Jay P. LaBine, MD, appointed medical director at Priority Health

(Grand Rapids, Mich. - March 17, 2010) Priority Health announced today that Jay P. LaBine, M.D., has joined its staff as medical director. LaBine most recently served as chief of staff at St. Mary's Health Care in Grand Rapids.

In his new position, LaBine will work in the company's Medical Affairs department where he will be responsible for utilization management, reducing per capita costs and building provider relationships.

Prior to joining Priority Health, LaBine also served as chief of surgery and trauma director at St. Mary's Health Care. His experience as a surgeon will complement the expertise of the Priority Health medical staff, which includes pediatrics, family practice, internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice/palliative care and psychiatrics.

LaBine holds a bachelor's of science degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks. He also completed a fellowship in trauma and critical care at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center in San Diego.

About Priority Health:

Priority Health is an award-winning health plan nationally recognized for creating innovative solutions that impact health care costs while maximizing customer experience. It offers a broad portfolio of products for employer groups and individuals including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a nonprofit company, Priority Health serves more than 600,000 people and continues to be rated among the best health plans in the nation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.