The Primary Source, Sept. 2010: Meaningful Change Begins
Newsletters, September 1, 2010In this Issue:
Dear Friends,
We are indeed experiencing a historic moment in health care. For perhaps the first time ever, financial incentives are starting to align with doing what's right for the patient
New York State just put in place substantially higher Medicaid payments for primary care providers who are recognized as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs)-- a robust model of primary care known to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and racial/ethnic disparities. Over the last several years, it has also become clear that good primary care requires an electronic health record (EHR). As a result, providers will get as much as $65,000 over the next five years if they demonstrate "meaningful use" of EHRs.
Each initiative is transformative. Yet each is difficult, expensive and resource-intensive, especially for safety net providers whose human and financial resources-and organizational capacity--are already stretched.
Now, with public and foundation support, and in partnership with the Community Health Care Association of NYS, we are working with twelve provider organizations to help them achieve PCMH recognition and meet EHR meaningful use criteria. The result will be organizations that are financially stronger and have more resources because they are delivering the top-of-the-line, effective and efficient, patient-centered care our underserved communities so badly need.
If you are interested in these initiatives, we urge you to keep reading this newsletter, read the related press release, explore our new medical home "How-To" manual, and/or contact us directly.
Sincerely,
Ronda Kotelchuck
Executive Director
