ALLENTOWN, Pa. – From merging with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in 2024 to expanding across the Lehigh Valley. Those are all topics Jefferson Health CEO Dr. Joseph Cacchione and Lehigh Valley Chamber President Tony Ianelli sat down to discuss on an upcoming episode of Business Matters.
“We want to meet people where they are, so as we grow, as people grow and this community grows, we need to continue to grow with our assets here,” said Dr. Cacchione.
He said that includes hospitals, freestanding emergency rooms and practices.
“Importantly, we’re going to grow our access to education, so we’ll now have nursing schools up here, four-year-nursing degrees,” said Dr. Cacchione.
And even a four-year medical school.
“That hasn’t been approved by the regulators yet, but our board of directors has approved it, so we’re waiting for over the next few months for approval from the LCME,” said Dr. Cacchione.
That is all on top of care that has already come here as part of the merger.
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“So, we have things like CAR T therapy, which is treatment for advanced cancer, we have now liver transplant,” said Dr. Cacchione.
Dr. Cacchione also said the health network is ready to negotiate with United Health after a contract between the two ended in April.
“They’ve gone sort of a little radio silent on us. I would urge people that if you’re in the Lehigh Valley and have United Health Insurance, you might want to call them say how come you’re not making a good faith effort to negotiate with Jefferson,” said Dr. Cacchione.
The episode of Business Matters with Jefferson Health’s CEO is set to air Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. on WFMZ-TV.