Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Patti DeWane, CFO and Treasurer of UW Health Northern Illinois
Nov 27, 2025
Patti DeWane shares insights on the pressing challenges in healthcare, from workforce shortages to rising technology costs. She discusses the impact of regulatory changes and the escalating risks of cybersecurity. Excitingly, Patti reveals how acquiring an ambulatory surgery center enhances coordinated care and patient referrals. The conversation also highlights their growth strategy, focusing on expanding specialty services like gastroenterology and orthopedics to keep care local. Tune in for a blend of industry trends and innovative solutions!
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Evolving CFO Role Into Operations
- After joining UW Health in 2015, DeWane shifted many functions like revenue cycle and compliance to system-level leadership.
- She expanded into operations, leading pharmacy and the ambulatory surgery center for Northern Illinois.
Limit Costly Premium Labor Use
- Avoid overreliance on premium contract labor when staffing is tight because it severely pressures margins.
- Use targeted overtime sparingly and focus on recruiting for hard-to-fill roles like MRI and pharmacy techs.
Costs, Workforce And AI Are Linked
- Financial pressure, workforce shortages and AI costs are tightly interrelated and shape strategic choices.
- Patti DeWane worries AI must produce clear ROI to justify replacing expensive labor and tech investments.