Vantage celebrates 40 years
By Chloe Forbes Meadville Tribune
What began as a wish for local hospitals to take charge of their future has developed into a comprehensive health care partnership over the past 40 years. Vantage Healthcare Network is celebrating four decades of service this weekend, and it all begins in 1985.
In 1983, Pennsylvania hospitals were preparing for a new Medicare payment system whereby hospitals would be paid by service instead of according to their costs. Medicare represented about 50 percent of all clients at the time, so it was a major change. At the same time, the federal government implemented legislation that encouraged Health Maintenance Organizations, which would contract with a few hospitals in return for a substantial discount.
To afford these changes, several hospitals in the northwest region formed Vantage as their own network.
“Vantage began with a fundamental decision by the founding hospitals to take charge of their future,” said CEO Adam Nelson. “The group proclaimed a mission of cost containment, shared services and new technology that could be mobile and lower their operating costs.”
Those hospitals have remained the current owners, today, too: Allegheny Health Network’s St. Vincent, Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), LECOM Corry Memorial Hospital, LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion, Meadville Medical Center and Titusville Area Hospital.
It started with just three employees, focused on improving patient care and managing costs. Over the years, it has expanded its services, and by 2007, it had grown to include over 280 full-time employees and 12 for-profit companies under its umbrella.
These companies provided a range of services from laundry services to home infusion therapy, medical equipment stores, group purchasing, telecommunication services, home respiratory therapy and more.
“Today, Vantage continues to support health care institutions by providing quality services and adapting to the constantly changing healthcare environment,” Nelson said. “The organization remains committed to its core values of creativity, customer service, flexibility, truth and mutual respect, which have been pivotal to its success.”
Nelson said he sees Vantage’s role in the community as multifaceted. It provides a wide range of health care services and support to hospitals and health care institutions, which allows them to share resources, reduce costs and the improve quality of care they provide to their patients.
By offering shared services that help hospitals manage their operations more efficiently, they can deliver better health care to patients and their families.
“Vantage also plays a crucial role in bringing advanced healthcare technology to the community,” Nelson explained. “Through Vantage Mobile Services, hospitals can offer modern radiology, such as MRI and PET/CT scans to their patients. This ensures that patients have access to the latest medical advancements without having to travel long distances.”
Vantage is also a source of job opportunity and community empowerment. Since 2010, the Vantage Center on South Main Street has been home to Crawford County’s Toys for Tots organization, and it has sponsored local activities, clubs, schools, nonprofits and long-term care facility events in the community.
As Vantage sets its sights on the future, its looking forward to how it can use data and artificial intelligence services, hospital-to-home transportation, and other programs to enhance the care its partners can provide.
It is taking on new ventures with a new CEO at its helm as Nelson joined the Vantage family this year, bringing with him his global technology background with health care, life sciences and public sector experience.
It is also looking to expand its community involvement and bring the Vantage pledge to locations in central Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northwestern West Virginia and western Maryland.
“Our goal is to make Vantage a household name and employer of choice for rural communities throughout the region,” Nelson concluded.
Today, Vantage is celebrating its anniversary with a slew of activities from 3 to 7 p.m.
Justin Gray will perform from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and Chris Higbee will take the stage from 5 to 7. For children, there will be an obstacle course, face-painting, games and more. Vendors include The Salty Spa, Paws Hand Delivered Therapy Dogs, Horne Brothers Farm, Stefanelli’s Candies and many more. Confections of a Cake Lover, Cup n’ Spoon and Voodoo Brewing Company are among the food and beverage vendors for the afternoon and evening.
It will all take place at 1305 S. Main St., Meadville.