In this edition of "ask the expert," our providers weigh in on a wide range of topics, including toddler behavior, the importance of preventative care, and how to handle night sweats. 

Dignity Health Medical Group – Inland Empire has announced the appointment of Jose Arciniega, DO, as Medical Director. In this role, Dr. Arciniega will be responsible for development of medical policy that continues to prioritize patient-centered care, quality assurance, clinical practice guidelines, as well as physician recruitment and review.

Dignity Health and Propeller Health, a leading digital therapeutics company, announced the results of their new published, peer-reviewed study, which indicates that asthma-related emergency room visits declined by more than half for people who used connected, digital medicine to manage their disease.

Both Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic Medical Group have been awarded Elite Status from America's Physician Groups (APG), the nation's leading professional association for accountable physician groups. Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic Medical Group are two of just 87 organizations nationally to achieve Elite Status (the highest recognition) in 2018.

Mercy Medical Group has appointed Antonio “Ben” Balatbat, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). In this role, Dr. Balatbat will succeed Alan Ertle, MD who recently retired.

As CMO, Dr. Balatbat will oversee all aspects of clinical care delivery for MMG and provide strategic leadership to best position MMG in today’s evolving health care environment. He will be responsible for patient safety and satisfaction, quality clinical care, provider engagement and recruitment, performance, and growth.