Steve Cruze

Diversified and accomplished military leader, served the U.S. Army for 21 years, retired Master Sergeant. Accomplished healthcare executive with extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and operations.

Competent administrator with working knowledge across clinical, administrative and financial domains. Adept in making decisions; served as President for state Medical Group Management Association. Excellent organizational skills, trained Franklin Covey Time Mgmt Facilitator for U.S.

Army. Versed in computer systems software (MS Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, email). Exceptional problem solver and detail oriented, trained yellow belt in Lean Six Sigma. Able to work under stressful conditions, qualified Army Battle Staff Manager, Combat veteran.

Experienced staff trainer, Certified Instructor/Writer for the U.S.

Army Medical

Department.

Chief Operating Officer at Premier Surgical Associates, PLLC (2016-03 – Present)

Responsible for the overall operations of a $50 million Medical Practice to include 9 clinics in the East Tennessee Region, 52 total providers, and over 190 employees. Directly mentors 10 clinic/department managers ensuring they have the resources and guidance to drive growth, efficiency, and topline revenue. Bring boardroom readiness, operational expertise, and community-minded approach to leadership.

• Updated, expanded or relocated 5 office locations, facilitated the construction, accreditation and oversight of an Ambulatory Surgery Center expansion project.
• Implemented new electronic health record and practice management system for the company.
• Created financial and productivity reporting tools for departmental managers resulting in increased productivity and improved control of budgets and operational KPI's. Maintained consistent success in the areas of AR, access to care, and patient satisfaction scores.

Site Clinic Manager at Premier Surgical Associates, PLLC (2011-10 – 2016-03)

Responsible for directing, supervising and coordinating 17 staff and activities at remote clinic sites for 8 surgeons to provide quality, cost effective care. Develops and implements common clinical operational policies and procedures for patient flow, staff efficiency, records, publications, scheduling and billing processes.

• Implemented effective processes to reach "Meaningful Use" standards resulting in three successful attestations and full EHR Incentive Payment for 8 established providers.
• Developed clinical policies in preparation for medical office risk evaluation; efforts resulted in achieving 13% discount off physician premiums from State Volunteer Malpractice Insurance Co.
• Nominated to serve on the leadership board for the Knoxville Area Medical Group Management Association; Currently serves as Vice President.

Managed Care Division Operations Manager at USA MEDDAC, Fort Drum (2010-06 – 2011-09)

Responsible for supervising 20 personnel in daily operations for the Managed Care Division inclusive of referral management, debt collection, medical reports and health benefits for over 35,000 beneficiaries. Develops policies and procedures specific to referral management operations and key Labor Management Employee Relations (LMER) initiatives. Manages the division property book worth over $50K as well as a $400K operational budget.

Reviews all timecards and personnel utilization reports for the entire division. Exclusively manages the medical travel reimbursement program for 13,500 eligible beneficiaries.

• Lead 20 personnel in all aspects of Joint Commission Accreditation training requirements resulting in 100% compliance for the section.
• Meticulously managed the medical travel reimbursement program which resulted in the timely submission of over 100 claims with zero errors.
• Selected to serve as interim Command Sergeants Major based on ability to make difficult decisions.

Senior Brigade Medical Operations Manager at 10th MTN DIV, Fort Drum (2008-07 – 2010-05)

Responsible for directing, planning, and coordinating medical assets and operational support for five medical sections and one medical company. Advised all executive staff on medical evacuation operations, medical administrative reports, and medical readiness requirements. Developed training plans for medical sustainment requisites. Held responsible for the supervision, morale and welfare of nine subordinate military personnel.

• Established a highly effective health support system from ground zero, directed 13 outlying clinics which streamlined emergent care over two provinces in Afghanistan.
• Effectively managed over 500 MEDEVAC operations and confidently planned over 15 Combat Health Support missions contributing to a 4% decrease in Soldier died of wounds rate for FY09.
• Awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IX.
• Supervised medical readiness for an entire Army brigade contributing to a 90% readiness rate.

Senior Enlisted Advisor (First Sergeant) at USAHC, Bamberg (2005-07 – 2008-06)

Responsible for the operations, logistics, and training of the Bamberg Health Clinic which services 6,275 beneficiaries with an annual operating budget of $2.4 million. Evaluated 20 subordinate military personnel on their performance. Assessed the operational effectiveness of the organization.

Provided counsel in matters of military law, awards, and written evaluations. Made recommendations for improving work conditions and procedures. Monitored all training requirements. Managed the Emergency Management Plan for the entire facility to include force protection, medical response teams, and evacuation.

• Served as Patient Advocate, improved patient satisfaction by 6% by implementing an Employee Recognition and Incentives Program.
• Managed the Environment of Care Program for clinic resulting in 100% compliance which contributed to Joint Commission full accreditation.
• Increased access to care by expanding facilities to incorporate Medical Provider Augmentation Program resulting in a 12% increase in productivity and relative value units (RVU), the highest in the region.

Associate of Arts – University of Maryland University College

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health – Trident University