RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Community Care of North Carolina: Improving Care Through Community Health Networks
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 361
OP 367
DO 10.1370/afm.866
VO 6
IS 4
A1 Beat D. Steiner
A1 Amy C. Denham
A1 Evan Ashkin
A1 Warren P. Newton
A1 Thomas Wroth
A1 L. Allen Dobson, Jr
YR 2008
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/6/4/361.abstract
AB The United States leads the world in health care costs but ranks far below many developed countries in health outcomes. Finding ways to narrow this gap remains elusive. This article describes the response of one state to establish community health networks to achieve quality, utilization, and cost objectives for the care of its Medicaid recipients. The program, known as Community Care of North Carolina, is an innovative effort organized and operated by practicing community physicians. In partnership with hospitals, health departments, and departments of social services, these community networks have improved quality and reduced cost since their inception a decade ago. The program is now saving the State of North Carolina at least $160 million annually. A description of this experience and the lessons learned from it can inform others seeking to implement effective systems of care for patients with chronic illness.