title: Patient empanelment: A strategy to improve continuity and quality of patient care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In some Federally-Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs), patients do not have a designated primary care provider (PCP). Patients see any provider who is available. This leads to fragmented care, poorer outcomes, and higher costs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were empaneled to a designated PCP. Continuity, quality, and efficiency measures were collected at baseline, 6-, and 12-months postempanelment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three rural FQHCs on the coast of Northern California performing about 18,000 patient visits annually.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient cycle time, percentage of patient visits with designated PCPs, completion of cervical and colorectal cancer screenings; blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and hemoglobin A1c control in patients with diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The senior Leadership Team initiated the patient empanelment project with the assistance of an outside consultant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 12 months, 100% of the FQHC's patients were assigned a PCP and saw that provider on ≥63% of visits. Quality indicators improved by an average of 9% and cycle time decreased by 12 min. per patient allowing providers to see approximately four more patients and generate an additional $2212 per day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Project outcomes supported the importance of a designated PCP to achieve improved quality and efficiency of care.
authors: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California.
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Christiansen
authors: School of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, California.
authors: Michelle DeCoux
authors: MD
authors: Hampton
authors: Coastal Health Alliance, Bolinas, California.
authors: Meghan
authors: M
authors: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000639:trends*; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000639:trends*
keywords: Quality improvement; healthcare delivery; patient empanelment; patient outcomes; primary care; rural