Howard Lee spent nearly 20 years with University Health Alliance before taking the reins as president and chief executive officer of the organization in 2011.
On the Affordable Care Act:
The common theme among doctors is frustration. They want to spend their time practicing medicine to help their patients get better, but the reality is that doctors end up spending less time with patients because of the additional administrative demands. As Hawai‘i’s only physician-founded health plan, we understand this at our core and are always working to address this.
On consumer-driven health care:
Putting the consumer in the driver’s seat can be good and bad—it depends on how good they are at driving and whether or not they want to drive at all.
On industry consolidation:
Consolidation just for leverage is not good for small businesses. On the other hand, it could bring more efficiencies and resources to areas that are struggling to survive. With the added demands by payers both private and public, it’s hard to survive if you aren’t efficient. Sometimes that comes with size.
