JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Hospital Association has honored Q. Michael Ditmore, M.D., with its Health Policy Leadership Award for his efficient and effective leadership in administering government health care policies.
The award was presented Thursday, Nov. 8, during an awards luncheon at the Missouri Hospital Association’s 85th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Osage Beach, Mo.
“Michael has been a champion in improving the management of state and federal health programs,” said Marc D. Smith, MHA president. “His knowledge of medical care and commitment to best practices were essential in developing federal agreements for hospital trauma and emergency care. Michael’s knowledge was instrumental in shaping the replacement for Missouri’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet.”
The Health Policy Leadership Award is designed to recognize policymakers who have taken a leadership role in changing government policy to improve operation of the health care system. Before his retirement in 2006, Ditmore was director of the Missouri Department of Social Services’ Division of Medical Services.
During his tenure at the DSS, Ditmore worked closely with MHA staff to win approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for new federal Medicaid funding for hospital trauma and emergency care. His advocacy of disease management for the chronically ill and innovative pharmacy and case management systems directly improved the efficacy of treatment for Medicaid enrollees. Many of the systems developed under his leadership at the division are reflected in the MO HealthNet program.
Before his service with the DSS, Ditmore retired from private practice as a neurosurgeon in 2004. A native of Neosho, Mo., now residing in Rocheport, Mo., he received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City and served as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon from 1970 to 1973.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 145 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers programs to educate the public about current health care issues.
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