March 18, 2024

Meet Lawrence Cross

Clinical Administrator 

Where are you from? 

I am from Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), a small town of about 1,800 residents, called Tunkhannock. Most people would recognize the area, specifically Scranton, PA, which is where the NBC show - 'The Office' was based on. We are home to the pizza capital of the world, in Old Forge, PA. The Poconos is also an area familiar to New York and New Jersey residents who like to escape the city environment and experience skiing, hunting, fishing, or other outdoor activities.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I previously worked for the Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons for eight years as a health system administrator and was interested in a career change into academic medicine. My wife and I relocated from the central coast of California to the St. Louis area. I started my career at WashU in 2021 in the Department of Anesthesiology, then accepted a role in ortho in 2023.

How do you support the department? 

I manage credentialing for faculty and APP’s. Credentialing includes managing the process for new provider’s which entails applications for a Missouri license, DEA/BNDD license requirements, hospital privileges, and enrollment with the Washington University Physician Network. APP credentialing includes drafting collaborative practice agreements between a physician and APP, hospital privileges as needed, and enrollment with the Washington University Physician Network. We have providers at eight different locations where each have their own and different privileging requirements.

I oversee the clinical operations reporting team which provides Epic tier 5 advance reporting to the operations, administrative, and executive team. Since the Orthopedic Injury Clinic (OIC) model is so unique to ortho, we’ve recently been developing complex reports to show the patient mix and downstream impact from visits at the OIC. Finally, I also provide oversight to the department call schedule.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?

I’ve always enjoyed complex operational challenges and using my experience in leadership to develop high functioning teams. Our team is a new concept that helps to streamline credentialing and access to clinical data and advanced reports. We are now able to provide clinical data to our leaders to help them create dat- driven informed business decisions and to further develop the strategic growth of the department.

What's your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I am a big college football fan. We always watch Penn State football on Saturdays. Typically, on game days, you’ll find me cooking something up in the smoker. I also enjoy taking our daughter, Alessandra, to the park and spending time with family.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

You are your best advocate.

If you weren't in health care, what would you like to be doing?

This is a tough question as I’ve spent the entirety of my life in health care. If I had to choose another career, it would probably be in investments as a financial advisor.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.