Empath Health Company Profile

Background

Empath Health is a leading nonprofit, integrated network of care based in Florida, dedicated to providing comprehensive services for individuals facing chronic, advanced, and terminal illnesses, as well as those experiencing grief. Established in 1977 as Suncoast Hospice, the organization has evolved through strategic mergers, notably with Stratum Health System in 2021 and Trustbridge in 2024, to become the largest nonprofit post-acute care provider in Florida.

Mission: Unified in empathy, Empath Health serves communities through extraordinary Full Life Care for all.

Vision: To redefine healthcare as Full Life Care.

Values:

Eternally Hopeful: Inspiring empowerment and dignity at every life stage.

Profoundly Helpful: Providing unwavering support to all individuals.

Lovingly Truthful: Engaging in open and honest communication.

Confidently Skillful: Delivering unparalleled medical expertise.

Courageously Impactful: Advocating for needs and innovating healthcare solutions.

Key Strategic Focus

Empath Health's strategic focus centers on delivering a continuum of home- and community-based care services, including:

Hospice Care: Providing compassionate end-of-life care through affiliates such as Suncoast Hospice, Tidewell Hospice, and Empath Hospice.

Home Health Care: Offering medical services to patients in their homes.

Palliative Care: Managing symptoms and improving quality of life for those with serious illnesses.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Coordinating comprehensive care for older adults.

Adult Day Services: Providing daytime care and activities for adults.

Primary Care Services: Delivering medical care to patients of all ages.

The organization aims to expand its reach and enhance service delivery through strategic affiliations, such as the merger with Trustbridge, which extended its service area across Florida.

Financials and Funding

As of the latest available data, Empath Health reported annual revenues of approximately $293.6 million, supported by a workforce of around 2,000 employees. The organization's financial growth has been bolstered by strategic mergers and affiliations, including the 2024 affiliation with Trustbridge, which expanded its service capacity and operational scale.

Pipeline Development

Empath Health continually seeks to enhance and expand its service offerings. Recent developments include the approval to provide hospice services in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Florida, reflecting the organization's commitment to increasing access to care. Additionally, Empath Health is focusing on expanding its PACE programs, aiming to become the largest PACE provider in Florida with approximately 1,000 participants.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Empath Health leverages various technological platforms to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. The organization has invested in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other digital tools to standardize care models and support services across its affiliates. The "One Empath, One Hospice" initiative aims to unify care models and infrastructure, including EMR systems, to achieve better quality and financial outcomes.

Leadership Team

Jonathan D. Fleece – President and Chief Executive Officer

Appointed as CEO in January 2023, Fleece previously served as President of Empath Health and CEO of Tidewell Hospice. With a background as a healthcare attorney and consultant, he has been instrumental in strategic expansions and mergers within the organization.

Tarrah Lowry – Chief Operating Officer

Following the 2024 affiliation with Trustbridge, Lowry transitioned from Interim President of Trustbridge to COO of Empath Health, bringing extensive experience in hospice care and organizational leadership.

Leadership Changes

In January 2023, Jonathan D. Fleece succeeded Rafael J. Sciullo as President and CEO of Empath Health, following Sciullo's retirement. Fleece's appointment marked a strategic move to continue the organization's growth and service expansion.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The hospice and home-based care market in Florida is highly competitive, with a growing demand due to an aging population. In 2018, Florida ranked third nationwide for hospice utilization, with a rate of 57.9% among Medicare decedents. The state's senior population is projected to represent 32.5% of the overall population by 2030, indicating significant growth potential for hospice and palliative care services.

Competitor Analysis

Empath Health's primary competitors include other nonprofit and for-profit hospice and home health care providers in Florida, such as VNA Care, Hospice of Michigan, Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, and Care Dimensions. These organizations offer similar services, including hospice care, palliative care, and home health services, and compete for market share in overlapping service areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Empath Health has engaged in significant collaborations to enhance its service offerings and market position. The 2024 affiliation with Trustbridge expanded its service area and capacity, making it the largest nonprofit post-acute care organization in Florida. Additionally, Empath Health is part of the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Responsive Care Partners, collaborating with other post-acute care providers to improve care coordination and outcomes.

Operational Insights

Empath Health's strategic initiatives, such as the "One Empath, One Hospice" program, aim to standardize care models and infrastructure across affiliates, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality. The organization's focus on expanding home-based care services, including PACE programs and home health care, positions it to meet the growing demand for such services in Florida.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Empath Health is poised for continued growth through service diversification and geographic expansion. The organization plans to expand its PACE programs, aiming to become the largest PACE provider in Florida. Additionally, Empath Health is exploring value-based care models and risk-sharing arrangements to enhance financial sustainability and care quality.