scholarly journals Potemkin Protections: Assessing Provider Directory Accuracy and Timely Access for Four Specialties in California

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Burman ◽  
Simon F. Haeder
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Managed Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Regulatory Regime ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
California Department ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Consumer Access ◽  
Timely Access

Abstract Context: Accurate provider directories and whether consumers can schedule timely appointments are crucial determinants of health access and outcomes. We assessed whether consumers can rely on provider directories to find in-network primary care providers, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists for 2018 and 2019 for all managed care plans in California and whether they can access these providers in a timely manner. Method: We used large, random, and representative surveys of provider directories for all managed care plans in California for four specialties obtained from the California Department of Managed Health Care with a total of 657,012 observations (290,711 for 2018 and 475,524 for 2019). Findings: Surveys were able to verify provider directory entries for the four specialties for 59% to 76% of listings or 78% to 88% of providers reached. Moreover, we found that consumers were able to schedule urgent care appointments for 28% to 54% of listings or 44% to 72% of appropriately listed providers. For general care appointments, the percentages ranged from 35% to 64% of listed providers or 51% to 87% of appropriately listed providers. Differences across markets were generally small related to accuracy. Medi-Cal plans outperformed other markets with regards to timely access. Primary care consistently outperformed all other specialties. Timely access rates were higher for general appointments than for urgent care appointments. Conclusions: Despite the fact that California is one of the most active and well-resourced regulators in the nation, we found concerning results for consumers when it comes to locating in-network providers and gaining timely access. This raises questions about the regulatory regime as well as consumer access and health outcomes.

Satisfaction and Well-Being of Primary Care Providers in Managed Care

2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald K. Freeborn ◽  
Roderick S. Hooker ◽  
Clyde R. Pope
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Managed Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers

scholarly journals Left Ventricular Assist Devices 101: Shared Care for General Cardiologists and Primary Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Singhvi ◽  
Barry Trachtenberg
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Complex Patients ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist

Ambulatory patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are increasing in number, and so is their life expectancy. Thus, there is an increasing need for care of these patients by non-LVAD specialists, such as providers in the emergency department, urgent care centers, community-based hospitals, outpatient clinics, etc. Non-LVAD specialists will increasingly come across LVAD patients and should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide initial assessment and management for these complex patients. These encounters may be for LVAD-related or unrelated issues. However, there are limited data and guidelines to assist non-LVAD specialists in caring for these complex patients. The aim of our review, targeting primary care providers (both inpatient and outpatient), general cardiologists, and other providers is to describe the current status of durable LVAD therapy in adults, patient selection, management strategies, complications and to summarize current outcome data.

Engaging a statewide network to expand survivorship care to rural and urban cancer survivors.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 23-23
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Klemp ◽  
Carol Bush ◽  
Ashley Spaulding ◽  
Hope Krebill ◽  
Gary C. Doolittle
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
The State ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Plans

23 Background: Advances have been made in elevating cancer survivorship as a public health priority and defining elements needed to deliver high-quality follow-up care to survivors. However, a lack of research on how best to care for survivors and the most effective and efficient strategies for delivering survivorship care in the community setting still exists. We report our assessment of the current state of practice, knowledge and professional development, and plan to increase access to care of urban and rural practices across the state of Kansas. Methods: In 2014, the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA), a membership-based outreach arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, convened an educational summit and survey to assess the survivorship landscape in Kansas. Post-summit, individual interviews were conducted. Survey and interviews included questions regarding health records, treatment summaries, survivorship care plans (SCP), availability of survivorship programs and resources, access to primary care and specialists, distress screening, community support, and educational needs. Results: Ten MCA member health systems were invited to participate and 7 indicated interest in participating in the project. Only one organization provided an SCP to survivors. Barriers included lack of an integrated approach and knowledge. A majority of survivorship care could be delivered close to home, however, services including fertility preservation, genetic counseling, oncology rehab, sexual health, and second opinions, required travel of more than 50 miles. Identified educational needs focused on comprehensive survivorship care across the health care team. Conclusions: Survivorship care remains fragmented across the state of Kansas. Based on this project, we have secured a CDC survivorship grant that will facilitate clinical and technical assistance related to process improvement and electronic health record integration focused on survivorship care and delivery of an SCP. Next steps include engaging primary care providers and survivors to assure the SCP meets the needs of stakeholders. This work will focus on a translational process to meet the growing needs of the survivors and complex health care organizations.

Factors influencing the use of electronic health record systems to provide follow-up care to cancer survivors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 182-182
Author(s):  
Guadalupe R. Palos ◽  
Maria Alma Rodriguez ◽  
Paula A. Lewis-Patterson ◽  
Rachel Harris ◽  
Lewis E. Foxhall
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Electronic Health

182 Background: One of the expected benefits of electronic health records (EHRs) is their interoperability to remotely access and exchange clinical information across systems and clinicians. Cancer survivors’ treatment summaries (TSs) and care plans (CPs) are documents that can be electronically transferred from oncologists to primary care providers. We conducted a needs assessment to identify factors which influenced EHRs in meeting these expectations in rural and underserved primary care settings. Methods: Clinicians from 2 family practice health care systems, located in central and northeast Texas were surveyed. REDCap, a web-based system, was used to develop, manage, and distribute the survey to a convenience sample of clinical staff from both settings. Survey questions focused on respondents’ demographic and clinical practice characteristics, current experience with TSs and CPs, and type of EHR used. Results: A total of 26 surveys were included in this analysis. Respondents were primarily physicians (73%). Overall 61.5% reported that ≤ 25% of their patients were diagnosed with cancer or currently had cancer. A patient’s self-report was the primary method used by majority of respondents to determine if a patient had a history of cancer. 80.8% indicated they would be interested in learning more about the use and development of TSs and CPs. Barriers reported towards the use of EHRs to deliver TSs and CPs included: EHRs interference with workflow (60%); limited knowledge on how to develop TSs and CPs (48%), inadequate access to IT resources (48%), and inefficient EHR systems (44%). In these settings, EHRs used were: Epic (61.6%), Aria (30.8%), and Medit (7.7%). Respondents’ comments on EHRs weaknesses included: “the two systems…do not completely communicate with each other” or “no place where a cancer treatment summary or survivorship plan is documented”. Conclusions: Primary care providers identified limitations in EHR operability as a major barrier to retrieving health information required for TSs and CPs. Clinicians in rural or underserved regions may benefit from education and retraining in EHR systems.

Creation of an APN-led cancer survivorship clinic in a community cancer center.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 61-61
Author(s):  
Pamela Jane Vetter
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Plans

61 Background: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition, noted cancer patients often lacked the ability to successfully navigate the transition from patient to survivor (2006). To assist patients with understanding their disease and follow up, managing side effects and connecting with resources, the IOM recommends a survivorship care plan (SCP). The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is requiring accredited cancer programs provide SCPs to curative patients while giving them full discretion on structuring these programs. Methods: After researching survivorship components, a consultative model serving the adult cancer patients curatively treated at my facility was chosen. My goals included increasing patient satisfaction and connection to resources, fulfilling accreditation requirements, as well as financial benefits. I secured champions and procured budgetary approval. An assessment tool was created, a SCP program chosen, and a schedule created with IT. I gathered resources, reviewed side effect management, chose evaluation metrics and created educational materials and a tracking system. Results: 235 patients were seen in the first year of the clinic. Through nine months of 2017, 67.9% of eligible patients were provided with a SCP. Downstream revenue included patients changing to an Aspirus Primary Care Provider and referrals to various providers. Patients were connected to community and facility resources. Side effect assistance given; multiple medical issues addressed; additional Advanced Care Plans completed. Patients and Primary Care Providers are complimentary of the service. Conclusions: Successful start to survivorship clinic; will meet CoC accreditation. Many eligible patients who did not receive a SCP were seen at an unaffiliated Urology clinic. Moving forward, plan to work with their clinic to provide SCPs. Other challenges included time spent tracking patients, which should ease with a newly implemented electronic medical record.

scholarly journals eConsultations to Infectious Disease Specialists: Questions Asked and Impact on Primary Care Providers’ Behavior

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Murthy ◽  
Gregory Rose ◽  
Clare Liddy ◽  
Amir Afkham ◽  
Erin Keely
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Infectious Disease Specialists

Abstract Background Since 2010, the Champlain BASE (Building Access to Specialist Advice through eConsultation) has allowed primary care providers (PCPs) to submit clinical questions to specialists through a secure web service. The study objectives are to describe questions asked to Infectious Diseases specialists through eConsultation and assess impact on physician behaviors. Methods eConsults completed through the Champlain BASE service from April 15, 2013 to January 29, 2015 were characterized by the type of question asked and infectious disease content. Usage data and PCP responses to a closeout survey were analyzed to determine eConsult response time, change in referral plans, and change in planned course of action. Results Of the 224 infectious diseases eConsults, the most common question types were as follows: interpretation of a clinical test 18.0% (41), general management 16.5 % (37), and indications/goals of treating a particular condition 16.5% (37). The most frequently consulted infectious diseases were as follows: tuberculosis 14.3% (32), Lyme disease 14.3% (32), and parasitology 12.9% (29). Within 24 hours, 63% of cases responded to the questions, and 82% of cases took under 15 minutes to complete. In 32% of cases, a face-to-face referral was originally planned by the PCP but was no longer needed. In 8% of cases, the PCP referred the patient despite originally not planning to make a referral. In 55% of cases, the PCP either received new information or changed their course of action. Conclusions An eConsult service provides PCPs with timely access to infectious disease specialists’ advice that often results in a change in plans for a face-to-face referral.

scholarly journals Evaluating Primary Care Providers' Views on Survivorship Care Plans Generated by an Electronic Health Record System

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e329-e335 ◽  
Author(s):  
SarahMaria Donohue ◽  
Mary E. Sesto ◽  
David L. Hahn ◽  
Kevin A. Buhr ◽  
Elizabeth A. Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Record System ◽  
Care Plans

Survivorship care plans were viewed as useful for coordinating care and making clinical decisions. However primary care physicians desired shorter, clinician-oriented plans that were accessible via EHR and located in a standardized manner.

Dermatology ECHO: A case presentation demonstrating benefits of specialty telementoring in primary care

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 506-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Ladd ◽  
Mirna Becevic ◽  
Hope Misterovich ◽  
Karen Edison
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Rural Primary Care ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Allergic Contact ◽  
Improve Patient

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common dermatologic disorder that is estimated to affect 15–20% of the general population. Because of its prevalence, it may be expected that ACD should be easily recognized. However, it can present with many clinical variations that may complicate diagnosis. Although ACD is a treatable condition, patients from rural and underserved areas suffer if timely access to specialty care is limited. Dermatology Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Dermatology ECHO) telemedicine sessions were created to mentor rural primary care providers (PCPs). To illustrate their benefit, we present the case of a 19-year-old female patient who suffered from worsening undiagnosed ACD for over nine months following a laparoscopic appendectomy. During that time, the surgeon and multiple PCPs treated her with antibiotics, antivirals, and Scabicide without improvement in her condition. The de-identified patient case was presented by her PCP during the Dermatology ECHO session. The Dermatology ECHO specialty team mentored and educated the PCP in the diagnosis and treatment of ACD. After making the diagnosis, the patient received new treatment and her condition improved significantly. Dermatology ECHO provides a knowledge-sharing network for participating PCPs that may improve patient outcomes and reduce patient suffering.

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