26: COVID-19: Most Significant Financial Challenge that We Will Ever Face, with Dr. Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Inova Health System The Table with Renee DeSilva

In this episode of Fireside Chat, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Inova Health System to talk about the COVID-19 crisis, communicating with caregivers and the board of directors, financial concerns for health systems and what the new normal looks like in the days ahead.
Please note: The number of COVID-19 cases and the situation referenced in this episode were based on reported data at the time of the interview and are subject to change.
TranscriptionStephen Jones 0:03
I see fear, totally understandable fear. But I see courage and it’s getting through that courage. I draw a distinction between bravery and courage. Bravery, is not being afraid. Courage is acting in dangerous circumstances despite being afraid.
Gary Bisbee 0:19
That was Dr. Stephen Jones, President and CEO of Inova Health System, referring to the courage of the Inova caregivers in the face of the obvious risk of personal exposure to COVID-19. I’m Gary Bisbee and this is Fireside Chat. Dr. Jones is a surgeon by training and he regularly joins the Inova team in the ER and on the COVID floors to show his support for the Inova caregivers. Inova is a highly successful health system with each of his hospitals receiving a CMS five star rating. Dr. Jones spoke about the exponential increase in Inova’s tele-visits and how they are typically more convenient for patients and more efficient for physicians. He believes that it’s important to sustain and build on the current volume of tele-visits. Dr. Jones discussed the financial impact to Inova of the COVID crisis. As the title of this episode captures, he believes that it’s the most significant financial challenge that Inova will ever face. I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Stephen Jones to the microphone.
Well, good afternoon and welcome, Stephen.
Stephen Jones 1:26
Good afternoon, Gary.
Gary Bisbee 1:28
We’re pleased to have you at the microphone. Why don’t we jump right in because of COVID-19. We’re all facing consequences of that, of course. And we’ve learned that the surge is highly variable by region, where is the surge in the Inova service area Steven?

The Table Podcast, hosted by Renee DeSilva, CEO of The Health Management Academy, amplifies real conversations about the healthcare issues that matter.

Renee DeSilva, a highly experienced professional in the healthcare industry for over two decades, is widely recognized as a sought-after speaker, moderator, panelist, and host. Her expertise is informed by The Health Management Academy's extensive portfolio of over 65 annual events, where she engages with C-Suite healthcare decision-makers and innovators. This exposure gives her a unique and valuable perspective on the industry's challenges and opportunities.

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