Researchers interviewed the executive director or medical director at 20 community health centers in 16 states and the District of Columbia from September to October 2010.
From these interviews, the researchers identified the following six models for subspecialty care access by community health centers:
1. Tin Cup. The health center solicits care from an informal network of subspecialists in the community.
2. Hospital Partnership. The health center negotiates a contract with a community hospital to provide subspecialty care.
3. Buy Your Own Subspecialists. The health center employs its own subspecialists.
4. Telehealth. The health center uses telecommunications equipment to connect patients and subspecialists in real time.
5. Teaching Community. The health center is a teaching health center that has subspecialists on its teaching faculty.
6. Integrated System. The health center integrates with a local government health system or a safety-net hospital that has a comprehensive network of subspecialists.
Based on the interviews, the researchers concluded the integrated system model was the most effective method for community health centers to access subspecialty care. The model improved coordination of care and communication between different healthcare providers, ensuring consistent follow-up with patients, according to the study.
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