2 from Meritus among statewide healthcare innovation contest winners

Advancing Innovation in Maryland Contest seeks to use state’s care model that rewards investment in preventative care

Two Meritus Health team members were among 10 winners in a statewide competition to find innovative ways to make patient care better and more affordable.

Carly Critchfield and Miranda Ramsey each were recognized for ideas chosen in the Health Services Cost Review Commission’s Advancing Innovation in Maryland Contest.

Launched in the fall in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, the Abell Foundation, and the Horizon Foundation, the contest leverages Maryland’s unique healthcare model, which creates opportunities to invest in preventative care.

There were 40 submissions to the contest spanning the state, and the contest was judged by an independent panel of experts.

Critchfield, supervisor of outpatient practices at Valley Mall, sought to reach isolated patients with a “well wheels” program, which reimagines physician house calls by using mobile healthcare teams across the state.

Ramsey, vice president of physician services, aimed to support patients with diabetes through a “diabetic door dash” program that combines medical care, nutritional support and social services.

“Innovation comes in many forms,” said Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “These ideas are examples of Meritus leaders’ continuous focus on improvement for patients. By addressing critical health challenges with forward-thinking solutions, we are not only enhancing care in our local community but also contributing to broader efforts to improve health outcomes across the state.”

“The AIM contest demonstrates that there is no shortage of great ideas in Maryland health care,” said Jon Kromm, executive director of the HSCRC. “This contest will serve as a spark for the commission and the healthcare sector to pursue innovation in care delivery to support better health at lower cost across the state.”