Safety-Net providers and integrated delivery systems

The Commonwealth Fund has released a new issue brief which focuses on the topic of Safety-Net providers and their inclusion in integrated delivery systems. Safety-net providers such as community health centers, rural health clinics and public hospitals are essential organizations in the delivery of healthcare in the rural setting and yet at this time it remains to be seen how these organizations will be effectively included in integrated delivery systems on a nationwide basis. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there will be an enhanced role and growth in integrated delivery systems. According to the Commonwealth Fund, “the most important principles for creating integrated delivery systems that serve vulnerable populations are: an emphasis on primary care; care coordination, including behavioral, social and public health services; and accountability for population outcomes.”

The Issue Brief reviews the challenges and opportunities of Safety-Net providers and their relationship with integrated delivery systems. The Issue Brief not only reviews these issues but contains several recommendations to enhance this relationship.  

You can read about the issue brief here: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Publications/Issue-Briefs/2012/Aug/Including-Safety-Net-Providers.aspx