Walmart hires Ochsner Health exec

Walmart has hired Ochsner Health executive Dr. David Carmouche to lead its omnichannel care organization.

Carmouche had been the president of Ochsner Health Network, where he oversaw 2,700 physicians across 34 hospitals, as well as vice president of the New Orleans-based health system’s value-based care and network operations. Carmouche will join Walmart as the retailer restructures its healthcare offerings. Business Insider first reported the hire.

Carmouche helped coordinate a direct contracting agreement between Ochsner Health and Walmart in 2018 that covers about 6,600 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in Louisiana. Walmart has been steadily expanding its direct contracts with hospitals and physician groups to steer employees to select providers.

The retail giant has also been opening more comprehensive primary care centers inside its stores. These clinics provide chronic disease management, urgent care, mental health counseling, and dental, vision and hearing services. The locations also offer lab services, x-rays and diagnostics via a joint venture with Quest Diagnostics.

Walmart recently partnered with Transcarent, which offers second opinions, medication reviews and referrals to surgery sites and centers of excellence to more than 100 self-insured employers.

In May, the retailer acquired telehealth provider MeMD, which will be featured in Walmart Health centers as a supplement to in-person care.