Central Health Commission emphasizes equity in expanding access to specialized care

Following its 2018 performance review, Travis County hospital district Central Health analyzed the county's health care system and looked at service gaps among the safety net's population.The county inquired. of population Access to 8 service linefrom primary care to specialty care to dental care.

Reports came back with a bright red checkerboard pattern, reporting severe or moderate-to-severe gaps in all areas assessed. Specialty care, dental care, hospital services, and post-acute care were the most critical needs, but no area had more than 75 percent of residents without adequate care.

In 2022, Central Health implemented a Health Equity Action Plan. This is a strategic planning process intended to centralize and guide budget priorities for the next seven years, and to appease the historically frustrated Commissioners Court.

On April 10, staff met with the Central Health Administration Commission to review the Health Equity Action Plan, evaluate FY2023 activities, and discuss future plans.

The atmosphere inside was inspired as staff and board members reflected on their efforts to expand multiple new service areas, diversify and expand access to specialty care, strengthen partnerships, and operate in new facilities. I did. They achieved the appearance of the service much earlier than planned and achieved numerous victories.

In 2023, Central Health built a clinic capable of providing a wide range of specialty care.Eligible county residents now be seen We offer a full range of services including gastroenterology, pulmonology, podiatry, wound care, nephrology, palliative care, hepatology, infectious diseases, cardiology and diagnostic testing for pre-operative clearance. We offer comprehensive care that exceeds most outpatient clinics. Central Health has also hired or has completed hiring specialists in behavioral health and cardiology, and will soon provide neurological care.

Central Health has also expanded its mobile medical business and partnerships and expanded its hospital footprint (including expansion to St. Louis soon). david's health care) and began serving patients in our own skilled nursing facility – Inpatient rehabilitation and treatment centers that act as intermediaries between the hospital and home.

It plans to open the doors of its own respite care center in the coming weeks.

“respite care We provide people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to recover while accessing medical and other social service needs.A Central Health representative said:there In the best case scenario, rather than back on the streets. They are There's a good chance you'll end up going back to the emergency room again.

“ah,Your healthcare provider does everything except discharge the patient.” Dr. Alan Sharchat of Central Health said: “Someone's You know, they raise their voices. They are They have behavioral health issues – we can help modify their behavior based solely on medical management and actually reduce the care plan for these patients.But ejecting them means ejecting them into the street, which means they'll bounce right back..

“circleheather you Focusing on the human aspect of care, tEconomic aspects of nursing care… you please do not Just discharging a patient affects both.” He said.

somewhere else start walking towards This year we will manage patients, Central Health has transitioned to an electronic medical records system. This will help track patient quality indicators over time.

organization is also cooperating Travis County and the SHerif's The department that provides medical services at the Travis County Jail.

“WI Start with the service line it is Currently, the Central Health Specialty Clinic offers: example, Podiatric X-ray photography Own clinic,” said the representative.

The past few years have been critical for the organization, which has faced budget challenges, including a lawsuit with partner Ascension Seton and the pending second independent evaluation by auditor Mazar. Audits relate specifically to: group's A long, high-profile deal with Dell Medical School.

A 2018 study by audit firm Germane Solutions highlighted Central Health's location on the outskirts of the surrounding area as the only hospital district without a medical provider. actually Run a hospital.In fact, by 2024, organizations will be completely entrusted to communitycare and other organizations.

“Central Health delegates the management of care delivery to partners. May limit central health They have the ability to make changes to their service portfolio on the fly or proactively notify the community of potential changes,” Jarman's report states.

Health Equity Action Plan – in stark contrast. of the organization Operation so far – We are required to build services almost entirely in-house. In 2023, Central Health (primarily contracted out to Community Care) did not operate a single branded clinic. In the near future, the company plans to operate four facilities in addition to at least two facilities offering respite beds, specialized medical care, and inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment.

Central Health may have received services Inside the company There are many reasons for this, including new management paradigms under new leadership.but,Occur On the heels of a deteriorating relationship with key partner Ascension and ongoing litigation.that It is also difficult to ignore the fact that the contractual partner's dispensation will protect Central Health from such disputes in the future.

In the coming months, Central Health Department staff and board members will continue to refine the Health Equity Action Plan for fiscal year 2025 budget priorities and recommendations to the Travis County Commissioners Court.

Photo by Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, link.

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