(October 2, 2017) GEORGETOWN, TEXAS – Today, Lone Star Circle of Care (LSCC) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded LSCC the Health Center Quality Leader Award. Based on its performance in 2016, LSCC now ranks in the Top 10% of community health centers nationwide. This prestigious award is earned by health centers that excel in delivering a variety of preventive services (such as cancer screenings, childhood immunizations, dental sealants, and screenings for obesity, tobacco use, and depression) and who have the best outcomes in chronic disease management for asthma, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) tracks clinical quality metrics on nearly 1,400 health centers operating nationally. For the previous three years LSCC had consistently ranked in the Top 20% of health centers; its performance in 2016 marks the first year that the organization moved into the ranks of the Top 10%.
“We serve communities that face many socioeconomic challenges. Income and zip code should not be a barrier to good health. Our vision is to eliminate health inequalities to facilitate wellness and to strengthen our communities. Reducing disparities requires community collaboration, investment in population health initiatives, and efforts that increase patient satisfaction and engagement. We are actively working all of those fronts and are proud to achieve health results for our patient population that are on par with those of many commercially-insured populations.” Rhonda Mundhenk, J.D., MPH, CEO of Lone Star Circle of Care.
LSCC received a total of $195,696 from HHS for its 2016 clinical performance. In addition to the distinction and recognition of the Health Center Quality Leader Award, this financial incentive was based on improving performance on 3 metrics by more than 10% in a single year (Clinical Quality Improver award), exceeding the national Million Hearts Initiative goals for patients with heart disease, achieving Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition, and using an electronic health record to gather and report data (EHR Reporter award). LSCC will use funds received to continue improving their services building strong and healthy communities.
