Opinion: Industry Must Drive Health Care Transformation

In a Santa Rosa Press Democrat opinion piece, Geraldine Brinton -- chair of the Sutter Health board of directors -- argues that the health reform law will place an added burden on hospitals. However, she writes, "Opportunities abound in our industry to deliver services differently by driving out inefficiencies and unnecessary variation that waste financial resources and inconvenience our patients." She adds, "Evidence shows that improving efficiency and reducing costs are not in conflict with a commitment to quality." Brinton concludes, "Hospitals and doctors have an opportunity -- and an urgent responsibility -- to transform health care for the better."

• "Guest Opinion: Outlook for Hospitals Bleak Due to Health Care Reform" (Brinton, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 6/16).