Try #3 for FQHC

by Amy Kolb Noyes

This week, Copley Professional Services Group will send out its third
application to establish local Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers.
Copley Health Systems first applied for FQHC status about a year ago for
its three primary care practices. CPSG was established as its own entity
to govern Stowe Family Practice, Morrisville Family Health Care and The
Women's Center at Copley as a result of that application.
Last August, health officials learned the initial application was not
funded. A second application was submitted addressing weaknesses
identified in the first application process. This month officials were
given notice that although the second application scored very high and
was recommended for funding, it was denied funding in the final decision
round.
"Our board and the hospital board felt so positive about the outcome
that we decided to resubmit our application," CPSG board president David
Silverman told the News & Citizen.
The second local application scored a 92 out of 100 points. Applications
scoring 93 or above are ranked "outstanding."
"At one point that was a guaranteed funding," Silverman said of the
"outstanding" designation.
Silverman and Copley Health Systems spokesperson Peter Wright said both
boards are solidly behind the decision to resubmit the application for a
third try at funding. Silverman said they have further fine-tuned the
application based on feedback received in this past round. For example,
he said, CPSG further addressed possible ways to provide primary
healthcare to people with transportation challenges.
Silverman said, with each funding round, the Lamoille Valley application
keeps getting stronger. Wright added by submitting a third application,
it shows CPSG is committed to the FQHC program. However, what makes
local healthcare officials most optimistic about this next funding round
is the types of applications that are expected to be funded.
Silverman explained a small portion of FQHC applications were funded in
the last round. Furthermore, the applications that were approved met the
needs of "the absolutely unserved" population.
Silverman said he understands federal officials intend to fund many more
of the types of applications CPSG is submitting in the next round. The
CPSG application proposes to make primary care services more widely
available to the local "underserved" population.
The benefits of FQHC designation include a prescription benefit program
for all patients of the CPSG practices, and grant money to address
specific issues such as patient transportation and casework. In
addition, healthcare providers are reimbursed by the federal government
at a higher rate than under traditional federal healthcare programs.
Both Silverman and Wright said their boards firmly believe FQHC is the
best way to fund primary care in the Lamoille Valley. Silverman added
the medical staff at the primary care practices are also supportive of
the effort.
"This is the best possible solution for the community," said Wright. He
added FQHC makes more services available, at the highest quality.
"Everyone is really on board for this process," added Silverman.
Although a decision is not expected until October 2004 on this latest
application round, Silverman said the CPSG board will continue to meet
throughout the summer and prepare for the possibility of receiving
funding. If funded, Silverman said CPSG will have only 90 days to
transition to complete independence from Copley Health Systems. He added
CPSG is lucky to have the full support of CHS to aid in the transition.
Silverman commented, "We have a big brother, as it were, that is willing
to stand with us and to make sure we get it going successfully."