BREVARD PHYSICIANS NETWORK

BREVARD COUNT, FLORIDA – When Brenda Radke took over the helm as CEO of Brevard Physicians Network in July of last year, she brought an impressive background in almost all aspects of the health insurance field.

BRENDA RADKE took over the helm as CEO of Brevard Physicians Network in July of last year.

For almost two decades, Radke was immersed in some of the largest health care groups in the state, including Humana Health Care of Florida, Wellcare of Florida, United Healthcare of Florida and Accountable Health Plans.

She served as director of finance for Humana as well as the corporation’s director of wholly owned affiliated physicians clinics.

She was also regional director of provider operations for Care Plus, executive director of Wellcare of Florida, finance manager for United Healthcare and director of provider operations for Accountable Health Plans.

A Massachusetts Yankee, Radke moved to Brevard not because of the weather, but rather because of love.

“I met my husband while vacationing in Florida,” said Radke. “We married and moved to Orlando.”

When Alexandra arrived, Radke tried the stay-at-home-mom lifestyle, but soon chafed to get back to business. “I just wasn’t designed for it,” she said.

Fortunately, husband Barry decided to put on hold his career in advertising, freeing Radke to return to the healthcare world.

The Radkes moved to Brevard last year when Brenda assumed her new CEO role with BPN.

Transitioning from the world of insurance to the universe of physicians was easy for Radke.

“While I was in the insurance industry, I always had dealings with BPN,” she said. “I’ve known BPN for years and years, except that I was on the other side of the desk.”

While working for CarePlus, Radke met with the BPN board, who were so impressed with her understanding of the complexities of the insurance industry that they suggested she apply for the recently vacant CEO position.

“I was happy with my job, but I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to throw my hat in the ring,” said Radke.

She was thrilled with both getting the job and moving to Brevard. “We love it over here,” she said. “This is such a welcoming community.”

Since BPN is a not-for-profit entity, any profits the organization achieves must be distributed to charitable endeavors.

“Because BPN is not-for-profit, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know many charitable organizations in the area,” said Radke.

“It has given us an opportunity to get involved.”

Radke holds degrees in business administration and healthcare management and is currently preparing for coding and billing certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Her comprehensive experience in the field is, as a New Englander would put it, a “wicked” asset to Brevard Physicians Network.

“Spending so many years working for managed care and insurance companies, I know what motivates them and what their expectations are,” said Radke.

“I serve as intermediary so there can be a more harmonious relationship between physicians and insurance companies.”

Related posts:

1. Brevard Physicians Network Helps Docs Focus on Patient Care
2. Florida Tech’s Dr. Becker Founds Medical Social Network
3. Grow Older Gracefully – and Look Great Doing It
4. Space Coast Cancer Center Houses Comprehensive Network of Services