Avanza + MedHQ Names Stacy LaLonde Vice President of Payer Contracting

Managed care veteran to lead ASC payer strategy

WESTCHESTER, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avanza + MedHQ, a leading provider of advisory, management, and administrative solutions to hospitals and health systems, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), outpatient care providers, and physicians throughout the United States, has added Stacy LaLonde as Vice President of Payer Contracting.

LaLonde joins as Avanza + MedHQ strengthens its integrated service delivery platform, which pairs non-equity management with the critical functions needed to run ambulatory networks at scale. Payer contracting is one of those functions and is included in the company's management engagements, available as an add-on to Avanza + MedHQ revenue cycle management, or offered as a standalone service.

LaLonde brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience in managed care, payer strategy, reimbursement analytics, and ASC growth. She has worked with health systems and ASCs across the country to develop and execute contracting initiatives. Prior to joining Avanza + MedHQ, she held roles with Compass Surgical Partners, Surgical Management Professionals, Atlas Healthcare Partners, and Surgical Care Affiliates.

"Managed care contracts have a direct effect on an organization's financial performance, and our clients need an advocate who understands how payers operate and how surgical services are delivered," said Steve Mason, President and Chief Operating Officer of Avanza + MedHQ. "Stacy's depth of knowledge in payment models and contracting strategy will help us create greater value for the facilities we serve as we continue to expand our capabilities."

As Vice President of Payer Contracting, LaLonde will lead ASC managed care strategy for Avanza + MedHQ. In this area, she will provide guidance on payment models, contracting approaches across payer types, and market dynamics that affect reimbursement.

"Negotiating effective payer contracts requires a clear picture of a provider's case mix, costs, and position in its market," said LaLonde. "At Avanza + MedHQ, contracting sits alongside management, revenue cycle, and accounting, so we see that picture in detail for the organizations we work with, which was a big part of what drew me here. My focus is on using that insight to secure agreements that support the long-term financial health of our clients."

LaLonde's appointment follows Avanza + MedHQ's acquisition of Fulcrum Strategies, a payer contracting firm founded by Ron Howrigon. She will work alongside Howrigon, who focuses on the physician side, to provide a comprehensive approach to ASC and physician payer relations.

LaLonde holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Michigan Technological University.

About Avanza + MedHQ

Avanza + MedHQ is a healthcare services organization providing management, advisory, and administrative solutions to ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, and healthcare systems nationwide. The company offers full-service ASC and physician practice management as well as standalone services in areas including revenue cycle management, human resources, and payer contracting. The organization also delivers independent development and advisory services, from site feasibility and transaction support to growth planning and optimization. Engagements are structured as non-equity partnerships, with providers retaining full ownership and governance of their organizations. Learn more at medhq.com.