wellbeing Institute
– Instrumental in physician alignment processes
2007 Brigham and Women’s Physician Organization (BWPO)
Brigham and Women’s Hospitals (BWH)
Partners Health Care, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts
President and CEO
Responsible for the executive leadership and operations of the faculty practice plan for the more than 1000 employed Harvard faculty physicians for the Brigham and Women’s and Faulkner Hospitals. The BWPO provided standard medical and business management services for the departments and physicians while providing customized decision support and IDX billing platform to maximize the efficiency of the revenue cycle. Collections were approximately $400M on base billings of approximately $950M. Represented the physicians to the hospitals and to the leadership of Partners Health Care, and well as being part of the senior leadership teams of the Brigham Hospitals and Partners. The BWPO budget was $1B.
– Collaborated with the senior leadership at the Brigham to revise the strategic and operational plans for the BWH family. Lead the revision of the strategic and tactical plans for the BWPO and gained the acceptance of the plans by the hospital and BWPO leadership.
– Worked with hospital management to plan and execute the building of a new state-of-the-art cardiovascular center ($400M) and a new ambulatory facility at Patriot Place ($160M).
– Reorganized the compliance program for the BWPO and BWH based upon internal audit findings and input from consultants.
– Resolved long-standing contracting dispute and negotiated equitable settlements among Partners-aligned physician groups.
– Reorganized standing committees to improve function and group buy-in.
2003 to 2007 Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana
Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
President and CEO, IU Medical Group – Specialty Care
Professor of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Responsible for the clinical enterprise for the IU Medical School and the interaction with external stakeholders. Managed the faculty practice plan (IU Medical Group) of the School Medicine and had school-wide responsibility for all faculty venues of clinical
practice at 161 locations across the state. The practice plan provided advanced MSO functions which supported the welfare of the physicians and the clinical, educational and research missions of the School. Coordinated the development and execution of an overall vision, strategic business plans, and the policies for the practice, framed to facilitate patient access, promote clinical excellence, and enhance revenues. Budget was over $2B.
– Improvement of contracting processes and rates, and the standardization of the revenue cycle processes and practices have yielded a growth in collections from $200M to $400M, and a reduction of the DAR from 120 to 50 days (group aggregate).
– Improved patient and physician satisfaction
Acted as the principal liaison for the faculty practice with respect to clinical marketing initiatives and business development. Supervised the activities of the Executive Director/COO and the senior management team including Information Management, Decision Support, and Business Intelligence; Marketing and Business Development; Finance; Human Resource Management; Contracting and Revenue Cycle Management; Quality and Patient Safety; Medical Management; and Physician Relations.
– Standardized business and revenue cycle processes using best-practice models
– Implemented short, medium and long term strategic budgeting
Served as the Dean’s principal liaison with the administrations of hospitals and health systems in which the faculty practiced, and represented the practices and the School of Medicine as a health system executive leader. Provided leadership at multiple levels within the School and with numerous external stakeholders which included Indiana University; local, state and federal governments; and payers.
1999 to 2003 University of Missouri Health System
University of Missouri School of Medicine
Columbia, Missouri
Chairman, University Physicians
Functioned as the chief physician executive, the elected leader of the clinical faculty, and directed the Executive and Management Committees of the faculty practice plan. These committees were the governing bodies for the practice plan for clinical faculty for the School of Medicine which numbered 350 physicians. The Chair was the principal liaison and ambassador for the clinicians to a number of internal and external groups. Leading
by example, developed consensus among diverse interests in order to create the vision to transform the group and develop new policies and procedures designed to enhance the efficiency of the group. Budget was $500M.
– Instrumental in developing collaboration among disparate groups within the health system in order to promote the interests of the physicians including maximizing the efficiency of the revenue cycle.
– A 20-point Action Plan lead to the improvement of the gross collection rate from 37% to 50% over three years, the improvement of cash collections of 30% ($58M to $72M).
– Reorganization of dysfunctional board into a true, group-minded decision making body.
– Improved board communication, participation, and education
– Reorganized patient accounts; revenue cycle process reengineering into self-directed work teams.
– Implemented charge at time of service
– Reduced DAR from 126 to 61 days with significant write-offs
Medical Director of Managed Care Programs
Responsible for representing the interests of the physicians and the hospitals in the managed care and payer contracting environment.
– Reengineered the managed care management team
– Transformed the negotiating and contracting process which resulted in double digit increases in reimbursement rates.
– Instituted a process of analysis of reimbursements and reconciliation of variances
– Created new focus on clinical outcomes, effectiveness, and disease management.
Director of Clinics/Chief Medical Director
Ambulatory Care for Missouri Health System
Responsible for the operation and management of all the clinics in the health system which totaled about 600,000 visits at several dozen sites across central Missouri. Several processes were targeted for improvement including scheduling/registration, service and access, and quality improvement. The budget was approximately $20M.
– Developed dashboard reporting systems which allowed managers to track and manage data relating to staffing, resources, volumes, quality, and finance.
– JCAHO, HCFA, and UHC recognized clinics for performance excellence
– Improved Press-Ganey survey scores
– Consistently under budget by $2 – 3M
1993 to 1999 Division of Otolaryngology
Department of Surgery
University of Missouri School of Medicine
Columbia, Missouri
Director, Otolaryngology and Audiology Clinics
Oversaw daily operations, capital equipment acquisition, human resources, and supply chain management. Collaborated in this role with the nurse manager of the clinics.
– Implemented new ambulatory care standards and schedules
– Developed clinic-specific quality improvement plans
– Reorganized clinics, formed new management team, and developed five-year strategic business plan, which included development and promotion of new business lines within the disciplines.
– Developed outreach clinics in two cities, completed business plans for a merger with another community-based ENT group, and developed new business at a nearby county hospital.
1991 to 1993 University Hospitals and Clinics
Columbia, Missouri
Director of Allergy Clinic
Director of Short Stay Unit, University Hospital
Responsible for the medical oversight of the allergy clinic of the ENT Division. This included quality control and assurance, staffing, management protocols, and patient safety. Responsible of clinical management of the Unit which included utilization review, cost control, and liaison relationships with the medical staff.
1990 to 1991 Solomon and Leyton, PA
Towson, Maryland
ENT and Allergy consultant to private physician office
Provided on-site consultation for patients of the other two physicians and directed the allergy lab.
1985 to 1990 The Welborn Clinic, Inc
Evansville, Indiana
Chief, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Head of Allergy Clinic
Staff member, Department of Surgery, Division of ENT
Responsible for the physician management and oversight of the allergy practices. Cared for numerous patients with diseases of the ears, nose, and throat. During this time, had oversight of and was principal investigator for numerous clinical and research trials. Acted as the CMO for GFI Pharmaceuticals, Inc which was a private research company
(Abridged)
BOARD & COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
Rocky Mountain Health Network
– Rocky Mountain Health Network Board of Directors
– Executive, Finance, Quality and Medical Management, and Contract Advisory Committees
– Rimrock Opera Company Board of Directors
– Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Board – member and Immediate Past President
– Alberta Bair Theater Board of Directors
– Billings Wellbeing Institute – founding board member and Vice-Chairman
– Montana Bioscience Alliance – board member
– Montana Health Forum
– Montana State Medical Home Initiative – appointed by the State Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
– Global Health Equity Foundation Board of Directors
Partners Health Care, Inc./Brigham and Women’s Hospitals/ BWPO
– Partners Operating Heads Executive Management Team
– Partners Physician Executive Committee
– Partners Education Committee
– Partners Physician Contract Advisory Committee
– Senior Management Group/ BWH
– BWH Quality and Patient Safety Committee (hospital board)
– BWPO Board of Directors
– BWPO Executive, Compensation, Medical Management, and Finance Committees
Indiana University and Related Organizations (2003-2007)
Indiana University Medical Group – Specialty Care
– Board of Directors
– Executive Committee
– Finance, Business Affairs, and Medical Management Committees
– Clarian West Hospital Planning Committee
– Clarian North Hospital Planning Committee
IU Medical Group Foundation – Founder and Vice-Chairman of the Board
IU Medical Group – Primary Care
– Board of Directors
– Vice-Chairman of Board
– Executive and Finance Committees
IU Health Associates, Inc, Board of Directors
Indiana University Medical Center and Clarian Health Partners Enterprise-Wide Quality Board – Founder and Chairman
Clarian Health Partners, Inc (now, IU Health)
– IUMG-SC representative to Clarian Board
– Clarian Quality and Patient Safety Committee
– Indiana Radiology Partners Board of Directors
– Clarian North Hospital Board of Managers
– Medical Staff Executive Committee
Indiana University School of Medicine
– Executive Associate Dean management team
– Faculty Council and Steering Committee
– Relationship Centered Care Initiative, Discovery Team
– Art Committee, Founder and Chair
– Dean’s Clinical Cabinet, Chair
– Dean’s Clinical Chairmen Committee, Chair
– Liaison for Strasbourg Area University Consortium – France
University of Missouri and Related Organizations (1991-2003)
NIOSH/University of Missouri Agricultural Safety and Health Advisory Committee
School of Medicine
– Faculty Affairs Committee
– Clinical Curriculum Design Committee
– Various Search Committees
– Mission Based Management Steering Committee
University of Missouri Health System
– Compliance Board
– Board of Directors
– Missouri Care, Vice-President of Operating Board
– Senior Executive Team in Charge of Redesign and Reengineering
University Physicians
– Chairman of Board
– Executive and Finance Committees
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (Inc, and Foundations)
Board of Directors
– Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
– Finance, Education, and Scientific Liaison Committees
– Chairman of Inter-professional CME Committee
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
– In Billings, re-engineered the Board of RMHN, revising by-laws, governance structure and function. Added new committees and instituted regular meetings of the Executive and Finance Committees. Provided opportunities for board education and leadership development through the American College of Physician Executives and the Montana State University at Billings. Founded the Board of Directors for the Billings Wellbeing Institute. Was President of the BOD for the Billings Symphony Society where the financial position was improved and a new executive director was hired; and where inter-organizational collaboration was greatly enhanced.
– At Indiana, provided regular briefings and updates on governance issues, reorganized the IUMG-SC Board to improve representation and function, and reorganized/recharged the committee structure. Made increased use of ad hoc committees and task forces for special projects. Also involved department administrators and managers in work of the
Board. This greatly increased a sense of group culture while fostering collaboration and trust.
-At Missouri, redesigned governing body (the University Physicians Management Committee) and subcommittee structure. Regularly sought opinions of board members, facilitated open discussions, and achieved consensus.
– Used the methodology from one of my master’s classes to perform an in-depth organizational analysis of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. As a member of the Board, was able to access critical information and have the proper forum for presenting my findings. Based upon my work, the Board was completely overhauled, and a new structure and great function resulted. Over time, the AAOA became highly successful in its missions and in financial performance.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
– Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
– Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngic Head/Neck Surgery
– Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology
– American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
– Fellow, American Rhinologic Society
– Fellow, American In-Vitro Allergy and Immunology Society
– American Medical Association
– American College of Physician Executives, Associate with Advanced Status,
and Vanguard Member
– American College of Healthcare Executives, Associate
– University HealthSystem Consortium
– American Association of Medical Colleges – Group on Faculty Practice
– Certifying Commission on Medical Management/ Certified Physician Executive
– Evansville Master Chorale, Inc.- Former member and soloist
– International Society of Endonasal Laser Surgery
– The Washington Campus
– University of Missouri Alumni Association
– Economic Club of Indianapolis
– The Columbia Club
– The Employers Forum of Central Indiana:
Sustaining Member and Sponsor (IUMG-SC)
Health Care Quality Committee
– Indianapolis Museum of Art, Patron and Sustaining Member
– The Indiana State Museum, Patron and Sustaining Member
– Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
– Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
– Harvard Museums
– Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
– Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
– Boston Symphony Orchestra
– Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale – vocal performance (tenor)
– St. Patrick Co-Cathedral Choir – member, tenor section leader, soloist, cantor, cellist in
Instrumental ensemble
– High Plains Chamber Singers – auditioned, professional ensemble (tenor section)
– Pro Re Nada – chorale ensemble for St. Vincent Healthcare (member and soloist)
– Health Task Force – Billings Chamber of Commerce
– Big Sky Economic Development Association
– Sisters of Charity Leavenworth Associate (SCLA)
– Montana Medical Association
– St. Agnes Catholic Church, Red Lodge, MT
– Partner in Fox Farm. LLP, Red Lodge, MT
– member of violin and violoncello ensemble
(Abridged)
– Davis WE, Cook PR, McKinsey JP, Templer JW: “Anaphylaxis in Immunotherapy.”
Otolarnygology – Head and Neck Surgery; Vol. 107, No. 1; pp.78-83. July 1992
– Cook PR: “In Vivo Testing and Immunotherapy.” Current Opinion in Otolaryngology
& Head and Neck Surgery. April, 1994. Vol 2, No 2, pp. 118-127. Allergy Section.
– Cook PR, Nishioka G, Davis WE, McKinsey JP: “Immunotherapy in Patients Under-
going Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
April, 1994; Vol 110, No 4, pp. 406-412.
– Nishioka G, Cook PR, Davis W, McKinsey J: “Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis and Asthma.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck
Surgery. June, 1994; Vol 110, No 6, pp. 494-500. Poster exhibited at the First
Combined British & American Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Meeting.
June-July, 1993. Nottingham, England.
– Cook PR, Nishioka G, Davis W, McKinsey J: “Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
in Patients with Normal Computed Tomography Scans.” Otolaryngology – Head &
Neck Surgery. June, 1994; Vol 110, No 6, pp. 505-509. Poster exhibited at the First
Combined British & American Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Meeting.
June-July, 1993. Nottingham, England.
– Cook PR, Bryant J, Davis W, Benke T, Rapoport A: “Systemic Reactions to Immuno-
therapy: The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy Morbidity and Mortality
Survey.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. June, 1994; Vol 110, No 6, pp. 487-
493.
– Cook PR, Begegni A, Bryant WC, Davis WE: “Effect of Partial Middle Turbinectomy
on Nasal Airflow and Resistance.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. October,
1995; Vol 113, No 4, pp. 413-419.
– Nishioka GJ, Barbero GJ, Konig P, Parsons DS, Cook PR, Davis WE: “Symptom
Outcome After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis:
A Prospective Study.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. October, 1995;
Vol 113, No 4, pp. 440-445.
– Nishioka GJ, Cook PR, McKinsey JP, Rodriguez FJ: “Paranasal Sinus Computed
Tomography Scan Findings in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.” Otolargyngology – Head
& Neck Surgery. 1996; Vol 114, No 3, pp. 394-399.
– Cook PR: “Managed Care: Perspectives from the Academic Community.” Audio-
Digest. Oto H&N Surgery. Vol. 30, No. 10; May 1997.
– Chambers D, Cook P, Nishioka G, Erhardt P: “Comparison of ImmunoCAP, Modified
RAST, and SET in the Diagnosis of Dust Mite and Mold Allergy.” Otolaryngology –
Head & Neck Surgery. 1997, Vol 117, pp. 471-474.
– Chambers DW, Davis WE, Cook PR, Nishioka GJ, Rudman DT: “Long Term Outcome
Analysis of FESS: Correlation of Symptoms with Endoscopic Exam Findings and
Prognostic Variables.” Laryngoscope., 107:504-510, 1997.
– Cook PR, Herr T, Highfill G, Wilder B: “Diagnosising and Treating Pediatric Allergies.” Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. 1998; 118:350-5.
– Cook PR, Herr T, Highrfill G: “In Vitro Testing in Pediatric Food Allergy.”
Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. February, 1999; Vol 120 No 2 pp. 233-237.
– Cook PR, VanDelden M: Partial Inferior Turbinoplasty. Endonasal Laser Surgery.
International Society of Endonasal Laser Surgery. Cologne, Germany: 1997
– VanDelden MR, Cook PR, Davis WE: “Endoscopic Partial Inferior Turbinoplasty.”
Otolargyngology – Head & Neck Surgery. 1999, 121:406-9
– Cook PR, Jebson LR: “Driving Toward Effective Clinic Management Through
Dashboard Indicator Reporting.” April 2001, Medical Group Management Association.
National AudioVideo Inc, Denver, CO.
– Cook PR: Clinical Dashboard Reporting, APA/MGMA, Marco Island, FL,
April 30, 2000.
– Cook PR: Creating Confidence Faculty Lecture Series, Indianapolis, IN; September
2003 through May 2006.
– Cook PR: Lectureship in the IUMG Summer Colloquium, Indianapolis, IN; June
through August, 2006.
Dr. Cook has had over 100 publications in peer-reviewed books and journals, and well as contributions to other periodicals and newsletters. Dr. Cook has also authored and contributed to several position papers.