Just weeks after announcing its leader was departing, Envision Healthcare has appointed James Rechtin as its new CEO and president.
Envision, based in Nashville, is one of the nation’s largest facility-based care provider groups and ambulatory surgery center operators, delivering physician services to more than 1,800 clinical departments in 45 states. The company announced in early February that longtime CEO and president Christopher Holden was stepping down from his role.
The departure came at a time when Envision, which is owned by private equity firm KKR, faced criticism over the past few years about its billing practices, with claims that the company has a higher rate of surprise billing that negatively impacts patients. Envision even had a spat with UnitedHealth Group over contract negotiations as a result.
According to Envision, Holden’s departure had nothing to do with the company’s past surprise billing accusations, and the company has embarked on a campaign to end surprise billing and educate patients about their financial responsibilities.
“Despite previous media speculation, former CEO Chris Holden’s departure from Envision on February 5th was unrelated to surprise billing or the congressional inquiries surrounding surprise billing,” an Envision spokesperson told Health Exec. “Chris was with the company for 13 years, and Envision is grateful to Chris for his dedication and for building the strong leadership team that is taking the company forward today.”
More than 90% of Envision’s business comes from treating patients in-network, the company also told Health Exec.
Rechtin comes to Envision from DaVita Medical Group, where he previously served as regional president. He has more than 22 years of experience and will also join the board of directors at Envision. Most recently, he served as president of OptumCare, which is owned by UnitedHealth Group and also owns DaVita Medical Group.
“Jim is an accomplished healthcare leader with a passion for improving our healthcare system,” Pete Stavros, co-head of Americas private equity at KKR and a member of Envision’s board, said in a statement. “He has a proven track record of transforming provider organizations by improving clinical outcomes, partnering effectively with physicians and promoting innovative value-based care models. We are confident that Jim brings the strategic vision and operational focus needed to accelerate our transformation efforts.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."