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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Lindsey K. Grossman, MD1, Barbara Harding, RN2, Carol Pollock, RN, MSN, FNP3, and Nancy Bullock, RN3. (1) Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, PO Box 980506, 307 College Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0506, 804-828-0099, lgrossma@hsc.vcu.edu, (2) Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, PO Box 980021, 307 College Street, Richmond, VA 23298, (3) Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Virginia Department of Health, PO Box 2448, 1500 E. Main St, Rm 138, Richmond, VA 23218
In the mid-1990s Virginia conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of its CSHCN program involving providers, health department staff and parents. A decentralized system was recommended to supplement the existing health care resources in the state and conserve Title V funds by more appropriate use of existing public and private insurance resources for these children. Regionalized pediatric medical centers were the logical homes for the Centers of Excellence for CSHCN. Multidisciplinary care coordination involving medicine, nursing, social work, education and insurance analysis is the heart of the program. Other components include educational outreach and development of parent support networks. A modest pool of funds is distributed to each Center to finance otherwise uncompensated health care needs. Documentation of services and monitoring data are collected via an innovative web-based system to be demonstrated at our presentation.
The Central Virginia Care Connection for Children was the first to commence operations. Its eight staff report to the medical director. The program serves families and providers based both on campus and in community-based sites in coordinating the complex needs of these children. Initial data demonstrate high satisfaction with services on the part of both parents and providers. Expenditures from Title V funds for certain direct health care needs such as durable medical equipment and hospitalizations have decreased 71%. As both public and private health care dollars dwindle, an emphasis on care coordination for chronically ill children can provide a cost effective role for public health in supporting the care of CSHCN.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Child/Adolescent
Related Web page: www.careconnections.vcu.edu
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.