Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are uniquely positioned as an important potential partner for hospitals. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced sweeping changes to the healthcare landscape, presenting both unprecedented challenges and an abundance of opportunities. At this juncture, the need to align and adapt is critical. As healthcare delivery systems seek new methods to improve outcomes in response to healthcare reform pressures, FQHCs have demonstrated a strong ability to improve health outcomes while reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and lowering costs. Shifts in healthcare utilization and patient need, along with efforts to enhance financial positioning, favor partnership with FQHCs.
FQHCs help vulnerable, underserved populations detect disease more readily, incorporate preventative health measures faster, and further the kind of community-wide education that leads to improved health outcomes. Collaboration with FQHCs strengthens a community’s health infrastructure, increases its access to care, promotes added value, and encourages appropriate utilization of healthcare services throughout the community. Hospital/FQHC partnerships can result in significant cost savings for a hospital, now more crucial than ever for post-pandemic financial recovery. They can also create new opportunity for additional revenue generating activity. Today’s savvy hospitals are exploring in meaningful ways collaborative opportunities with FQHCs.
Advis is available to assist hospitals with identifying the most appropriate collaboration strategy tailored to your hospital’s specific goals. Advis assists with navigating the development and implementation process of the entire collaborative venture. Advis is available by phone at 708-478-7030 or e-mail at info@advis.com.
Published: October 11, 2023