`Ohana Names Dr. Richard O. Banner State Medical Director
WAIPAHU, Hawai`i (April 12, 2011) – `Ohana Health Plan today announced that Richard O. Banner, M.D., has joined the company as the plan’s state medical director. Dr. Banner will oversee the clinical direction of medical services and quality improvement functions for `Ohana, reporting directly to `Ohana’s region president, Erhardt H.L. Preitauer.
“We are very pleased that Dr. Banner has joined `Ohana and is engaged in our mission to enhance our members’ health and quality of life,” said Erhardt H.L. Preitauer. "He has diligently served our state for decades, promoting the health of the people of Hawai`i, and we enthusiastically welcome his perspective.”
Dr. Banner has been practicing medicine since 1970 and is board certified in preventive medicine. He has treated patients of all ages as a general practitioner and emergency physician. Most recently, Dr. Banner served as the medical director for AlohaCare, where he was one of the organization’s founding leaders since the inception of the QUEST Program in 1994.
“`Ohana has had a positive impact on the health and well-being of its members and our communities throughout the islands,” said Dr. Banner. “I look forward to working with the `Ohana team, the members, providers and government clients to continue this work and promote healthier outcomes for the thousands of members whom we serve.”
Dr. Banner has also held clinical and administrative roles with several prominent providers in Hawai`i, including Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health Center and Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. He currently serves as the treasurer for Hawai`i Physicians for Compassionate Care and is a member of the Honolulu County Medical Society, Hawai`i Medical Association, American College of Physician Executives and American College of Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Banner earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed his residency in preventive medicine and also earned his Master of Public Health degree at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa School of Public Health.
Tracy H. Okubo
`Ohana Health Plan
808-497-2918
About `Ohana Health Plan
`Ohana Health Plan is a health plan offered by WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc., a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG). `Ohana Health Plan is one of two health plans awarded a contract to participate in QExA, which provides primary, acute and long-term care for Department of Health Services Medicaid clients in the aged, blind or disabled (ABD) population. `Ohana Health Plan's philosophy is to place members and their families at the center of the health care continuum. For more information about `Ohana Health Plan and its services, please visit www.ohanahealthplan.com.
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