New CEO Anthony Mollica Leads Upstream Rehabilitation Amid Expanding Outpatient Services in Birmingham

New CEO Takes the Helm at Upstream Rehabilitation in Birmingham

Birmingham has a lot to celebrate with the recent announcement from Upstream Rehabilitation. The company, which is known for its focus on outpatient physical and occupational therapy, has appointed Anthony Mollica as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

A Leader with Experience

Mollica is no stranger to healthcare leadership, having previously served as the CEO of Paragon Healthcare Inc. and the president of Amedisys, a major national provider of home health and hospice services. According to Dave Van Name, the founder and senior adviser to Upstream’s board of directors, Mollica’s extensive background in various healthcare sectors, including pharmacy, palliative care, senior living, and hospice services, positions him well to lead Upstream through the evolving healthcare landscape.

“Anthony’s dynamic background will also bolster our agility and responsiveness amidst an evolving industry landscape,” Van Name noted, highlighting the importance of Mollica’s diverse experiences in advancing the company’s mission.

Upstream Rehabilitation’s Reach

Upstream operates over 1,200 outpatient rehabilitation clinics across 28 states and employs more than 8,000 people. This year, they anticipate nearly 8 million patient visits. Impressively, around 7,400 of those employees are dedicated specifically to direct patient care, which underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the community.

Mollica expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “My leadership approach is driven by my fundamental understanding of and lifelong commitment to direct patient care.” His statement hints at his intention to keep patient well-being at the forefront of Upstream’s operational strategies.

The Shift to Outpatient Services

The appointment of Mollica comes at a time when many healthcare practices are transitioning towards outpatient services. This shift is notable as it allows clinics to provide care at lower costs while increasing access to medical technologies. These changes have fueled a rise in both general and specialty outpatient ambulatory surgery centers nationally and in our local community.

New Healthcare Facilities on the Horizon

In alignment with this trend, significant developments are underway in the Birmingham area. In January 2024, the Hoover Health Care Authority submitted a Certificate of Need application to the State Health Planning and Development Agency for the establishment of an ambulatory surgical center and diagnostic facility.

This facility is planned to occupy a 90-acre tract located near Riverchase Parkway. It is set to become a cornerstone of the newly formed Hoover Health Care District, as part of the ongoing development of the Riverwalk Health & Wellness Village.

Moreover, there’s collaboration on the horizon as Birmingham Heart Clinic teams up with Ascension St. Vincent’s to launch a specialty cardiovascular ambulatory surgical center on St. Vincent’s East Hospital campus. With Birmingham Heart holding majority ownership, this partnership highlights the continued expansion of specialized outpatient services aimed at improving patient care in the region.

Looking Ahead

As Upstream Rehabilitation welcomes its new CEO and changes unfold in the healthcare landscape, it will be interesting to see how these developments impact patient care and service delivery in Birmingham. The focus on outpatient facilities promises a brighter future for local residents seeking healthcare options that are both effective and accessible.

In summary, Birmingham is on the cusp of exciting healthcare advancements, marked by leadership changes and new facilities aimed at enhancing service provisions in the community.