NextGen Healthcare, Inc., a leading provider of innovative, cloud-based healthcare technology solutions, today announced findings of an independent study it commissioned with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) on their journey to deliver quality care to the underserved. The study, conducted by Porter Research on behalf of NextGen Healthcare, garnered data from more than 50 clinical, operational and financial leaders at mid- to large-size FQHCs across the United States. The goal was to better understand the needs of FQHCs as they navigate common pressure points including: workforce shortages, increasing regulatory requirements, expansion of Medicaid, increased variability of patient populations, growth in services, and rapidly evolving payment models.
In the study, more than 83% of FQHCs reported they are fiercely committed to remaining independent of hospital affiliation. Additionally, 72% of participants said they are willing to work with like-minded organizations, including other FQHCs, to attain insight and pool data. The survey results indicate that FQHCs see a critical need to work together to improve health outcomes in communities across the U.S.
NextGen Healthcare launched the NextGen Community Health Collaborative (NCHC) late last year to create an avenue by which FQHCs can come together. This first-of-its-kind program will offer data benchmarking, comparative analytics and reporting services, and is driven by its members to connect and share best practices to advance the mission of community health.
“It’s essential that FQHCs work together more closely,” said Doug Smith, executive vice president of Presbyterian Medical Services, an FQHC and NextGen Healthcare client. “With greater collaboration, we can better share best practices and approaches to important initiatives like social determinants of health, adverse childhood experiences, chronic condition management, and expanding care service lines.”