GRIPA

About GRIPA: Collaborative partnership between physicians and hospitals that provides an integrated health care network.

Rank on Top 100: 55

Top Executive: Gregg Coughlin

Employees: 38

Website: www.gripa.org

We asked Gregg Coughlin, president, to talk about his business.

Question: Tell me briefly about GRIPA.
Coughlin: The Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association is a partnership of physicians and hospitals in Monroe and Wayne Counties. GRIPA has more than 600 members; it includes Rochester General Hospital and Rochester General Physicians Organization, Newark Wayne Community Hospital and the Wayne County Physicians Organization. GRIPA is a national model for physician/hospital partnerships.

Question: Where are most of your clients based?
Coughlin: We work with physicians, hospitals and insurers predominantly based in Western New York.

Question: How has your company sustained continual growth?
Coughlin: GRIPA has sustained growth over the years because of product diversification and continuous internal process improvement in Medical Management enabling us to better serve the needs of our partners and the community.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be recognized by the Rochester Business Alliance as one of Rochester's Top 100 Companies?
Coughlin: It is a great honor for us to be recognized by the Rochester Business Alliance as a Rochester Top 100 Company for the past three years. This recognition has given us more visibility in the community and enabled us to be a voice for quality health care in our community.

Question: What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Coughlin: We applaud the Rochester Business Alliance for bringing the members of the business community together for the common good. We would like to see even more networking opportunities for our partners and customers.

Question: What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?
Coughlin: There are several signs of optimism in the local economy. The health care systems in our community are financially sound and in a position to further expand their services to better serve out of area patients. Our local university and colleges are excellent and growing. Our school district ratings are also encouraging.

Question: What advice do you have for other companies trying to improve the quality of health care?
Coughlin: It's good practice for businesses to offer their employees some preventive and/or wellness programs like the recent "eat well. live well." program sponsored by Wegmans. Businesses should also explore all alternative programs offered by their insurers and demand accountability for premium increases.