Hoboken-based Vytalize Health on Monday announced it welcomed Michael Ruiz de Somocurcio as the new president of the Independent Physician Association of New York, which was acquired by Vytalize Health in 2023 and whose region includes New Jersey.
The multi-specialty IPA is one of the largest in the country, with a network of over 3,000 providers.
Ruiz de Somocurcio brings more than 20-plus years of health care leadership experience working on both the health plan and provider side in developing innovative and collaborative solutions to improve the overall health care delivery system. He joins from Aetna, a CVS Health company, where he served as chief network and operations officer of Aetna’s New York and New Jersey markets, with over 3 million members and over $20 billion in annual spend.
Ruiz de Somocurcio was responsible for developing the overall network strategy, management of medical costs, creation of new products and value-based care initiatives. Prior to Aetna, he was vice president of network strategy for Regional Cancer Care Associates, a multistate oncology group, where he was brought in to lead practice transformation efforts and health plan strategy. While there, RCCA signed the most value-based care deals in oncology in the country.
“For value-based care to be successful at scale, its principles must be applied across the entire patient journey: from primary care to specialty care to the hospital and back again. Michael’s deep expertise in network development, provider relations and community care makes him the perfect leader for IPA N.Y.’s collaborative value-based care future. We’re thrilled to welcome him on board,” Faris Ghawi, co-founder and CEO of Vytalize Health, said.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join this impressive, industry-leading organization,” Ruiz de Somocurcio said. “Vytalize Health has built a rich, connected community of care across the tri-state area, where specialists and PCPs work together to foster better outcomes in an environment where patients remain at the center of an informed, empowered and efficient care team. I look forward to building on this success and providing a model for the rest of the country to follow.”
Vytalize acquired a majority interest in physician-led IPA N.Y. last April through an investment in Practice Management of America. In the past year, Vytalize has dramatically increased its provider network footprint in the tri-state by offering flexible options and innovative clinical and financial incentives that align all members of the health care continuum to improve patient outcomes while lowering the overall cost of care.
“Working with Vytalize Health, we have a robust network and innovative technology that makes it easier to collaborate with hospitals and specialty groups that are committed to the same high standards of holistic, quality care. We’re improving outcomes while addressing health care costs and providing equitable care for at-risk populations. It’s a truly rewarding experience,” Dr. Bobby Chandok, IPA N.Y. member and physician adviser said.
