Primary Health Care Regional Meetings

Has your travel budget been cut in half, and is there still a need to meet with your cohorts concerning DSHS administered programs?  Well don’t worry, help is on the way.  The DSHS Primary Care Group is scheduled to participate in four regional meetings held throughout the State in a city near you.

The objectives of the meetings are to receive stakeholder input from Primary Health Care providers and County Indigent staff, as well as provide eligibility, bill payment, cost-sharing and appeals trainings for the new hires and for those who are in need of a little refresher. Ms. Eva Cruz, Jan Maberry and Gina Baber will be the DSHS representatives along with county staff for these upcoming meetings.

The first regional meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2009 and will be held in Harlingen, Texas.  Although this meeting is targeting PHC stakeholders, the presence of DSHS regional contract coordinators are also welcomed.  The mission of this meeting is to gather stakeholder input from PHC providers as well as share strategic plans on possible PHC and CIHCP collaboration. 

On April 3, 2009, Donna Davis, Calhoun CIHCP Director, and Memorial Medical Center will be hosting a meeting in Port Lavaca (Region 8).  Eva Cruz, DSHS Primary Care Group Community Liaison, will be presenting on the topic of the CIHCP appeals process.  In addition, Ms. Sindi Rosales from the Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas will also give a presentation regarding the services they provide to over 80 counties throughout the State.

After such a successful meeting last year and rave reviews, Burnet County has agreed to host another regional meeting which is scheduled for April 24th.  Last year, representation from Burnet, Bell, Williamson, Lee, Fayette, Llano, Blanco Counties, as well as Montgomery County Hospital District were present.  At this year’s meeting, Ms Cruz will provide a presentation on CIHCP appeals, while other CIHCP staff will participate in a mock appeal hearing.  Wendy Johnson of the Conference of Urban Counties will be guest speaking and providing legislative updates.

The fourth meeting will be held in Region 4/5N.  Tyler has agreed to host a regional meeting on May 1, 2009 featuring Eva Cruz, Peggy Gibbons of DSHS Texas Primary Care Office (FQHC) and Mike Gilliam with the DSHS Center for Program Coordination, Policy and Innovation Division who will speak on preventable hospitalizations at the local level.

While these meetings ignite your interest, I know they are sure to provide you with great information.  For more information regarding any of the scheduled regional meetings, or if you are interested in hosting a regional or area meeting, please contact Eva Cruz at (512) 458-7111 Ext: 6728.

This article was compiled by:
Stephanie Atkins , Program Specialist
County Indigent Branch
(512) 458-7111 x3529