Dr. Csaba Mera Named Regence Deputy Chief Medical Officer & Appointed to Oregon Patient Safety Commission

PORTLAND, Ore., April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  Regence is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Csaba Mera to the position of deputy chief medical officer. At the same time Dr. Mera has been appointed by the State of Oregon to the Oregon Patient Safety Commission.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130409/SF91451)

Deputy Chief Medical Director
With a strong commitment to the improved health of Regence members, Dr. Mera has been charged with leading Regence's team of executive medical directors in Idaho, Utah and Washington, while maintaining his current role as the executive medical director of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.

Regence's executive medical directors play a key role in establishing medical policy, improving quality health outcomes and lowering medical costs for Regence members. Dr. Mera's 25 years as a clinician coupled with nearly 20 years as a physician executive allows him a deep understanding of the total health care equation, to innovate and problem solve to the benefit of Regence members. Dr. Mera will report to Regence senior vice president of Health Care Services and chief medical officer, Dr. Richard Popiel.

"Dr. Mera's track record of improving the health of Regence members is clear. He's a committed partner, working with doctors, hospitals, and patients to find new and innovative ways to deliver care that keeps our members healthy, while reducing costs at the same time," said Dr. Popiel.

Oregon Patient Safety Commission
It's this same dedication to quality care that led the state of Oregon to appoint Dr. Mera to the Oregon Patient Safety Commission. Working alongside leading doctors, nurses, educators and consumer advocates, Dr. Mera will partner to deliver on the Commission's goals of reducing preventable harm, implementing evidence-based best practices, and empowering providers and patients to achieve patient-centered care.

"In my current role with Regence, I am our members' chief advocate with providers. Our members expect that when they visit a doctor or hospital that they're receiving the best possible treatment," said Dr. Mera. "I'm eager to bring that same voice on behalf all Oregonians who demand and expect safe and effective care."

About Regence affiliated companies
The Regence affiliated companies serve more than two million members through Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Each health plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit http://www.regence.com or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE Regence