Leading Primary Care Transformation with Krista Skorupa, MD, CPE

As a division chair for regional practices at Essentia Health, Krista Skorupa has oversight for the rural clinics, regional hospitals, long-term care facilities, and post-acute services in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For 12 years prior, she held leadership roles in primary care and most recently was the vice president of medical practice for the M Health Fairview Primary Care Service Line. Skorupa continues to practice medicine on the front lines, gaining insight into how administrative decisions affect care.

You have been a leader in transforming primary care. Why is transformation necessary?

The traditional one-size-fits-all model of primary care no longer meets patient and provider needs. Patients expect — and need — us to fit healthcare into their busy lives. Just as important, providers need to streamline care delivery so they can once again enjoy practicing medicine. The transformation benefits both sides.

What does primary care transformation require?

I believe successful primary care transformation requires three things. First, multidisciplinary teams need to collaborate and think holistically about the populations we serve to truly improve patient and community wellbeing. Second, we must use technology to manage patient information better and promote care plan transparency. Finally, we must be able to place patients in cohorts based on their needs so we can better allocate limited resources.

By creating a care plan that’s easier for patients to navigate, we ensure they have — and feel like they have — more support throughout their care journey. Under new models, the care team sees the broader picture of a patient who might need additional resources beyond medical care.

What are you hearing from providers who have embraced these new models of care delivery?

Providers who are practicing in these transformed models of care share that they are once again experiencing the joy of practicing medicine. Not only are they able to get through documentation more efficiently and leave the office each day with their work complete, but also their own personal health and wellbeing have improved.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic hindered the transformation at all?

Despite the challenges all health systems faced — and are facing — the pandemic has helped expedite some key components of the work. In addition to promoting the rapid expansion of telehealth, the pandemic helped us realize the power of coming together across our organizations to transform care.

What have you learned in working through this transformation?

Few transformation efforts can positively affect the quadruple aim like transforming primary care does. One of the most gratifying accomplishments for a leader is removing barriers to care for both the care team and the patients we serve.

Senior leadership needs to support and encourage the organization through what can be a complex transition. The frontline leaders’ role will be critical to a successful transformation effort, so their development is crucial. Tap into their desire for change. Honor the past but stay steadfast in your effort to improve healthcare in your organization and your community.

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