New Tools Help Federally Qualified Health Centers Close Care Gaps

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are often the first point of contact for underserved populations seeking access to care. And often that first impression can make all the difference in accessing care that improves outcomes. At Kenosha Community Health Center, that first contact is now handled by a nurse who can quickly and efficiently funnel the patient to the right care provider. Kenosha, part of the Pillar Health network, is one of several FQHCs to collaborate with Conduit Health Partners on nurse triage services. “This is an essential function of the health center,” says Ouimet, who estimates that 100-150 incoming calls a day are now connected to Conduit Health nurses. “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.” Kenosha is part of an even larger trend of FQHCs, rural health centers, and assorted community health clinics outsourcing some services and using telehealth and digital health technology to alleviate those bottlenecks that keep patients from accessing the care they need.