The Daily Dose
It Takes a Village
Community Care Physicians – Capital Healthcare Associates
These days, it’s fairly uncommon to be employed by the same company for 40 years. But when you love your job as much as Dr. Ronald Musto does, it’s a no-brainer. Musto started his career in private practice at Capital Healthcare Associates (formerly Troy Internists) in 1982. Capital Healthcare Associates later became one of the first primary care practices to join Community Care Physicians in the mid-90s. He says a lot has changed in the four decades he has been practicing medicine, but his team’s commitment to patients has been steadfast.
“It takes a village. From the office managers to nurses, and everyone in between, we all truly enjoy taking care of patients. This is the culture that contributes to our success.”
Musto says technology has helped the practice become more efficient, particularly when it comes to following up with patients and closing gaps in care. Their computer systems let the nurses and doctors know when a patient has missed a key test or screening, such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, or vaccination.
“Our IT team has become a critical partner in the care we provide, supplying important data that our physicians are able to act upon. The way I see it, if you can measure and track health indicators, you have an opportunity to improve a patient’s health.”
Musto says technology has not only made it easier on his office staff, but his goal is to make life easier for patients. He sees a day in the very near future where patients are automatically scheduled for routine tests and screenings.
Looking ahead to the future, Dr. Musto worries about physician burnout. He says administrative tasks are driving many physicians out of practice. He also worries about the nation’s lack of investment in public health, pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of a nation lacking the infrastructure to manage such public health emergencies.
“We did not – and do not – have the infrastructure to handle this sort of thing. That needs to change.”
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP About the Author
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP, is president and CEO of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP), an award-winning, physician aligned, not-for-profit health plan based in Albany, NY. Bennett has held the position since 2008 after serving more than 10 years as chair, vice chair, and board member for CDPHP. During his tenure, CDPHP has been ranked among the top-performing health plans in New York and the nation, most recently named #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power Member Health Plan Study. Under his leadership, CDPHP has also become known as a model employer regionally and nationally and was recently named among the top five Best Companies to Work for in New York by the Society for Human Resource Management, as well as Forbes Best-in-State Employers 2022. Prior to joining CDPHP, Bennett served as founding member and CEO of Prime Care Physicians, PLLC. During his tenure, he co-led a team of 25 cardiologists and helped grow the practice to a 100-physician multi-specialty group. Bennett is board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialties in internal medicine and cardiology. He earned his medical degree at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a Bachelor of Science degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bennett completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians. Bennett is currently board chair for the Center for Economic Growth and the Capital Region Chamber, and vice chair for the Palace Theatre. Bennett also serves on the boards of the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Russell Sage Colleges. Bennett is a member of the New York Public Health and Health Planning Council where he helps shape decisions related to New York State's public health and health care delivery system. Well-known locally and nationally for advancing health care innovation, Bennett was recently named to Crain’s New York Business 2021 Notable in Health Care, as well as the Albany Business Review’s Power 50 list.
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