Health Care Reform: The Safety Net in Rural Communities Cathy Harding Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved
The Kansas Safety Net 42 member clinics throughout the state 42 member clinics throughout the state 169,535 patients 169,535 patients 475,000 medical, dental & behavioral health patient visits 475,000 medical, dental & behavioral health patient visits 18 of the 42 safety net clinics are located in rural counties (23 counties) 18 of the 42 safety net clinics are located in rural counties (23 counties) Represents 42.9% of clinics Represents 42.9% of clinics Provided care for 41.4% of all patients (70,223) Provided care for 41.4% of all patients (70,223)
Comprehensive Care Quality primary health care Quality primary health care Medical Medical Dental Dental Behavioral Health Behavioral Health Chronic disease management Chronic disease management Quality of care Quality of care
Challenges in Rural Settings Gaps in geographic locations Gaps in geographic locations
Challenges in Rural Settings Gaps in geographic locations Gaps in geographic locations Workforce Workforce
Challenges in Rural Settings Gaps in geographic locations Gaps in geographic locations Workforce Workforce Increasing need for care Increasing need for care
YearTotal FundingFunded ClinicsTypeFundingPercentClinicsPercent 20051,520, Rural658, %640.00% Urban862, %960.00% 20062,270, Rural1,033, %942.86% Urban1,237, % % 20073,270, Rural1,598, % % Urban1,672, % % 20085,120, Rural2,538, % % Urban2,582, % % 20096,712, Rural3,431, % % Urban3,281, % %
Challenges in Rural Settings Gaps in geographic locations Gaps in geographic locations Workforce Workforce Increasing need for care Increasing need for care Information Technology Information Technology
Recommendations Public-private partnerships Public-private partnerships Enhanced reimbursement in rural areas/for primary care practices Enhanced reimbursement in rural areas/for primary care practices Local government/community/hospital assistance Local government/community/hospital assistance Satellites of larger health systems Satellites of larger health systems Study the allocation of resources in rural areas Study the allocation of resources in rural areas Telemedicine/IT Telemedicine/IT
Health Care Reform: The Safety Net in Rural Communities Cathy Harding Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved