Important Issues & Priorities

As a large non-profit, nondenominational health system, the UnityPoint Health network of Disproportionate Share Hospitals, Sole Community Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics provide vital access to health care services. The 340B Drug Pricing Program has served as a critical federal resource for our safety-net providers and the patients we serve in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

UnityPoint Health SUPPORTS efforts to ensure safety net hospitals and their patients benefit from the 340B program. This includes urging HHS action on drug manufacturers unlawfully restricting access to 340B-priced medications at contract pharmacies and maintaining the program as a discount model.

340B Impact Statements – Summer 2024

• Anamosa
• Cedar Rapids
• Des Moines
• Fort Dodge
• Madison
• Quad Cities – Iowa
• Quad Cities – Illinois
• Sioux City
• Waterloo

Rural Health Clinic Telehealth – “At UnityPoint Health, we pride ourselves on being able to serve our patients in a way that puts quality and accessibility at the forefront of their care. Using technology to transform how we reach and treat those who live in our rural communities is critical to our mission to improve access, outcomes and meet the needs of our patients—no matter where they live.” ~ Dave Williams, MD, Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer UnityPoint Health and President & CEO UnityPoint Clinic.

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Telehealth has made a difference for many patients by providing safe access to high-quality care. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits at UnityPoint Health have increased by 2,499 percent and include settings such as homes, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and more. For UnityPoint Clinic, virtual care has demonstrated cost savings by getting patients to the right level of care at the right time. With a 96 percent average patient satisfaction rate, access to telehealth services is evolving from a nicety to a necessity. As a health care delivery tool, telehealth is now an option patients will continue to desire and expect. Telehealth technology maintains the quality of care for patients, makes practicing in urban and rural areas more attractive, and provides added financial sustainability for health systems and the services they provide.

Telehealth Delivers Needed Access with High-Quality Care

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Enhancing Health Care

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Dr. Shriram Lokare, a native of India and a board-certified Rheumatologist serving patients in the Peoria, Illinois and surround communities, shares his personal story of caring for UnityPoint Health patients and the need for Congress to pass S.1024, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act.

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Dr. Ratna Priya Gangi, a native of India and a board-certified Cardiologist serving patients in West Des Moines, Iowa shares her personal story of caring for UnityPoint Health patients and the need for Congress to support immigrant workforce resilience.

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Dr. Vijaya Gogineni, a native of India and a board-certified Pulmonary and Critical Care physician for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, shares his personal story of caring for COVID-19 patients and the need for Congress to support immigrant workforce resilience.

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Dr. Vara Ponnada, a native of India and a board-certified internal medicine physician for UnityPoint Health – Waterloo, shares her personal story of caring for patients in the Cedar Valley and the need for Congress to support immigrant workforce resilience.

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