EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte recently earned recognition as an Outstanding Health Care Executive from Seattle Business magazine’s 2015 Leaders in Health Care Awards.

The Leaders in Health Care Awards program honors those at the forefront of unprecedented industry change as innovative problem solvers and inspirational leaders. This year, Seattle Business awarded 19 leaders of area hospitals, physician groups, community programs and research institutions. Malte was one of two leaders recognized in the Puget Sound region, earning the Silver Award for Outstanding Health Care Executive.

“I am honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire EvergreenHealth team who commit themselves to enriching the health of our community,” Malte said. “Through their dedication, we are bringing quality, innovation, transparency and the best value to our patients’ experience.”

Under Malte’s leadership, EvergreenHealth is currently setting the standard in price transparency with its recently launched cost-estimator tool. The tool, which was the first of its kind in the region, gives patients the ability to receive detailed and itemized estimates for out-of-pocket expenses. These include many of the most common procedures, customized to reflect insurance coverages, deductibles and other economic variables, which has already won praise from consumers and providers alike.

According to Seattle Business: “When Bob Malte talks about effecting change at EvergreenHealth, he refers to his Four Cs: communication, collaboration, commitment and coaching. ‘I’m no Pete Carroll,’ he says, ‘but I do see myself as a team coach and our team has developed a system for change. I’m proud of that.’”

Malte has led EvergreenHealth since 2010, and during his tenure the system has been nationally recognized for its performance and commitment to quality, safety, service, and value to the community.

EvergreenHealth has received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Consumer Reports, as well as Healthgrades as one of the nation’s top 5 percent of hospitals for clinical excellence six times in seven years.

Seattle Business also recognized EvergreenHealth’s strategic partner, Virginia Mason. Dr. Gary Kaplan, VM’s chairman and CEO, was recognized as this year’s winner of the Outstanding Health Care Executive Award. The organizations work closely to create a broader network of care in the Puget Sound region and provide greater value to patients, employers and the communities served by both organizations.