EmergeOrtho is excited to announce the addition of Michael Berwanger as the new General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Michael joined our team in early July, bringing with him over a decade of specialized experience in healthcare compliance, privacy, risk management, managed care, and value-based contracting.
“We’re in a time of significant reform and pressure on healthcare providers to enhance quality, patient experience, and cost efficiency. Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed navigating legal complexities to help teams focus on delivering innovative, high-quality care,” said Michael Berwanger. “As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, my goal is to offer solution-oriented, risk-based advice that supports informed decision-making as EmergeOrtho continues its mission to be a leader in innovative, quality-focused, comprehensive musculoskeletal care.”
Before joining EmergeOrtho, Michael was at Advocate Health, supporting their Managed Care division within one of the nation’s largest non-profit health systems. He served as Vice President of Compliance & Legal Affairs at CHESS Health Solutions, who is driving transition to value-based care. Michael also brings a health plan perspective from his service and valuable expertise from his role at MedCost, LLC, working in TPA and PPO network compliance, quality, and privacy. Before MedCost, Michael served at Cornerstone Health Care, PA, a physician-owned multispecialty practice with 350+ providers and 90+ practices throughout North Carolina.
“Michael brings a wealth of value-based care, compliance, and contracting experience to EmergeOrtho,” said Allison Farmer, CEO of EmergeOrtho. “His career to date perfectly aligns with our short- and long-term growth strategy. On behalf of the physicians and administrative leaders, we welcome him to our team!”
Residing in Winston-Salem, NC, Michael is married and the proud father of three children, ranging in age from 2 to 9 years old. Outside of his professional life, he is an avid runner and a passionate musician, skilled in playing the guitar, keyboard, and vocals with various bands and music projects.
Michael holds a law degree from New England Law | Boston, and dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies from UNC Greensboro.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Michael Berwanger. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to utilizing the expertise and enthusiasm he brings to EmergeOrtho!
About EmergeOrtho
EmergeOrtho, the largest independent physician-owned orthopedic practice in North Carolina, with over 60 outpatient offices across 28+ counties, has emerged as one of the largest employers in the state and the 5th largest orthopedic practice in the US. With a medical team of over 350 orthopedic surgeons, physicians, and advanced practice providers, EmergeOrtho offers a high level of expertise in various orthopedic subspecialties, including spine, sports medicine, joint replacement & reconstruction, hand & upper extremity, foot & ankle, trauma, and pain management. The practice also offers physical and hand therapy, ACR-accredited MRI imaging services, and a network of walk-in orthopedic urgent cares. EmergeOrtho’s electronic health records system connects all its offices, providing patients with seamless care statewide. Guided by its core values of quality, innovation, compassion, diversity & inclusion, education, integrity, teamwork, and community, EmergeOrtho strives to help patients across North Carolina to emerge stronger, healthier, and better. Learn more at www.emergeortho.com.
