Recent findings from Automated Health Systems indicate that children in Pennsylvania between the ages of birth and age six are receiving an EPSDT screening on a routine basis; in marked contrast, teens and pre-teens are participating in this preventive health program only sporadically. In order to learn more about this "Hard to Reach" group, we took a closer look at our data, broke it down by the most salient underlying variables: incorrect address, lack of current phone number, transportation problems, language barriers, several missed appointments, and special medical considerations. By further subdividing these groups by age and county/location, we were able to form "Coalitions" comprised of members of local communities and our staff. These Coalitions are working to see that these youth are covered by and benefit from the EPSDT umbrella of care. We will present some of the different strategies that have been used in this multifaceted outreach effort and report on the results.
Learning Objectives: 1) At the end of this session, participants will understand that prioritizing questions from a data base system helps to develop the profile of the "hard to reach" population. 2) At the end of this session, participants will understand the step to construct a multi-faceted outreach approach by looking at: community, external and internal organizations, and family practices. 3) At the end of this session, participants will understand how to identify which are important variables in designing a sub-data base from already existing information systems.
Keywords: Medicaid, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Automated Health Systems
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment