Hotel Vegas
The Facts About CommUnityCare
RECEIVED Wed., Aug. 31, 2011
Dear Editor,
The recent article “The Doctor Is In – Then Out” [News, Aug. 19] contained several factual errors that we would like to correct regarding CommUnityCare.
CommUnityCare is a Federally Qualified Health Center system in Travis County providing primary care health services to the medically underserved. CommUnityCare receives about 55% of its total budget from Central Health. In fiscal year 2011 we accounted for 32% of Central Health’s health care expenditures. The article refers to 226,000 CommUnityCare patients; the correct number of patients seen each year is approximately 63,000 individuals, with 226,000 clinical visits by those patients.
We take great pride in the quality of care we provide. Since the transition of the Community Health Centers from the city of Austin to CommUnityCare in March 2009, CommUnityCare has focused on being a patient–centered and performance-focused organization that provides the best health care possible while utilizing limited resources efficiently and effectively.
CommUnityCare was awarded Joint Commission accreditation in August 2010. This independent, not-for-profit organization accredits and certifies approximately 19,000 health care organizations and programs nationwide using numerous indicators and an extensive evaluation of a practice. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized as a standard of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meet the highest standards of patient safety and satisfaction. We feel this speaks volumes about our commitment to quality patient care.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these factual corrections.
The recent article “The Doctor Is In – Then Out” [News, Aug. 19] contained several factual errors that we would like to correct regarding CommUnityCare.
CommUnityCare is a Federally Qualified Health Center system in Travis County providing primary care health services to the medically underserved. CommUnityCare receives about 55% of its total budget from Central Health. In fiscal year 2011 we accounted for 32% of Central Health’s health care expenditures. The article refers to 226,000 CommUnityCare patients; the correct number of patients seen each year is approximately 63,000 individuals, with 226,000 clinical visits by those patients.
We take great pride in the quality of care we provide. Since the transition of the Community Health Centers from the city of Austin to CommUnityCare in March 2009, CommUnityCare has focused on being a patient–centered and performance-focused organization that provides the best health care possible while utilizing limited resources efficiently and effectively.
CommUnityCare was awarded Joint Commission accreditation in August 2010. This independent, not-for-profit organization accredits and certifies approximately 19,000 health care organizations and programs nationwide using numerous indicators and an extensive evaluation of a practice. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized as a standard of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meet the highest standards of patient safety and satisfaction. We feel this speaks volumes about our commitment to quality patient care.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these factual corrections.
David B. Vliet, CEO
CommUnityCare Federally Qualified Health Centers
CommUnityCare Federally Qualified Health Centers
