Dr. Lavdena Orr, veteran healthcare administrator and D.C. physician, was named Jan. 30 to be D.C. medical director for AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Plans, a national Medicare Advantage managed care organization and part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.
Officials announced Jan. 30 that Orr will oversee medical affairs for both the Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (AmeriHealth VIP Select) and a Medicare Advantage special needs plan for those who receive both Medicare and Medicaid.
“Many health disparities are prevalent in the District, including among the dual-eligible population, and much of my life’s work has been dedicated to reducing these disparities,” Orr said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing this work with the District’s senior citizens.”
Orr brings more than 20 years of medical and quality management leadership experience to AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Plans. She led the D.C. Chartered Health Plan—which AmeriHealth acquired in 2013—to its first accreditation while serving in her position as a Chartered Health Plan leader.
Orr received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and served a residency at the Children’s National Medical Center. For 14 years, she worked in numerous administrative, clinical and academic positions at Children’s National Medical Center.
“Orr has a proven track record of developing and launching successful initiatives in publicly funded health programs. She also has great relationships with the District’s providers and community organizations,” said Dr. Karen Nichols, chief medical officer of AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Plans.
“These qualities have served the District’s Medicaid and CHIP recipients very well, and they will do likewise for AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Plans’ members in the District. We are pleased to have her on our medical leadership team,” Nichols said.
