Innovative Web Site Helps Patients Find Physicians

June 1, 2007, Chicago --- RPA formerly known as Ravenswood Physician Associates has launched their new web site to assist Chicagoland residents in finding the right physician that meets their needs out of the nearly 200 physicians in the RPA network.

"When someone needs a doctor they need a resource that can help them find one that specifically fits their needs," said Damon Morse, CEO of RPA. RPA's Guide To Local Area Physicians allows individuals to search by name, zip code, medical specialty, gender and/or hospital affiliation. Unlike most sites, the RPA site also allows individuals to search by the language spoken by the physician.

Once individuals pick a physician, they can link to the physician's own page and see the details of their practice. They will be able to see their specialty, what insurances they accept, language, education and their hospital affiliations. Individuals will also be able to see a photo of the physician, their office location as well as hours of operation and be able to link to a map for directions to the office.

"What makes our Guide To Local Area Physicians so user friendly is its interactivity," said Morse. "Individuals can search through our physicians by what is important to them. If they need a doctor that is close to them, they can search by location. If they want a woman for a doctor with a specific specialty, they can search by gender and specialty. Whatever their specific needs are, they can find a physician that is right for them."

For visually oriented site visitors, the site offers a map of the Chicagoland area that RPA services. The 51 RPA practices are color coded to show their specialty and their location is specified on a map of the 21 zip codes in the RPA system. Once a site visitor picks a physician at an office, they can link from that physician directly to the physician's own page and see the details of their practice.

RPA is a physician-owned corporation founded in 1985 and is one of the largest independent physician associations in the Chicagoland area. Their physicians are affiliated with a dozen hospitals throughout the city of Chicago and the suburbs. As one of the most ethnically diverse physician groups in Chicago, RPA physicians represent dozens of countries and speak more than 40 languages.

Awarded Blue Ribbon status by Blue Cross Blue Shield patients, RPA primary care physicians garner a 92.5% overall satisfaction rating as compared to the 90.7% network average for Blue Cross Blue Shield. They also have earned a 100% satisfaction rating for friendliness and courtesy in a Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Satisfaction Survey.

For further information on RPA write to Ravenswood Physician Associates, Inc. 4100 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60618, call them at 773-868-2000, email them at info@chicagolanddrs.com or visit their web site at www.chicagolanddrs.com.

Physicians Make Community Connections: RPA Launches Web Site, Speakers Bureau

July 1, 2002, Chicago --- Expanding its efforts to connect to the communities it serves, the Ravenswood Physician Associates, Inc. (RPA), one of Chicago's most successful independent physician associations (IPAs), has launched two major initiatives: a Web site to link individuals with neighborhood doctors and a speakers bureau to share valuable knowledge with community groups.

The RPA's Web site --- http://www.chicagolanddrs.com --- simplifies the doctor selection process through its "Find A Doctor" feature. Individuals may search for a doctor by language preference --- choosing from among 40 different languages spoken by RPA physician shareholders --- or by name or zip code. The site provides a comprehensive map of primary-care physicians' offices, a glossary of terms associated with managed care and a Diversity Center with links and information to encourage dialogue and respect between the diverse communities on Chicago's North Side.

"The RPA is committed to maintaining the great diversity of our physician shareholders so that they continue to reflect the diversity of our community," said RPA President and CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook . "It's important that we make it easy for our plan members to find doctors who speak their language --- in all respects. The Web page also is a marketing tool, making our shareholder physicians as accessible as possible to potential new patients."

With studies showing that more patients would prefer to communicate with their doctors using the Internet, future enhancements planned for the Web site include appointment scheduling, physician profiles and more extensive maps. The RPA also is developing a Web site for its physician shareholders exclusively to expedite referrals, claims processing and other administrative tasks.

To share medical expertise with its communities and provide more visibility for its physician shareholders, the RPA is launching a speakers bureau. To date, nearly 90 of the RPA's physician shareholders have committed to speak on topics including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, women's healthcare issues, stress, obesity, heart disease, skin problems and a wide range of specialties (a complete list is available upon request). Additionally, the participating doctors speak more than 20 different languages , enhancing their accessibility to a diverse selection of community groups.

As the first physician representing the RPA in this initiative, shareholder Dr. Sandra Swantek , a specialist in geriatric psychiatry, will address mental health issues for seniors at the Indo-American Center, 6328 N. California Ave. in Chicago, on Thursday, July 25, from noon to 1:00 p.m. This session is part of the Center's Senior Sangam Program, providing weekly seminars on health and wellness issues. For information, call 773-973-4444 or visit www.indoamerican.org.

The RPA is an independent physician association comprising more than 90 primary care physicians and 150 specialists. Founded in 1985, the RPA is based on Chicago's North Side and grew out of a need for physicians to manage their practices in order to guarantee the best possible patient care. Currently affiliated with Weiss Memorial Hospital and/or St. Francis Hospital, these physicians --- who handle more than 15,000 covered lives --- represent dozens of countries and speak more than 40 languages. According to a 2001 BlueCross Blue Shield of Illinois survey, patients gave RPA primary-care physicians an overall satisfaction rating averaging more than 96% in medical care, nursing staff and friendliness and courtesy. For more information, visit the RPA Web site at www.chicagolanddrs.com .

Independent Chicago Physicians' Group Embraces Diversity: New RPA Director To Focus on Community Needs

May 30, 2002, Chicago --- The Ravenswood Physician Associates, Inc. (RPA), one of Chicago's most successful independent practice associations (IPAs), has recognized that the diversity of its physician shareholders and their patients is one of its greatest strengths. To take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this asset, the RPA has appointed Maureen Sanderson to the newly created position of Director of Diversity.

The RPA is an independent corporation of 250 physicians encompassing more than 40 languages on the North side of Chicago --- which the 2000 U.S. Census revealed to be one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation. RPA President and CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook's strategy is to embrace this diversity and initiate community programs and services tailored to each niche within the RPA population spectrum.

Sanderson, who has worked with the RPA for three years, will recommend policies and execute corporate programs designed to accomplish diversity objectives and dissolve cultural barriers, thus ensuring the RPA's continued growth and success. She will provide training and consulting services to RPA staff and its physician/healthcare provider network and interface with patients, clients, and external organizations. In addition to developing and maintaining internal informational resources and measurement tools, she hopes to build strong coalitions with outside sources to promote dialogue and achieve goals.

Cook and the RPA management team believe that embracing diversity is just the first step in creating new ways to collaborate with the communities they serve. Sanderson, along with the RPA team, is targeting areas of concern and interest to both patients and doctors and then linking these individuals for their mutual benefit. She is planning a program for RPA staff to spark interest and awareness of diversity issues. As a first step, she announced the RPA's Diversity Initiative Vision Statement: "Our vision is to internalize the diversity of the shareholders whom we serve. In that process, we will relate to the diverse patient population that our shareholders serve."

"Insights into diversity will enhance our ability to deliver meaningful and sensitive healthcare to the neighborhoods we serve," Sanderson says. "We will develop programs and services to address particular needs of diverse groups --- based not only on ethnicity, but on gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other factors --- and cover a range of healthcare topics."

Sanderson, a native of Canada and citizen of the U.S., lived in Canada, England, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia and traveled extensively before settling in Chicago 12 years ago. She holds an M.A. in South Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Alberta (Canada). Her career included cross-cultural arts and education before she entered the international business arena, where she gained experience as a trans-cultural liaison and in training, communications, public relations, marketing, and international relocation.

"I love Chicago because of its rich diversity and cultural mosaic," says Sanderson. "I look forward to the challenge of fostering an understanding and appreciation of diversity, not only within the community served by the RPA, but also within the network of RPA healthcare providers and staff."

The RPA is an independent practice association comprising more than 90 primary care physicians and 150 specialists. Founded in 1985, the RPA is based on Chicago's North Side and grew out of a need for physicians to manage their practices in order to guarantee the best possible patient care. Currently affiliated with Weiss Memorial Hospital and/or St. Francis Hospital, these physicians --- who handle more than 15,000 covered lives --- represent dozens of countries and speak more than 40 languages. According to a 2001 BlueCross Blue Shield of Illinois survey, RPA doctors meet or exceed network averages in patient satisfaction. For more information, visit the RPA Web site at www.chicagolanddrs.com.

Training Session Equips Independent Chicago Physicians to Improve Practices: RPA Session Highlights Diversity, the Internet and HIPAA

May 30, 2002, Chicago --- The Ravenswood Physician Associates, Inc. (RPA), one of Chicago's most successful independent practice associations (IPAs), held an informative session on Wednesday, May 29, at the International Museum of Surgical Science. Dubbed "an RPA Training Camp," the RPA's goal was to help its physician shareholders stay current on important regulations, streamline their practices through technology, and ensure their future success by embracing their diversity.

Susan Goldberg from American Express Tax and Business Services and attorney Barbara Weiner, a health law specialist from Weiner and Eglit, Ltd., provided an overview of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portablity and Accountability Act, a law passed by Congress in 1996 to regulate billing transmission, protect patient privacy, and safeguard the confidentiality of patient information. Goldberg offered a work plan for physicians to meet HIPAA requirements and steps to address their practices' readiness for incorporating them. Weiner discussed the legal ramifications of noncompliance and reviewed which types of information may not be shared without patient consent. The presentation emphasized the advantages of compliance: not only is there a government mandate, but patients will expect it, insurers will demand it, and physicians who delay will lose their competitive edge.

Diversity --- which the RPA board of directors considers to be the corporation's most important asset -- was also on the agenda. The RPA's physician shareholders, who speak more than 40 languages, reflect the diversity of Chicago itself, revealed in the 2000 U.S. Census reports as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country.

Recently appointed to the new position of director of diversity for the RPA, Maureen Sanderson discussed Chicago's growing diversity during the past 10 years and how awareness of cultural, ethnic, religious, and other differences can help physicians grow their practices. Sanderson advised physicians to use this awareness to market the diversity of their own practices to attract new patients, learn more about their neighbors and practice partners, and thrive in this multi-cultural environment.

RPA President and CEO J. Wesley Cook, D.O., talked about the importance of the Internet. Cook noted that 90 percent of adults online want to communicate with their physicians online, including asking questions, making appointments, refilling prescriptions, and receiving test results. Using the Internet will allow physicians to streamline processes, improve communications between patients and staff, and increase marketing opportunities. Cook advised physicians that nine out of ten physicians now use computers in their practices. Shareholder physicians can use the RPA's new Web-based services to help them stay ahead.

Cook talked about the RPA's new Web site, www.chicagolanddrs.com, which will market and promote physician shareholders and provide them with greater access to current and potential patients. The RPA is also launching an internal Web site to facilitate various processes, including claims and referrals, for its physician shareholders only.

Finally, Cook announced several new RPA services to address issues that often are challenging to shareholder physicians with small practices:

-- Malpractice insurance: The RPA is negotiating a group rate with Classic Insurance to provide savings to shareholders on malpractice insurance premiums.
-- Universal credentialing: The RPA has simplified the time-consuming process of credentialing. Now physician shareholders need only complete the basic paperwork one time and provide updates as they renew licenses, insurance, and other documents. The RPA can then provide this information if physicians wish to establish new relationships with hospital partners or other industry groups.
-- Employee Assistance Program: The RPA has contracted with ComPsych to provide counseling in substance abuse, relationship issues, psychiatric problems, financial issues, and other concerns for its physician shareholders and their staffs.
-- Temporary employment services: The RPA has negotiated a contract with Proven Solutions, Inc., to provide temporary employees for physician shareholders. Proven Solutions, which shares the RPA's commitment to diversity, conducts background checks and drug screenings and keeps current resumes on file for various positions needed in a doctor's practice.

The RPA is an independent practice association comprising more than 90 primary care physicians and 150 specialists. Founded in 1985, the RPA is based on Chicago's North Side and grew out of a need for physicians to manage their practices in order to guarantee the best possible patient care. Currently affiliated with Weiss Memorial Hospital and/or St. Francis Hospital, these physicians --- who handle more than 15,000 covered lives --- represent dozens of countries and speak more than 40 languages. According to a 2001 BlueCross Blue Shield of Illinois survey, RPA doctors meet or exceed network averages in patient satisfaction. For more information, visit the RPA Web site at http://chicagolanddrs.com.

The RPA Celebrates Diversity, Growth, Elects New Leaders

October 11, 2001, Chicago --- The Ravenswood Physician Associates (RPA) celebrated their most successful year ever during the Annual Shareholders Meeting October 3, 2001, at the Omni Orrington Hotel in Evanston, Ill. More than 230 participating physicians have increased both the RPA's number of covered patient lives and their net revenue by nearly 50 percent.

RPA CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook (family practice) presented medical and financial data at the meeting documenting the organization's growth. He attributed the RPA's outstanding performance to three crucial components: the ethnic diversity of shareholder physicians; the independence of RPA physicians, which allows them to manage their own affairs; and the peer education process that is the linchpin of their network.

Dr. Cook said, "The latest U.S. Census data shows that Chicago is now one of the most diverse cities in the world. Because our members represent dozens of countries and speak more than 30 languages, they personally reflect the exciting growth and diversity on the city's North side. The RPA embraces the rich ethnic and cultural heritages represented by our physicians and the patients they serve."

According to Dr. Cook, maintaining their independence in an evolving managed care environment has given the RPA an advantage. Owned and operated by the shareholders, the RPA empowers every physician member to take responsibility for the organization's direction. "We've created a culture in which physician participation and education is key," Dr. Cook explained. "Concurrent peer reviews are the foundation of this model. Physicians guide each other to implement best medical practices --- improving directly the health of each patient --- while considering the best possible business practice." The RPA was founded on the principle that primary care physicians are in the best position to make decisions about the medical needs of their patients, while remaining aware that their practices must survive financially.

In addition to Dr. Cook's presentation, shareholders elected four members to their board of directors: Dr. Sanjay Amin (internal medicine), Dr. Henry Meisels (ophthalmology), Dr. Asad Redjai (cardiology) and Dr. Abraham Shoshoua (obstetrics/gynecology). They join current board members Dr. Antonio Barajas (family practice), Dr. Howard Clark Federer (general surgery), Dr. Juan Vargas (obstetrics/gynecology) and Dr. Cook. Dr. Bruce Blacker (internal medicine) joins the board as a nonvoting member.

At each annual meeting, the RPA staff recognizes someone who best exemplifies knowledge and dedication in the managed care environment. This year the RPA bestowed its Guinan Excellence in Managed Care Award on Shirley Baker, who works with RPA member Dr. Celso Del Mundo (family practice). Baker received a cash prize and will meet with RPA staff to help improve administrative practices.

The RPA is an independent practice association comprising 89 primary care physicians and more than 150 specialists. Founded in 1985, the RPA is based in Chicago and grew out of a need for physicians to manage their practices in order to guarantee the best possible patient care. The corporation handles more than 13,000 covered lives and is historically one of the best performers on the North side.

Weiss Physicians Join Ravenswood Physicians to Serve Chicago's North Side

April 25, 2001, Chicago --- In a move that strengthens healthcare delivery on Chicago's North Side, Ravenswood Physician Associates (RPA) will acquire the Louis A. Weiss Memorial Healthcare System's Physicians Hospital Organization (PHO) effective May 1, 2001.

This new union enables RPA physicians to serve residents of ten Chicago zip codes, including the neighborhoods of Ravenswood, Lakeview, Edgewater, Uptown, Andersonville, Rogers Park, and more. These two independent physician groups are merging to ensure they can continue delivering quality health services to these communities.

Despite the volatility of today's healthcare market, RPA physicians bring stability to the area by remaining independent. Studies have shown that independent practice associations (IPAs) like the RPA offer the best healthcare for patients and the most efficient use of the managed care system. Individual private practice physicians participate in the physician-run organization and improve access to benefits for patients by negotiating better industry rates and participating in a wider range of insurance plans.

RPA CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook emphasized how area physicians are remaining committed to their patients: "This union will be the only vehicle for independent physicians on Chicago's North Side to access health plan contracts while maintaining their independence. Weiss physicians gain more options to see patients under the patients' preferred plans. This merger protects the interests of patients in the community."

The RPA and University of Chicago Practice Plan (UCPP) --- former partner of the Weiss PHO --- are completing the transaction this week. Dr. Cook said: "This merger will not interfere in any way with patient care. We will facilitate a seamless transition for the Weiss PHO members to the RPA, with no break or termination of service." The RPA will assume risk and all incentive funds for the Weiss PHO covered lives effective May 1, 2001. The new entity will proceed under the RPA name.

The Ravenswood Physician Associates is an independent practice association comprising 52 primary care physicians and more than 100 specialists. Historically one of the best performers in the Advocate network, the corporation handles nearly 10,000 covered lives. Founded in 1985, the RPA is based in Chicago, IL, and grew out of a need for physicians to manage their practices in order to guarantee the best possible patient care.

Ravenswood Physicians Attract Offers from Four Area Hospitals

August 30, 2000, Chicago ---The Ravenswood Physician Associates (RPA) announce their plan to contract with one or more local hospitals. Four area hospitals have offered service contracts with the RPA.

Advocate Ravenswood Hospital Medical Center --- where RPA physicians have treated their patients for generations --- is undergoing substantial changes as a result of the merger with Illinois Masonic (announced August 22). The Ravenswood physicians who have worked in the community for many years are now seeking the best possible hospital partnerships in order to continue providing high-quality and complete healthcare services to area residents.

RPA CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook praises area physicians for their commitment:

We have been tremendously successful in our negotiations because of the strong commitment our shareholder physicians have to their patients and to the RPA," said RPA CEO Dr. J. Wesley Cook. "I am confident that we will make a smooth transition. We want to translate our strengths to new relationships with at least two hospitals on Chicago's north side. Our future as an IPA has never been better. And our patients will continue to receive personalized care from their primary care physicians and trusted specialists. The patients should be re-assured that their doctors can withstand these sweeping changes in the market when they stay together like they have in this situation.

The hospitals originally responded to a Request for Proposals from the RPA by submitting a proposal and a Partner Profile that outlined important services. In a special forum for RPA shareholders held last Wednesday, August 23, representatives from each of the following hospitals introduced their institutions and answered questions:

• Illinois Masonic Medical Center
• Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital
• Resurrection healthcare (including St. Francis Hospital)
• Catholic Health Partners-Northside (St. Joseph Hospital)

The RPA physicians will select their new hospital partners at their Annual Shareholders Meeting, September 20, 2000.

The Ravenswood Physician Associates is an independent practice association comprised of 43 primary care physicians and 110 specialists. One of the best performers in the Advocate network, the corporation handles 10,000 covered lives. Founded in 1993, the RPA is based in Chicago, IL, and grew out of need for physicians to manage their practice in order to guarantee the best possible patient care.