Kristy A. Yohey was motivated early on to choose health care as her life’s work. She was driven in part by caring for her younger brother, who had various health issues, requiring her to frequently travel two and a half hours each way to the nearest medical facility for his treatment. Fast forward to today, Dr. Yohey, a formidable health care executive with more than two decades in the field, is the chief executive officer of Innovate Healthcare Consulting, providing her expertise in the development and execution of value-based care programs with a focus on cost optimization and quality improvement.
Having earned widespread respect and recognition in her industry, Dr. Yohey was vice president of provider cost solutions at Highmark Health in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Previously, she was the vice president of market development at Integrated Home Care Services Inc. Her career journey started in 2001 at Geisinger, where, during her long tenure, she rose through a succession of roles as director of strategic partnerships, director of surgery operations, manager of graduate medical education, supervisor within the revenue cycle, and other vital operational positions. Dr. Yohey is well-known in professional and personal circles for her boldness and her ability to navigate uncomfortable conversations with ease. Her integrity and honesty also set her apart.
As a leader, Dr Yohey strives to demonstrate compassion and build strong connections with people. Also, perennially staying abreast of and contributing to developments in her profession, she has held memberships in key, relevant organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives and America’s Health Insurance Plans. For her many ongoing achievements, she credits the unconditional love and support of her husband as well as her colleagues, mentors, and educators. Just as important, Dr. Yohey ascribes her success to understanding the importance of being genuine and resilient despite the abuse she remembers suffering from a trusted family member early in her life. Emerging triumphantly as a survivor, she believes she is where she is meant to be and that “the good Lord” has purposefully placed her in spaces of accomplishment, knowing her strength.
Laying an impressive and solid educational foundation for herself, Dr. Yohey holds a doctorate in health care administration focused on quality and health care analytics from Capella University, a master’s degree in health sciences specializing in health care administration from Saint Francis University, and a Bachelor of Science in health care administration from Misericordia University. Moreover, Dr. Yohey earned certifications as a commissioned notary public from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. All of these high academic achievements were realized, however, only after she began her career as a medical records clerk, working the second shift. Although she had a full academic scholarship when she graduated from high school, she chose to let it go, thinking she knew better. Thus, she decided to work instead. After those few years under her belt in the health care industry, she found her niche and decided to pursue a college education.
Away from work, Dr. Yohey enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and scuba diving. She cherishes her family, including her niece and nephew. Further, she is deeply involved in civic endeavors, illustrating her desire to give back to society by volunteering with community and faith-based groups. As a lover of animals, she also gives her time to local animal shelters and proudly has a dog, a rabbit, and 19 cats.
Pondering the future, Dr. Yohey is in discussions with a publisher about her plan to write a memoir. The book will delve into the emotional and psychological challenges she has faced and offer powerful and insightful perspectives that hopefully will help individuals who read it.