Larry deGhetaldi, MD, former chief executive of Sutter Health’s Santa Cruz division, died August 10, 2024, at teh age of ⁤69, according to Lookout Santa Cruz. ​

Leadership at Sutter Health

Dr. deGhetaldi served as CEO of the ⁢Santa Cruz‍ division for 21 years, as ⁢reported by Lookout Santa Cruz.

Impact on Medicare Reimbursement

His work significantly contributed to the 2015⁣ congressional passage of the Medicare geographic payment fix, which ensured more accurate payments for California physicians and improved patient access‌ to care ‍statewide. ⁣ Dr.deGhetaldi ⁤was instrumental in creating the Medicare geographic practice cost index, a system that determines care​ costs based on regional variations, as‌ detailed by Lookout.

California Medical Association Involvement

Over four decades, Dr.deGhetaldi held numerous positions ⁢within the California Medical Association (CMA), including chairing the health reform and medicare reform technical advisory committees.

Career History

Following medical school, Dr. deGhetaldi returned to Santa Cruz in 1984 ​to‌ practice urgent care at Santa Cruz Medical Clinic. The clinic later joined Sutter Health in 1993. He retired in 2023, Lookout reported.

Colleagues’ Reflections

“Larry was an astonishing person to work with – he was brilliant, tenacious, and kind,” stephanie Connor Kent, CEO at Sutter maternity & Surgery Centre in Santa Cruz,​ said in a statement‌ shared with Becker’s on ⁣August 22, 2024. “He channeled his competitiveness to improve healthcare quality throughout the region. His curiosity challenged the status quo and prompted us to ⁣take⁤ action to​ improve access and equity in health outcomes.His advocacy across the region,state,and nation improved funding for care in our ⁢area.”