Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> September 23, 1998
JAMES F. RIOPELLE, M.D. is the Chairman/CEO of GeriMed of America, Inc.,
a Denver-based corporation formed to manage the healthcare of Medicare
beneficiaries. The foundation of GeriMed's healthcare delivery system is
the 'MedWise Center' which uses an interdisciplinary team led by a
Geriatrician to provide comprehensive and cost effective primary care
services for the 65+ patient. GeriMed currently operates 24 MedWise
Centers in seven states (New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon, California,
Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana and Florida). Dr. Riopelle was the
first full time Medical Director of Qual-Med, Inc. (now Foundation
Health Services), joining that organization when revenues were $12
million per year. He also served on Qual-Med's Board of Directors, as
President of the Denver Service Area, and as Southwest Regional Vice
President of Medical Affairs and Southwest Regional Vice President of
Operations. When he left, Qual-Med was publicly traded and had revenues
greater than $300 million with $28 million pre-tax profits. He has also
held executive positions with CompreCare, Inc., a large IPA type HMO
(now part of PacifiCare), and Complete Health in Birmingham, Alabama
(now part of United Healthcare). Dr. Riopelle has previously served as
the Chairman of the Forum on Entrepreneurship of the American College of
Physician Executives (ACPE) and is Board Certified by that organization.
In addition, Dr. Riopelle serves on the boards of the Alzheimer's
Association Rocky Mountain Chapter and Rainbow Bridge. Dr. Riopelle
served on the Board of Girls Incorporated from 1993 to 1997. Profile
that you anticipate in your sector of the health care market over the
next several years?
Dr. Riopelle: Just as
