Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve as lifelines for millions of underserved Americans, offering vital access to health care. Yet, the challenges of delivering efficient and effective care persist, especially when faced with complex patient needs and limited resources. However, an article in Healthleaders shares a new wave of technology is revolutionizing the way FQHCs operate, empowering them to bridge care gaps and enhance patient outcomes.
The article describes that the Kenosha Community Health Center in Wisconsin, part of the Pillar Health network, recognizes the importance of efficiency in handling the high volume of patient inquiries. By partnering with Conduit Health Partners for nurse triage services, they’ve streamlined patient navigation, ensuring individuals are swiftly directed to the appropriate care provider. This collaboration between Kenosha and Conduit exemplifies a broader trend among FQHCs, rural health centers (RHCs), and community health clinics, which are increasingly leveraging telehealth and digital health solutions to overcome operational bottlenecks.
Speaking about Conduit’s Nurse-First Triage, Mary Ouimet, CEO of Pillar Health, shares that “this is an essential function of the health center. These are nurses at the other end who can work with [patients] to coordinate care. The average call time is reduced, and we’re improving time to treatment and bed scheduling. It’s just better care.” Mary estimates that 100-150 incoming calls a day are now connected to Conduit Health Partners’ nurses.
The integration of technology into FQHC operations signifies a pivotal moment in health care delivery. By harnessing the power of telehealth, digital health tools, and data analytics, these frontline providers are not only closing care gaps but also paving the way for a more equitable and efficient health care system.
Contact Conduit to learn how we can help your organization improve access to care for all populations.