Cleveland Clinic's 5-Year Plan Looks to Double Number of Patients

The health system served more than 2 million patients in 2018, the highest annual total in its history, but CEO Tom Mihaljevic says it has a 'moral obligation' to serve even more.

Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, this week unveiled a strategic plan to double the number of patients served by the renowned health system over the next five years.

"We will stay true to who we are—working as a team with the patient at the center of everything we do," Mihaljevic said in a State of the Clinic address that wraps up his first year as CEO and president.

"We will care for patients and families across their lifetimes, with proactive care, supported with the very best of digital technology," he said. "And we will grow and double the number of patients we serve over the next five years."

Mihaljevic said Cleveland Clinic has a "moral obligation" to expand it services to as many patients as possible.

"Last year, we cared for over 2 million patients—more than ever before," he said. "Despite adding more facilities and more caregivers, we barely made a dent in demand for our services."

"We can't take this demand for granted. It's our moral obligation to open our doors as wide as possible for those in need," he said.

Among the successes in Mihaljevic's first year as CEO:

• Cleveland Clinic cared for more than 2 million patients in 2018, the highest annual total in its history.
   
• The 16-hospital health system saw operating revenue increased 6.2% to $8.9 billion.
   
• Contributions to state and local economies—in the form of jobs, wages and taxes—totaled $17.8 billion, according to Cleveland Clinic estimates.
   
• The heart and urology programs were ranked No. 1 in the nation by US News & World Report.
   
• The Cleveland Clinic footprint expanded—in Northeast Ohio, with the addition of Union Hospital in Dover and the opening of Cleveland Clinic Children's new home; and in Florida, with the addition of four hospitals in 2019.

In 2019, Mihaljevic said Cleveland Clinic will continue to focus on care priorities it introduced last year for patients, caregivers, communities, and the health system itself.