Dr. Marc Lato
Board-Certified Family Physician | Physician Executive
Dr. Lato is a board-certified family physician with over 21 years of primary care experience and two decades as a medical director and physician executive. His leadership spans various healthcare sectors, including private practice, insurance, Medicaid, and hospital administration.
His career includes:
Blue Cross Blue Shield – 5 years of leadership while maintaining his clinical practice.
Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) – 12 years of service improving healthcare access and efficiency.
St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center (Dignity Health) – Over 6 years enhancing patient care and hospital operations.
SCAN Health Plan (Arizona Long Term Care System – ALTCS) – Led a startup initiative focused on senior and long-term care.
Medicare Special Needs & Advantage Plans – Over 4 years developing and managing specialized healthcare programs.
Leadership & Achievements
Dr. Lato has spearheaded initiatives that have significantly improved healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency. His accomplishments include:
Reducing hospital utilization through strategic remote and on-site reviews backed by Milliman guidelines.
Decreasing skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays with evidence-based telephonic nurse reviews.
Enhancing patient outcomes through collaboration with professional groups, hospitalists, and care facilities.
Leading care transitions and readmission reduction programs to improve patient-centered hospital experiences.
Developing innovative programs such as ACTIVATE, a post-acute care transition model, and forging partnerships with Hospice of the Valley (HOV), Banner Geriatric Fellowship, home care physician groups, and SNF hospitalist teams.
Education & Recognition
Dr. Lato earned both his BA and MD from the University of Arizona and completed his Family Practice residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center. He is board-certified in Family Medicine and has been recognized for his excellence in patient care and medical education:
Twice named Top Family Doctor by Phoenix Magazine
Recipient of the Program Director’s Teaching Award at St. Joseph’s Hospital
2016 Phoenix Business Journal Health Care Hero Innovator Nominee
