I am pleased to provide this letter of reference for Ed Spector, MD and Pegasus Emergency Group. Hunterdon Medical Center has held a contract with Pegasus since September 1996. The group has established high standards of performance and has consistently selected and credentialed physicians that are highly qualified and competent, resulting in high-quality patient care and service. Over the years, Hunterdon Medical Center experienced growth of Emergency Department visits by approximately 2% per annum, and we are anticipating patient visits to exceed 35,000 in 2010.
Patient satisfaction as measured by Press Ganey consistently ranks among the highest scoring hospitals in the nation and in New Jersey. Without compromising quality of care or patient satisfaction, Pegasus has optimized patient flow by managing length of stay within the department, optimized the admissions process, and engaged in the efficient use of ancillary resources. This has enabled the Emergency Department to function as a strong revenue center for the Medical Center. The number of patients that leave before receiving treatment or against medical advice is negligible: typically less than 1% of total visits.
Ed Spector, MD has been Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Hunterdon Medical Center and President of Pegasus since November 2004. He is highly regarded by members of the medical staff, administration and members of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Spector has served as a board member on both the Hunterdon Healthcare System and Hunterdon Medical Center Boards of Trustees, and also served on the Quality and Strategic Planning Committees.
We have been pleased with all aspects of our relationship with Ed Spector, MD and Pegasus over the past 13 years, and look forward to continuing our association for many years to come.