North Bay Business Journal

Curbing costs at heart of health care event

NORTH BAY – With, without or despite reform, businesses are finding ways to become more than helpless bystanders to climbing health care costs. During the Business Journal’s Health Care Solutions that Work event next week, attendees will learn about one such nationally commended strategy – that is more than a wellness program – and hear a comprehensive panel featuring a current assessment of the reform bills, implications for small business and how access to care has and will change.

Health care conference to focus on solutions for employers, patients, providers

NORTH BAY – In the midst of one of the greatest debates ever on health care, the Business Journal will hold its annual Health Care Conference on Nov. 11 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa.

A keynote speaker and panel of experts will tackle some of the key issues at the heart of this discussion, focusing on information that small businesses, patients and health care providers will need to help reduce costs and improve health in the North Bay.

Registration for the event will be 7:30 a.m., with the program from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49 per person or $510 for a table of 10, including company name on the table. To register, call 707-521-5264 or go online to www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com.

Business Journal Q&A: Marin IPA Chief Executive Joel Criste

MARIN, SONOMA COUNTIES – As the provider of medical services to the largest population of insured patients in the North Bay outside of Kaiser Permanente, it is not surprising the 300-physician Marin IPA fills a uniquely powerful position in the North Bay health care business.

Redwood Regional reduces staff 6 percent, consolidates cancer program

SONOMA COUNTY – Redwood Regional Medical Group began reducing its staff by just under six percent late last week, or 20 positions, according to officials. The company also recently announced it would consolidate its cancer program last week.

Redwood Regional learning to be ‘nimble’

SANTA ROSA – Redwood Regional Medical Group Chief Executive Officer Wayne Fairchild describes recent efforts to consolidate the beginning of preparations for future changes in health care.

Redwood Regional Medical to invest $2 million

SANTA ROSA, PETALUMA – Redwood Regional Medical Group announced plans to complete about $2 million in expansion, including adding new equipment and completing interior renovations.