New quality official announced for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center

Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, a health clinic based in Kansas City, Mo., said Thursday it has taken steps to boost its efficiency.

Among the changes, according to a news release, is the naming of Linda Zimmerschied as CEO for quality and clinical services. She is currently director of quality.

Other changes include strategies to reduce no-shows, improve appointment scheduling and increasing appointment slots.

“We took a critical look at the needs of our organization in conjunction with the new health care environment that exists today,” CEO Hilda Fuentes said in the release, “noting that we had to be more productive and efficient while also reducing the cost of providing services to our patients.”

The center also announced that Joe Valenciano has taken over as chairman of the board. He succeeds Ralph Johnson, who has served as the chairman for the past six years. Johnson remains on the board.

Major Funding for Health coverage on KCPT provided by Assurant Employee Benefits and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.